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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  Good Van EX/L Nav Entr. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Gramps - August 12 - 12:53 pm

  Overall it is a nice car, with a lot going for it. The handling is very good, it has plenty of power, and one feels well protected. I enjoy driving it. The NAV system has some really good features, I particularly like being able to put in the destination (businesses only) as the telephone number, and the system looks up the address very quickly, assuming the business has not moved recently. The backup camera that comes with the system is also very usefull. The XM capable radio is also nice, and the 6 CD changer and rear DVD player and seperate audio via wireless headphones for rear passingers. Gas mileage is less than expected. Power sliding doors are nice too. Voice commands are good.

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  Pigtail connector - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sharon - August 12 - 8:02 am

  The Honda Accord was my dream car sense i was in high school over 20 years ago, and my husband was determine to find me my dream car, which he did 10 months before he took his journey to be with the Lord 1-2016. So i am determine to take care of my car because it was the very last gift that he purchased for me. however i have experience some car issues for the first time sense He purchased the car from Goodwin Honda now Freedom Honda in Sumter SC on 3-2015. The alternator went bad and burnt out the pigtail wiring harness which almost caught on firer. Now i have purchase the alternator however i am having the hardest time finding the pigtail wire connector. I am finding that no one has that part, not even the junkyard. I have been informed that i will have to buy the whole engine wiring harness. The pigtail wiring harness is not sold separately. My engine wiring harness was not damaged only the pigtail part but in order to get the part that i need i have to buy a part that i dont need which is what strange to me. For Honda to brand themselves on being the top of the line it should not be so difficult for owner to retrieve what they need in order for there cars to run properly. Buying parts that you dont need in order to get the part that you do need is a waste of money. I have never seen nothing like it. I was just wondering if someone else has experience the same problem as i have. Difficulty purchasing parts. Because i live in the south, the temperature stays in the 90s or above. With the leather interior the heat will cause it to thin and wrinkle. For Honda to be such a beautiful luxury car up there with the Lexus, the quality of the leather interior should be more suitable in strength as far as heat resistant. I love Hondas i do believe that these are the best made cars. If taken care of properly it will last for a long time. Good on gas, good on miles, beautiful luxury cars. However dont make it so difficult for owner when repairs need to be done. #STRESSFUL

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  Pigtail connector - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sharon - August 12 - 8:02 am

  The Honda Accord was my dream car sense i was in high school over 20 years ago, and my husband was determine to find me my dream car, which he did 10 months before he took his journey to be with the Lord 1-2016. So i am determine to take care of my car because it was the very last gift that he purchased for me. however i have experience some car issues for the first time sense He purchased the car from Goodwin Honda now Freedom Honda in Sumter SC on 3-2015. The alternator went bad and burnt out the pigtail wiring harness which almost caught on firer. Now i have purchase the alternator however i am having the hardest time finding the pigtail wire connector. I am finding that no one has that part, not even the junkyard. I have been informed that i will have to buy the whole engine wiring harness. The pigtail wiring harness is not sold separately. My engine wiring harness was not damaged only the pigtail part but in order to get the part that i need i have to buy a part that i dont need which is what strange to me. For Honda to brand themselves on being the top of the line it should not be so difficult for owner to retrieve what they need in order for there cars to run properly. Buying parts that you dont need in order to get the part that you do need is a waste of money. I have never seen nothing like it. I was just wondering if someone else has experience the same problem as i have. Difficulty purchasing parts. Because i live in the south, the temperature stays in the 90s or above. With the leather interior the heat will cause it to thin and wrinkle. For Honda to be such a beautiful luxury car up there with the Lexus, the quality of the leather interior should be more suitable in strength as far as heat resistant. I love Hondas i do believe that these are the best made cars. If taken care of properly it will last for a long time. Good on gas, good on miles, beautiful luxury cars. However dont make it so difficult for owner when repairs need to be done. #STRESSFUL

• 

  Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - August 12 - 7:10 am

  Just bought this SUV after comparing with the Escape which I like also, however decided on the CRV because of better resale and quality. Also liked the styling better thans the Toyota Rav. Really liked the Kia too but was leary of Kia s reputation.

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  What a feeling...usually. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jim - August 12 - 2:40 am

  My EX has been back to the dealership way too many times for hard starting and cold sputtering until warm-up. Honda says the hard start problem is a result of the emission system going through a "test cycle" periodically. I have a 2005 Lexus ES330 which hums along perfectly, without as much as a hiccup. Honda needs to eliminate this issue on their V6 engines.

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  Far Exceeded My Expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By AAM - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a dream vehicle for anyone wanting a minivan. We have 4 children ages 11 months - 8 yrs old, and have used it around town and on long roadtrips (just returned from a 4,000 mile trip last week). It is easy to handle and was designed nicely to handle children and cargo. After using for a year and a half I still feel that it was a very good investment. The only item we thought we would not like were the power side doors. However, it turns out that we like them very much.

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  Overall a Great Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark F - August 12 - 12:33 am

  This van is a pleasure to own. It drives very nicely. There is plenty of room and the fit and finish is top notch. The engine is very powerful and we have been averaging approx 20 mpg for the first two tanks with a mix of in town and hwy driving. Overall I have no complaints and would purchase an Odyssey again

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  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - August 11 - 11:36 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever had in my entire life! I traded in my 2003 Cadillac CTS for it because when I first saw this Civic I just had to have it! If you are going to buy a Civic it absolutely HAS to have the Navi. I will never buy a car without it! Also, it feels great to get 40 MPG when I was getting about 13 MPG in my Cadillac. I got the Civic because I am going away to college and I need a commuter car, its just more practical to have a car in Los Angeles that has good gas mileage and a Navi.

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  Ex 6 cyl - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mark - August 11 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned 5 Hondas since 1999. I typically trade every year but I decided to keep this one. I like the power of the 6 cyl engine and still average 30 mpg. The seats are very comfortable and the car has a quite ride.

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  Its just OK - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Will - August 11 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased the CR-V about a month ago and find it OK. It has horrible road noise and a very jumpy ride on rough roads. I do not like the shape of the rear side window. Gas mileage is only fair 21 around town. I traded in a 2005 Toyota Camry and in many ways liked the Camry better. The Bridgestone tires on this vehicle get a very poor rating. I am surprised that Honda would put these tires on this vehicle.