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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  So Much Fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matt - December 12 - 9:10 pm

  As a recent college grad, this was my first new car purchase. I spent months (literally) trying to find a something fun/practical/economical/sporty/stylish /etc. all wrapped into one. Before, I drove a 95 Mazda Millenia which was great. My first Honda experience has been amazing so far. I was warned the Si was a true sports car. This is not a lie. Gears 2 through 5 really have some power, especially in the higher RPMs (redlines at 8000). With a little time, the clutch is fairly user friendly. Navigation system is easy to use and the sound system is better than advertised (built in sub really kicks hard). I bought this car to have some fun and so far Honda has delivered.

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  First Honda Owned - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Newbie - December 12 - 12:30 pm

  This is our first Honda owned. We also test drove the new Camry but we would have had to buy the v6 due to the v4 lack of power and transmission responsiveness on the highway. We test drove both the v4 and v6 Accord and decided that the v4 had enough power for highway driving so it saved us some money up front and later on with gas mileage. The steering and handling of the car is amazing going around corners and parking. The exterior and interior design is very polished and sporty. The engine and transmission of the v4 is very smooth. So far its been a very fun car to drive!

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  Very good SUV with small but important flaws - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - December 12 - 12:02 pm

  I really wanted to buy this SUV, however Honda overlooked a few small but very important flaws it has. These small things were turned into actual deal breakers for me. Honda could fix these easily, and should, because I cant be the only one having these issues. 1) Dual Armrests. They are very skinny and too close to the seat for me. Im a bigger guy at 63 and my right arm naturally falls on the outside if this armrest. To even stick my elbow on it I have to push my elbow tight into my body. I can do without an armrest for a short journey but what about road trips? Why cant Honda just have a regular armrest like the Pilot used to have or what every other SUV has? This one small detail was the largest deal breaker for me. 2) Why cant Honda have a height adjustable front passenger seat? Even in a 40+ thousand dollar SUV its not offered? My wife is short at 51 and the seat is too low. On a long road trip it would make her car sick. What about children in the front seat? Honda cheaped out on this small detail. That was deal breaker #2. The others next are smaller flaws I could have looked past. 3) Why cant the rear tail gate open higher and be adjustable? In such a large SUV I shouldnt have to duck my head so I dont hit it. The tail gate doesnt go any higher up than my wifes small VW Tiguan does. 4) The drivers lumbar support is not very good. It did not do a good job of giving my lower back support. Other than those 4 simple things I couldnt find anything else I disliked about the Honda Pilot. Its really a shame I couldnt buy it and that the decision not to buy had to based on these simple flaws. These flaws Honda could easily fix for 2017, but I dont think they will. I guess I have to look into the Toyota Highlander next.

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  Nice van, fun to drive... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom - December 12 - 6:30 am

  We previously owned a Dodge Caravan and the Odyssey blows it away in every way. It handles extremely well and is a dream on long road trips. Honda engineering is second to none and they have certainly listened to minivan ownwers with kids by incorporationg second row seats that move apart or together, second row windows that can be lowered and of course the stowable 3rd row seats. Fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired, and the price is a bit steep -- but you do get what you pay for. Other than that, we have been pleased so far.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By FloridaCRV - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever. This car has a great fuel efficiency. It drives like a car but its an suv. Very spacious compared to the other mini suvs. This car is very roomy and the fold in of the back seats can be very helpful if you need extra space in the back for luggage or moving. We call my CRV the mule because it has carried everything. I know I will drive this car until it dies (which will be for a long time)

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

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  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

• 

  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

• 

  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<

• 

  Honda Thats SO Uncomfortable The Front Seats SUCK - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jimd2 - December 11 - 7:04 pm

  We are Selling a 58000 Mile Honda From my 89 year old Mother, She went to the store and back, I took This on a 6hr round trip and could not walk after the trip. The seats are the worst, I Hate the vehicle there is zero love !! We will take our 163000 mile 2004 Saab 9-3 the next time. The Honda is Junk. THE SEATS SUCK THAT BAD!!! I feel If I sell It the people buying it should have read the reviews, STAY AWAY from the CR-V!!! There are other problems but Honda is not as good as people think!!!! Its a crappy little car I dont like it at all, Good luck if your so foolish to buy it or Please read the reviews even the 2015 and 2016 Honda SUCK!!! >>PEOPLE GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED BEFORE YOU BLOW YOUR HEAD OFF!!<<