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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  Transfer case/rear differential problems - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By imslikk - January 28 - 2:00 am

  At 60,000 miles I am having to replace the transfer case and the rear differential. I am told that the bearings have worn out. The total cost of these repairs is over $3500. I am very dissapointed that the car would need such major work. American Honda has agreed to pay 75%, but it still means almost $700 out of my pocket, not to mention the headache.

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  Almost the best car in the world - 1999 Honda Accord
  By XEPCOH 1 - January 28 - 2:00 am

  Since i bought this car i drove from New York to Seattle to S.Francisco and all around America. I neeeeever had any problems with this car. One problem i had was Check engine, but car is still perfect. that is my 3d car and that is the best car i ever had.

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  Very happy - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By LG - January 28 - 12:43 am

  Loving my Pilot so far. Its spacious and comfortable but still easy to maneuver and fit into parking spaces and my garage. Love all the safety and other convenience features as well. Have also been pleasantly surprised by MPG considering I drive a combo of city and highway (with lots of traffic). I have no complaints yet!

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  Problems as soon as warranty expired ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Down w Honda - January 27 - 3:10 pm

  After doing my research I looked at several models of cars. Honda seemed to be the best rated. I needed a car I could trust to put a great amount of Highway miles on, since Im in sales. I explained this to the dealer when I purchased the car, they assured me this was the car for me. I started to experience brakes and rotor problems at 31,000 miles. I have had to replace the rotors and the pads. The car hit 60,200 miles and noises started to occur in the engine. I have since found out motor mounts need replaced and the warranty no longer good, Honda says itÂ’s not their problem. I end up paying the price for what I believe to be a Honda DEFECT,or is it just the way Honda builds their cars?

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  safety features are great - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - January 27 - 2:58 pm

  The forward collision warning is great. An oncoming car made a sudden left turn and before I had time to react the brake came on. It is comfortable and the driver side mirror has literally no blind spot. The lane departure warning is a nice feature. There are 2 types of cruise controls. I had a BMW X5 and I am really pleased and surprised with the great value features.

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  Honda Element: Utilitarian all the way! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Drew - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this care for about 7 months and am so happy. The car is very utilitarian, there has not been anything that I cannot fit in this car. The seats fold up to the sides, and even come out (very easily). I mtn. bike and can fit two full suspension bikes w/o taking the tires off and still have room for my gear. The car is very easy to clean and gets great gass mileage. Get this car, you will not regret it!

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  My new Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nano - January 27 - 12:40 am

  Well, I just purchased a new fit the day before yesterday, august 14th, and what can i say other than Im immensely impressed by Hondas attention to detail. I was looking at many other vehicles, ( mazda 3, yaris, versa, etc ), and ended up test driving the fit and falling in love. This is the most fun to drive car Ive ever had, and my past has had a 99 Celica, and a 91 mustang in it, both of which arent slouches in the fun department either. Its aggressively styled, and is miserly on fuel. The audio system is great with some adjustment, and the overall feel of the car is excellent. Good job Honda, youve outdone yourself with this little beauty of a daily driver. :)

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  Great car but falling behind in places - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Justin - January 26 - 6:37 pm

  This car is a rocket, it will run with new ecoboost Mustangs at the stoplight but you dont have to drive around in a car that screams "I peaked in high school" to get that much acceleration. It also seems to be very well built mostly, the ride is taught but not punishing and the engine is just a joy both in feel and sound. I got the automatic and I dont regret not getting the manual even though Honda manuals are very sweet, you pay a big penalty in mileage with the manual because it doesnt do cylinder deactivation. Handling is secure and it goes around corners quite well but you can feel all that weight up front and it never begs to be pushed really hard around corners, you can just sense that it will end in some pretty hefty understeer. Its more GT or business mans muscle than a sports car which suits me fine as I have more need to blow away mini vans at the stop light than canyons to carve on a daily basis. Having my kidneys turned into pudding on my commute is not my idea of fun the way it was when I was 19 so I appreciate the nice ride. People complain about the touch screen, and I agree that they need to be banished from cars because they are unsafe but in reality you will use the steering wheel controls for almost everything so it doesnt actually matter. The stereo itself is not half bad which is good since there is no optional branded upgrade package where they stencil Harmon Kardon or Pioneer on the dash and add $1500 to the price. It hooked up easily to my phone but I cant comment on Android Auto because my current phone isnt compatible. Where the infotainment drops the ball hard is with voice recognition. It works for your phonebook but not on music. We also own recent Ford and GM stuff and being able to call up specific songs like that is something I really will miss. Aside from the voice recognition being behind the times there are some noise issues that bother me. There is wind noise coming in from the drivers door and there are some buzzing noises that seem to be coming from the door trim or inside the door but I cant pin them down. They crop up on pavement that isnt smooth, it sets up some sort of vibration and the panel starts to buzz. Rattles, buzzing and wind noise are not what I expected in a new Accord, my 2015 Fusion is like a bank vault and its the cheap model. The sunroof however is about the quietest I have ever heard when its open in either mode, there isnt much noise penalty to having it open in vent mode at all. The interior is pretty well done, nothing feels really cheap but there is still a lot more hard plastic than on my Fusion or our Chevy, there is also a lot of piano black glossy finish hard plastic that experience has shown will get scuffed very quickly. The leather seating is quite nice if it fits you, it does me but I can tell it wont fit everyone. There are also water bottle holders molded into the door trim....that dont fit any bottle we own. The exterior is tasteful even with the new sportier touches, unless you get the red it wont attract any police attention. It would be nice if Honda would offer some fun colors though. Red, white, black, blue, grey and silver....thats it. The blue and red are just plain primary red and blue too, would it be too much to ask to get the purple from the CR-Z or the raspberry that was on CR-Vs a couple years ago? Overall I am pretty happy, the dealers are quite willing to just give Accord Coupes away without any hassle. So while it might look competitive in price to a bare bones ecoboost mustang on the sticker price of $31700 the reality is that you should be out the door on an EX-L V6 for WELL under $30k...including taxes and fees. Got mine for $27,028 before tax, that is a steal for this much car.

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  New may not be better - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rae - January 26 - 12:23 pm

  Interior seats should be wider. Judging front and back for parking is terrible. I always find I am either too close or too far away. My 1992 was terrific, unfortunately I sold it - still with no problems in 2003 with 198,200 miles. It was also great on gas. I dont get as good gas mileage as I expected.

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  Simply The Best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sgt. Rock - January 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 5th Honda I have owned and so far the experience has been great. I dont really know what to say other than Honda just knows how to build good cars. I might add that this car is quite zippy with the new VTEC engine.