Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Love My Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alice - May 15 - 6:03 am

  I love almost everything about my Van. I wish the driving lights button could stay on without beeping when I open the door. My Husband thinks the seats are not very comfortable for long trips. I thought It was extremely comfortable.

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  Wonderful CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jlind2136@aol.com - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second CRV. I liked the first one so well I bought another one. My sister and I both bought a red one in 1998 and the Mojavi Mist in 2002. It is so dependable, and the dealership is great when we take it in for service. I had a 1986 and 1992 Honda Accord before I got the CRV. When I get another car, it will most likely be a CRV. "If it aint broke, dont fix it." Cant say enough about it.

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  Almost Perfect! Only a few tweeks needed! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By JPoocha - May 14 - 9:45 pm

  I have an Odyssey Touring Elite! The likes: 1. Incredible hauling capacity for 8 passengers and the accompanying luggage. 2. The third row is very comfortable in comparison to the competition. 3. The standard HID headlights and safety features on the Elite model are life savers and should be standard on all models in my opinion. 4. The front warning collision system is incredible fast to alert drivers of a possible collision. 5. Very low maintenance costs. 6. Incredible sound on the optional audio system standard on the Elite. My Odyssey now has almost 60K on it in just 1.5 years of ownership. The Odyssey is excellent in so many categories I am able to overlook the following issues: 1. The front passenger seat is only a 4 way power. Honda should make this at least an 8 way power on its upper trim models like some other minivan manufacturers. 2. The front and middle row seats need extra cushion! I use this vehicles for long family trips so I extra padding could make the trip much more enjoyable. 3. The radio interface is just clunky and horrible. The entire system should be redesigned to make tuning and adjusting settings much easier. 4. Honda skipped adding armrests to both sides of the middle captains seats! The only workaround is to place the optional sliding middle seat in the second row down to utilize it as an armrest and for its cup holders. Just odd and it screams bean counter at Honda. On an Elite trim level armrests should not be omitted. Despite these problems, I love the Odyssey. I hope Honda addresses these problems on the new 2017 model so I am not forced to go with another brand offering all of these features it desperately needs to stay competitive.

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  Japanese Mini Cooper - 2007 Honda Fit
  By John - May 14 - 6:13 pm

  Having owned an impressive list of performance cars I was not expecting much from the Fit in terms of performance but I was badly mistaken. This car is a blast. With a few aftermarket upgrades I made(suspension springs and lighter wheels) this car handles as well if not better than a Mini. The lack of horsepower is just not missed when you have such a wonderful chassis to play with. Gas mileage has been 38mpg on average. Build quality is excellent. Paint is good. No rattles to be heard. If you are a car enthusiast forced to "downgrade" for a while, this car is no downgrade!

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  Very nice and smart little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Vlad - May 14 - 10:20 am

  Purchased EX sedan w/AT 3 weeks ago, been driving approximately 550 miles. Overall, it is a very nice little car - not sure if anything else in this class even comes close (maybe Mazda3 does, but no one else - period.) Love the dashboard and cool interior design, so far my mileage seems to be around 24-25 mpg, but it is mostly driven in the city - cant wait to take it for a long highway run! Exterior design is great, but could use about 1 inch of extra ground clearance. Good stability on dry roads, but would love to see stability control for snow driving.

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  Its a great car, a quality car.. - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tommy Gunn Minutolo - May 14 - 5:16 am

  So far everything is great w the car except one thing. For me its the way the phone is integrated in w the car. If listening to a music or satellite radio app on the phone and someone texts in, itll drop what youre listening to and start speaking through the cars speakers what the text says. Other than that, I love the car. Coming from a Hyundai Elantra that was honestly scary to drive in snowy conditions, the CR-V handles fantastic and I get peace of mind especially w my kids in the car.

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  Major Disappointment - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Major Disappointment - May 14 - 4:23 am

  This is my third Accord and will be the last. The car is big and ponderous. It does not track straight. Constantly steering corrections to the right or left to keep the car go straight. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable. The head rest tills forward which pushes the drivers head forward at a very uncomfortable position. The seat is too deep that the edge cuts into the drivers calves. The arm rest on the door is too far away to rest your arm. Build quality is lacking. The car is under powered.

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  First Honda... Love it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Susan Harper - May 14 - 2:37 am

  Went to Brannon Honda which is near my home. They are great. Great staff; very helpful.

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  225000 miles and still running strong. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By msyalor - May 14 - 2:00 am

  What more can I say. Minimal maintentance, and when you do it can be expensive for parts. Starting to burn a little oil, but original engine, never touched. Replaced starter and radiator, and the basics. No major problems. Still gets good gas mileage. Engine is very strong for a car this old with this many miles. Rides better than my 2001 Civic.

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  Decent car with some reliability problem - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Tushar - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this new in April 1995 and put 95k miles since then. Biggest complaint is the ABS unit broke twice after 3 year warranty expired. Cost me $800 each time for after market part. Recently the oil leaked completely so had to do a major servicing and since then the original smoothness and quietness is lost. Lot of engine vibrations in first 2 gears. Better after 30mph. Maybe mine was one of the bad apples. A/C worked fine for first 3 years but now it seems to have gotten weak. Dealer says cant do much about it. Overall not very happy with the car. Prefer Toyota and have bought a Sienna Van recenlty.