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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  very satisifed with 07 Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jeffrey M. Sebastian - December 17 - 10:40 pm

  Accelerates powerful and smooth.The five speed auto shifts aggressively, and handling is second to none.Very quiet and no rattles going over bumps.Ive had mine up to 105 m.p.h. on the expressway and no vibration or excessive noise in the interior, just the sound of the 3.0L V-6 purring along at 3000 r.p.m.. Exterior styling is attractive,dual exhaust, body panels,rear digital tail lights and so on, all designed very well.Interior is nicely laid out. Speedo and guages as well as stereo and climate controls are all easy to reach and read. One exception is on the passenger side of the dashboard, I can see the cutout where air bag would deploy.This is my first Japanese car,and so far so good.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mmhdbeckley4 - December 17 - 8:46 pm

  We bought the Honda Odyssey in May 2006, and I actually wonder now why we waited so long! I LOVE it, its fun to drive, very comfortable and even my husband who swore he would never drive a mini van loves to drive it! Its perfect for our family, it holds us our kids and our dogs comfortably on our trips. It also has lots of fun features, the kids love the DVD player, and I love the NAV system, its nice to know I will never get lost again! I would definitely recommend the Odyssey to anyone in the market for a mini van.

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  Super Odyssey Van.....Funmobile, PLUS - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Super Odyssey - December 17 - 7:10 pm

  This van is the best I have ever had, or driven in!!! Handles bumps with ease with a smooth ride. Excellent performance, fun ride, awesome features. The seats are comfortable like sitting in a lounge chair. The interior appearance is luxurious and practical. I like all the extra features. The dealership was helpful and made you feel right at home.

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  67,000 Miles and Still Going Strong - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Cameron Heimleton - December 17 - 12:42 pm

  We purchased this van in October 2010 before we had our first child. We traded in a 2002 accord on it for more practicality and it has been great for the past 63/4 years! Comfortable, Reliable (Except for the water pump at 52k) , Practical, and relatively fuel efficient for its large size. We now have 3 children and plan to keep this till winter and then try to upgrade to a 2018. I would recommend this to anybody in the market for a used minivan.

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  2007 Si. My best purchase - 2007 Honda Civic
  By slime84070 - December 17 - 3:20 am

  I was looking for a car and happened to find the si. I have driven the older models and loved them, when I first got in the drivers seat of this car I felt like I was in a Jet ready to take off. I love the feel of the car. It sounds great, has great turning and can get up and go. You get a lot of looks in this car. This car is pretty fast if you need it to. The 8200 redline is a feature I really enjoy. When in 2nd gear and you hit the 6000 rpm the Vtec kicks in, and puts you into your seat. I cant help myself but smile every time. This Si is truly one awesome care and a GREAT purchase. I love the in car features as well. makes driving fun and comfortable.

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  Great tow vehicle... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Blanchard - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We are full time RVers and tow this CRV and have since it was brand new, we probally have 25,000 miles of towing on it. It is a perfect car for this purpose, roomy enough for 4 adults, easy to tow 4 wheels down with no added mileage showing on vehicle. Only complaints it could be a little more peppy and Honda should re-think the transmission shift or what they call (grade logic). It causes the car to stay in lower gear when under a pull. This is good for mountains or bad weather but causes ecxcessive speed of motor sometimes. They should put a switch to change this like they did for Overdrive.

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  Honda rocks - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By corky - December 16 - 10:50 pm

  Nice machine, very smooth ride

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  Best Car I ever owned - 1990 Honda Accord
  By ookman - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 14 years - still drives and feels like new. Its never let me down. Starts easily in the coldest weather (-30C).

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  Engine is sounds like a mixer - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jack Dunkle - December 15 - 9:11 pm

  Drive the turbo for a little longer than normal. It is very very load on acceleration, and during normal driving.

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  I absolutely love my 2013 Accord Sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By 4lc4pon3 - December 15 - 3:36 pm

  I traded in my 2009 Honda Civic LX because honestly it was a pile of crap and purchased a 2013 Honda Accord Sport (CVT with paddles) and never looked back The car is super quiet on the road, I have zero wind noise or road noise, The interior is fantastic and I love the leather additions, Seats are super comfy (I cant actually fall asleep sitting in them), Love the 18s, Car came with Primacy MXM4 tires and the ride is smooth and quiet, Transmission shifts perfectly and smooth I have NO complaints about my car at all. Everything is perfect