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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  First "New" Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Moran - March 8 - 1:52 pm

  Overall experience has been great. I use my truck as my daily driver throughout Minnesota winters and most of the summer. Handling and ride are excellent for a truck, my previous truck was a GMC Sierra and the Honda is better in pretty much every respect other than raw power and towing capacity. Interior design is highly functional but a little drab and goofy in some respects such as the cartoon large interior door pulls. I have towed a race car on a open trailer (near 5000 lbs. total) hundred of miles with no problems and the truck has plenty of pulling power and stability as a tow vehicle. The bed is pure genius not only for the truck but also for the full 48" width.

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  Like a car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ki - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Powerful drive train and great responsiveness. Quick and very easy to drive around but ride is not comfortable due to sensitive steering wheel.

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  Dependable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Sr. - March 4 - 6:19 pm

  We love our Ridgeline except suggested improvements see below). Have over 50K and still runs quiet like new. We pull a boat about 4,000 lbs and it is fine but not real good mileage. It has no rattles inside is quiet and my dog and kids cant hurt the interior.

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  Average - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JTLS - March 4 - 11:08 am

  Bought after totaling 02 Grand Caravan. Has awesome power, looks great. Climate control poor, only can control temp of rear cabin and not fan speed or mode from the front. Interior is extremely uncomfortable and hard. Dome lights will not go off automatically (What?). I drive mostly highway @ 80MPH and get about 18MPG. Caravan was 22MPG. Kinda confusing about maint schedule. There is no set time, you have to rely on the comp to tell you when to take it in. Might be 7500 miles or 3000. Stereo controls are too far away from driver to be comfortable. Hopefully the reliability and longevity will compensate for the shortfalls. Wish I had my Dodge back but playing the cards Im dealt.

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  Love my Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Stikman - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Excellent driver, loves to be driven at the limit and handles well. Not a long- drive car (a little noisy, needs better insulation). Absolutely trouble-free!

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  Solid vehicle - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BradB - March 3 - 9:02 pm

  I bought my Accord new and am still enjoying it. The car has aged gracefully and still looks great with zero mechanical problems. Powerwise, the 240 hp V6 is smooth and strong. Fuel economy is a little disappointing at 19 mpg city, but at least it uses regular. I like the ride just fine, but the handling is a little tepid. I think the biggest problem is the terrible stock tires that are hard as a rock and downright dangerous in the rain. The seats are not the greatest, but not terrible interior materials are first rate. The 5 spd automatic is superb-- best I have driven. Resale value is phenomenal.

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  Redheaded Stepchild - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Paul Beetz - March 3 - 8:43 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Honda Accord in Omaha NE. Gave it to my daughter for her birthday and She took it to college in San Antonio. The seat will not lock in 2 oclock position well and sometimes just drops back while driving; and the brakes squeal, all before 2,000 miles. She took to Gunn Honda in San Antonio and they said the brake noise was from vibration (duh) and wouldnt fix it. The seat wouldnt misbehave at that time. I dont blame the original dealer. Honda Customer Service was not helpful and tried to tell me the seat dropping back was a feature. My initial impression is that the car is of poor quality and that Honda will not fix it. All this in under 2,000 miles.

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  Give Me A Brake - 2004 Honda Accord
  By frogman - March 3 - 6:30 pm

  Loved the car until they told me my driving habits attributed to the rear brake pads needing replacing after 15k. Additionally, front rotors turned due to pulsation. Ive had several cars that I drive the same, so why are my habits or city driving an issue when it comes to replacing pads already. I think thats a product fault or defect. My odyssey or corolla didnt suffer from my bad driving.

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  Transmissions!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Dick - March 3 - 8:54 am

  I was first caught in the Canada vs. US fight, but finally resolved through Tokyo to correct first transmission failure at 78K mile. Second transmission has now failed after 70K miles and every dealer and transmission shop is familiar with the problem. Honda US will not help because of the gray market status! What a joke. All 2000 Odysseys were built in Canada and I do not believe built in Canada with US use is why the transmissions fail. US Customer Service is useless. Im going to try Tokyo again.

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  Still Kicking after 175,000 Miles! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By leesuh - March 2 - 8:13 am

  My Honda has been reliable since day 1. Starts every time. Great AWD performance. Very comfy, lower to ground for short people like me. Keep w maintenance schedule and you should have no problems. I have some underbelly rust on exhaust system after 10 years, but I live ON the L.I. Sound, literally. Salt water daily on or near car. Cant be helped. Car is old but excellent performance still. Radiator went at 170K.