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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  Better than my RAV-4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By isitfriday - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I had leased Toyota Rav-4s prior to this lease. We wanted more leg room, and more cargo room but we were not yet ready to make the leap to a larger SUV (mostly due to the extra costs). The CRV is great, tons of leg room for the back seat people, and more cargo room in the back. Still need to take a tire off of one of our mountain bikes to get it in the back, but oh well. Drives well, much less road noise than the Rav- 4 had, but still not silent like a Lexus... Gas milage is okay, but not great, but it has 4 wheel drive, so that must be the reason. All in all, i am very pleased with the Honda CRV, this is my first Honda and I am very impressed.

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  Hondas Forever - 1999 Honda Accord
  By DR - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle when it was 2 years old, with 30,000 miles on it. Right now, we have 60+k miles on it and not a single problem with it. I begin to wonder if the extended warranty (7yr/100kmiles) was a waste of money? We had German cars but this one is by far more luxurious for the price. Also I feel safer driving Honda than VW or BMW.

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  No other minivan compares - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 4Hondas - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned honda vehicles since my first one in 1985. They are without a doubt the most reliable vehicle you can buy. Our new Odyssey is no exception. I noted that there are many negative reviews in here. All I can say is that they must be using it for off road purposes! My wife, kids and I couldnt be happier after dumping our Dodge Grand Caravan that had MANY problems, including a transmission that needed to be replaced. The Odyssey is one of the tops for reliabilty and worksmanship. Our Grand Caravan was terrible and all of our friends and aquaintences said the same about their american vans.

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  This van rocks! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By thockman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is everything my family wants in a minivan. Alright, so its no sports car, but with the V6, 240 horsepower engine, it has power to spare when getting on the highway. The cabin is voluminous, so the kids hang out far in the back. The power outlet makes for easy TV/DVD hookup without buying the overpriced iVES. Highly recommended.

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  Honda Odyssey "Outstanding" - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe G - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, reliable and quite, plus a powerful engine. Cant get any finer mini van

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  Pauls 2001 Civic LX Review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Paul Boggs - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great fun car that handles well, comfortable, and extremely reliable. Performance: This car can get up and go. It is hard to believe it only has four cylinders. At 100mph it handled smooth and firm plus there was more left for acceleration. Handling: For normal, moderate, driving it easily handles everything thrown at it including rain, ice or snow. Handles cornering well although it does not “feel” like it should. Gas: The gas mileage is good especially for the power this car has. My avg. is 33mpg with 70% highway and 30% city, at a cruising speed of 75mph. The car is comfortable to drive and ride in.

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  Very good car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By CamryFan2 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a terrific car! It replaces my 91 Mazda (307,000+ miles) and is definitely a great bargain. Seats are very comfortable in the front, much like my 2000 Camry LE V-6, and the controls are very well laid out. Even with the 4-banger, this car has solid performance, and oil analysis on both engine and transmission indicate excellent reliability. I also appreciate the relatively easy access to all routine maintenance items. The only drawback is a poorly designed back seat. The seat cushion does not provide adequate thight support for a person of average height, and the rear seat headrests, just two small bumps, are almost worthless.

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  Quality seems worse than the past - 2010 Honda Accord
  By NMT - May 6 - 10:33 pm

  I owned a 1999 Accord LX for 12 years and I like it since it is a very solid car and not much trouble. When it was time to buy a new one, I decided to stick with Accord and I thought it should be a slight upgrade to buy LX-P but I just feel bit disappointed since the engine pick up, gas mileage, interior material quality are worse than the past. The engine is little noise than my old one. However, the car handling is still pretty good. I like the new look and the price. I almost paid the same price what I paid 12 years ago if I stick with the LX basic model. If you consider inflation, it is over 30% cheaper. I think you get what you pay for.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Smitty195 - May 6 - 9:16 pm

  Very nice car to own. Navigation system is very clear and easy to use and personalize with your own choice of colors, voice (male/female), etc. Rides great, powerful engine, and seems to be a very solid and well built vehicle. My only two gripes are fairly minor ones. 1) After parking and turning off the ignition, you cant open the door unless the door is unlocked first. Ive never been in a car where you cant just open the door from the inside regardless of whether or not the door is locked or unlocked. Fairly annoying to always try to open the door, then realize its locked, flip the lock open, then go back to open it again. 2) Stereo sound quality could be much better.

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  New exl-v6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By tcad - May 6 - 11:36 am

  Just got my new Accord EX-l V-6 and love it. Cannot detect any VCM operation which others have reported.