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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  Cant get mileage up! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kreislt - December 15 - 2:53 am

  We drive half highway half in-town for a 10 mile commute and longer distance trips on the weekend. Over 20K miles and only getting 38 mpg with not much variation highway vs. city despite making sure tires well inflated. Cloth interior started wearing down six months into owning; get the leather now that its an option! GPS is only good for providing map of where you are en route but points of interest are impossible to navigate and she takes you on crazy trips sometimes (wasnt this way with older Honda GPS in accord). beautiful dash design and fun to drive. why are we getting such poor gas mileage?

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  Nice cross-over vehicle. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CP - December 14 - 5:53 am

  Have only had a little while but we really like the 2007 model. We compared it to the Toyota RAV4, which is more similar to the older CV-V, and felt this is a much improved design in many different ways. Appears beautifully put together, with lots of little innovations that really show that they pay attention to detail. I like the gear stick on the dash - keeps the area between the seats clear. No obvious tire noise (as commented on by reviews of previous models). Seems to have plenty of pep on the highway, even when towing a light trailer.

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  Nearly perfect vehicle - 1996 Honda Accord
  By KC Doug - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wagon with 93,000 miles on it and have since put on another 35,000. Have had no problems, and it continues to be a dependable, versital, fun to drive vehicle. I have used it as a truck, kid bus, business car, and errand car, and it has taken everything I have thrown at it. Good mileage, good performance, solid structure (still no rattles!) and fun to drive. Hard to beat!

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  2000 Honda Road Trip - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By AWagner12 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was a great choice for my family. It rides like a car, yet looks nothing like one. It fells rock solid while driving. It feels on a par with many SUVs on the road. Gas mileage is not great, but its not a pig either. The only problem I encountered was with the door seals on the sliding doors. The R/S door sometimes sticks so bad it feels like you may break the door handle both in/out if you force it. The dealer says silicone spray is the best way to fix the problem. I had a pollution control go bad after the 36,000 mile warranty...but it was covered by law. Due to the safety rating I will most likely buy another new next year.

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  V6 Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jhagler - December 14 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Accord in 3 years and not my last. Its the best mix of sports car, economy car, and luxury car. Car is a little costly, but fun to drive. V6 has great response. very fast. great sound system ... love it

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  Rock-Solid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By W Robinson - December 13 - 10:23 pm

  First-time Honda owner. Have had it about a month now and am very pleased. Absolutely no squeaks or rattles and no evidence whatsoever of poor quality. Everything is obviously well built. The 5- speed manual is fun to drive. Very comfortable seats (leather has lumbar support -- a big plus). Great gas mileage as well (averaging 30 MPG even with a lot of city driving).

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  A jack of all trades pure driving pleasure - 2016 Honda Accord
  By 1st time honda owner - December 13 - 7:43 pm

  Let me start by addressing the minor complaints Ive read that could make you second guess what is otherwise the best car Ive ever had the pleasure to own and drive. First everyone needs to stop whining about the loss of the volume knob. The touch screen control only takes a few days to get used to and is now second nature. Next are so called noise complaints while I will admit heavy rains do produce a tapping near the B pillar its easily ignored and minor. Ive had a Toyota Camry, Jeep Cherokee, VW Jetta, and Jeep Wrangler whose roofs sounded like they were corrugated tin. Road and wind noise? They are a none issue I quote Car and Driver magazine "At 70 mph we recorded a decibel rating of 66, the same as a Mercedes S class we tested." Now onto the review if you are looking to enjoy the act of driving not just getting from A to B this is the car for you. If your looking to do it in comfort on a seat that feels like the leather chair in your living room in the perfect position relative to the controls and excellent view all around buy/lease this car. Matched to a buttoned down suspension, perfectly weighted steering wheel that at least gives some feed back compared to the numb detached steering in my last few sedans get the accord (Im looking at you Kia Optima and Chevy Malibu.) Finishing up with the smoothest quick shifting automatic Ive ever driven that shames these crap CVTs get to the dealership. Lastly its a rocket putting your foot in it brings a linear rush of power that will leave most cars in your rearview. VTEC is awesome in the upper RPM range adding extra noticeable pull. Take a test drive you wont regret it. If mpg is your thing driving steady not slow had netted me an average of 28 city 31 to 34 highway not bad for this well engineered n/a V6.

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  The Odyssey is good but needs improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fred Hahn - December 13 - 3:40 pm

  Good car. Better than our Buick Rendevous. Smooth ride, good power, good pick up and steering. Feels secure and sure-footed. Snow driving was fair -- not nearly as good as the Rendevous. Why dont they make an AWD model? Wake up Honda! NEEDS telescoping steering wheel (This is supposed to be a touring model right?)You just cant get extremely comfortable. There is no mute button for the radio to be found! We got kids! ARGH! DVD system is nice. There is no random CD setting on the sound system (painful), again, this is a touring model! Arm rests are too small, not built for Americans. But the American vans were bad too! No coin separator holder! When rear seats are down there is 0 rear storage

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  Radio/CD Panel - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CA Civic - December 13 - 2:50 pm

  Traded in my 98 Camry for a 07 Civic for better gas mileage. So far I love my Civic and its fun to drive, especially past gas stations. Only concern I have is that lately the radio/CD panel tends to get hot to the touch, including the buttons to switch stations. When I pull out the CD, the CD is also hot. Not sure where heat transfer is coming from. Also have a rattle on right door panel that I cant seem to locate; sounds like a piece of plastic vibrating. Other than that I love driving the Civic and actually enjoy road trips.

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  Broken Climate Control at the 10th day - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dc - December 13 - 10:40 am

  I bought a new 08 Accord LX-P on 10/20/2007. Ive been buying Toyota for the last 20 years and was excited about switching to Honda. Weather turned cold this week, so I turned on the heater in the car Monday morning. The heater shut itself off after running for a minute. It stayed shut off for about 20 minutes and came up running again on Monday morning. Tuesday morning there was no heat and the fan was not running for the entire day morning. When I took the car to the dealer for service, the heater worked again. It seems like the heater and fan only work when the outdoor temperature is warn. I will not buy a 1st model year car again.