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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  A Modern MG-B - 2002 Honda S2000
  By KAD - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I drove MGs and Triumphs for over 15 years. This S2000 is basically a modern MG-B/Midget (psychologically) with an oversized engine, leather, air conditioning, and vastly improved handling. Oh, by the way it also is ultra-dependable. The British automobile industry would still be in business if they had manufactured anything close to the S2000 (and they fired Lucas, the Prince of Darkness). A lovely car, a joy to drive. A bit tight, badly placed interior storage, acceptable low-end torque, and a horror in the snow. Easily a 9 on a scale of 10 (Ive never driven a 10).

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  hottest car ever - 2007 Honda Civic
  By damasta - April 3 - 11:10 pm

  wow this civic is really nice. i bought the ex, and i added the honda factory body kit, the rear spoiler, and the hfp 18 inch rims, with high performance tires, this car looks really hot and sporty. people stare, and give me compliments all the time. i love the interior, and the dash, it all looks really sporty, and the 6 speaker stereo sounds great. i thought the engine would be slow, but its not, its really peppy, and i like the sound it makes when u stab the gas. it also handles really good, and i get about 27 mpg driving on the highways at about 110 mph.-- i love this car!!!!

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  The technology is beyond brutal - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Fredrick Reiner - April 3 - 10:12 am

  I have no idea what happened but the 2016 Honda Pilot elite we bought has the worst touchscreen user interface on planet earth. Its cumbersome, really slow, glitchy and lacking basic features. You have to over-interact with it to get simple stuff accomplished, distracting you from driving therefore creating an unsafe driving experience. The map is correct 50% of the time when giving directions en-route. Also, you cant control the rear entertainment system (dvd) from the front seat, seriously!? You have to pull over, get out and go around to the back to control it. The lane assist is highly unreliable and the Ventilated seats dont work well. All the above has led us to decide we actually are going to have to sell a brand new car we bought 2 weeks ago as we cant live with these issues for another week, let alone years to come. This will be our first and last Honda. Just read all the other reviews of people complaining of the same issues, just brutal.

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  1996 Honda Civic LX - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JWS - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have just gotten my license in the last year and for my first car i bought my Honda Civic. So far ive had to replace an Oxygen sensor which set me back a couple hundred bucks. The power under the hood could be more but it does its job. Other than that i have no complaints. The car runs great and is really fun to drive. I would recomend a Honda to anyone who wants an affordable reliable car........

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  Hondas minivan is wonderful - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kat - April 2 - 1:53 pm

  I absolutely love my Honda Odyssey. It is so incredibly comfortable and our children cannot wait to go somewhere in it. The DVD is one of the features that my family truly enjoys. The power doors are great. When my hands are full, all I have to do is push a button and the doors open by themselves. I cannot say enough about the Honda Odyssey. The comfort, the space and the reliability of this van is superb. I would reccomend this auto to anyone searching for a minivan for their family. I cannot say it enough, we are truly satisfied with the choice that we made to purchase a Honda Odyssey.

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  Woo-hoo! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Kirsten319 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the CRV (used) with 83K miles and I love it! Nice, roomy interior, adjustable _everything_, and handles magnificently. I was worried about the change in handling from my 90 Corolla to the CRV, but I think the CRV handles as well as, if not better than, the Corolla. This baby really does drive like a car than an SUV.Im looking foward to some long distance driving (more than my commute to work) so I can see how it handles on the open road.

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  The Way Car Driving Should Be - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kkal - April 1 - 10:20 pm

  You will read many reviews on how the 2012 lacks when compared to the 2013 and newer models. For instance, Bluetooth is not standard on the LX model, and the back-up camera became standard on all 2013 and newer models. With that being said, I was able to use this information to my advantage and bought the 2012 LX model at a very nice discount! I spent $50 and bought a good quality Bluetooth headset, thus saving quite a bit from having to either get an EX or higher model or buying a 2013 and newer model. Regarding a back-up camera, there are kits available that will actually connect with the I-MED screen on the Civic and the cost is fairly inexpensive. Basically, you can purchase a 2012 model using these key points at a huge discount and just pay a little bit more out of pocket to incorporate Bluetooth and a back-up camera! What I love about this Civic is how simple, yet refined it really is. I feel like cars nowadays are driven more by computers than the actual driver! I really like how I feel so much more in control of driving, yet at the same time, I have those basic electronic features that keep me safe (ABS, Traction Control, Many Airbags, etc.). The Civic is also surprisingly very smooth even at high speeds. The stock tires are great for gas mileage, but only so-so with wet/winter roads, so definitely look into some better quality tires (make sure they are low-rolling resistance to maintain high MPG!). The backseats surprisingly have a decent amount of legroom, though it would have been nice if the Civic had cup holders integrated in the side door pockets like other vehicles (however, you can fit small plastic bottles on the side). The trunk size is decent for a compact car and I have been able to fit 3 medium-large sized suitcases for the airport just fine. Really, all this vehicle should ever need are fluids, tires, brakes, and other basic maintenance, and it should last forever (I change my transmission fluid every 30K, Synthetic Oil every 5K, and other fluids every 60K or as recommended). After driving this car for 1 year/17,000 miles, I would give this car a 4.5/5, showing that although there are a few minor imperfections, remember, this is a Civic, and this car will get you from any Point A to Point B! Simplicity, with a few nice toys, at its finest!!!

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  Excellent Design and Built II - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AL - April 1 - 8:56 pm

  Hi, its been 1 month since I submit my first review. I put 1600 miles on it. Its very smooth and youd be more than happy with its power as long as you are not a racing car driver. Still in break-in, its highway mileage already hit what is listed. I got 46 this afternoon! (of course, air-con was off, and I used N for a couple of times:-) I love the ease to pull it out from parking lots because it doesnt have a sedan trunk! The ride is quiet but is not as comfortable as a mid-size sedan. You shall avoid Fit if you require a soft, comfortable ride.

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  Mr. Dependable - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mr. Dependable - April 1 - 10:00 am

  What can you say that has not already been said by Honda. This is my first Honda after owning three Nissans and I will never own anything other than a Honda. Excellent fuel economy 42 mpg on hwy and 37 mpg city. I have owned this car for 4.5 yrs. and done nothing other than routine maintenance and oil changes every 3K miles. This is a fun car to drive.

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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By KitKat - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is a good reliable car to drive just about anywhere!