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 Honda Classic Keeper - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By jleyton - August 3 - 8:35 am

  I purchased a 1997 in 2010 (I think) with 90k miles on it. yes, the previous owner had a couple of fender benders, probably drove it hard as the wheels were bent, etc., but overall, this baby still rides great. The service reps at the Honda dealer i go to are always complimenting the car... always. "Its clean man. It drives clean. Nice one!" Ive only had to do maintenance on the car. This Prelude Base is dang fun to drive. I have been wanting a RWD vehicle for years, still yet to have one, but this FWD Prelude is difficult to let go. Honda means reliability and good performance for your money. Its not the fastest, but the VTEC will give you tons of pleasure!

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  The BEST Car EVER MADE!!!! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By yummy_honie - August 3 - 8:21 am

  I bought my car back in January 2009 and it has been almost 3 years. Its a 1992 Honda Civic Hatchback and it has been my life saver. I named her Lil Magic because she never lets me down. Its so funny because for it to be such a old car, almost 20 yrs old, she still keeps up with the best of them effortlessly. We are often doing 90 on the highway and joke around with my bf and I tell him that the car actually prefers to go fast. Im not kidding she is FAST!!. I dd not do any modifications yet but I plan to in the future. I sometimes wish I had power lock doors and windows but the cars loyalty to me means much more. Ppl see me on the street and always wanna buy here. I love my car.

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  Never a regret! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By al_syracuse - August 2 - 4:45 pm

  Replaced a 2011 Escape (piece of junk) with this top of the line CR-V a month ago. I have never gretted that move. The Ford was a disaster, and I dumped it after only 9 months. The CR-V is a solid, well built, comfortable vehicle, and the gas mileage is great. The Escape got 18-22. The CR-V gets 26-31. When looking for a replacement for the Escape, I considered the RAV-4, the Subaru Outback, and the CR_V. I disqualified the Outback immediately because the seat was so uncomfortable for me. The RAV-4 had a good seat, but the build was less than stellar and it drove live a truck. The CR-V was the best built of the three, and drives like a dream. I love it.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By wvm1 - August 2 - 3:28 pm

  Bought a new Civic LX in 2008. Owned 2.5 years and put 28,000 miles on it. Found the position of the headrests too far forward, not allowing me to put my head in a comfortable driving position. The rear suspension chewed up the rear tires by 18,000 miles. At 20,000 miles the air intake meter abruptly died leaving my family and I stranded.The auto transmission from day one shifted roughly from 1st to 2nd gear. And the final straw was discovering 2006 through 2008 Civic engines have been cracking and losing cooling fluid, as early as 40,000 miles. Loved driving this sporty four door, but was unhappy with its unreliability.

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  Fantastic Sports Coupe - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By iceman721 - August 2 - 10:47 am

  This car is fun to drive. I have an HKS exhaust put on by the previous owner and an AEM Cold Air Intake. It produces a boomy, racy tone under full throttle but is reasonably quiet under moderate acceleration. Power is good in the upper RPM range. VTEC engages at around 5100 RPM and youll know it when it does. Car is comfortable and you wont be seen every time you turn your head. A decade into its life span the car still looks fresh. Handling is OUTSTANDING! Gas mileage on premium is 20 City & 25 Hwy. Ive seen as high as 26-27 driving conservatively on the highway. 5 speed is crisp and fun to drive.

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  its okay, not my other hondas - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josentoski82 - August 2 - 8:35 am

  I have had my 01 for two years now, i bought it from a friend who was the original owner. It gets great gas mileage and i have put 50k on it in 2 years. seats are comfy, had the same air damn issues. and the struts are horrible. original owner had the tranny rebuilt at 130k to the tune of 2000 bucks. so you would think good to go. nope just turned 201k and the tranny is out AGAIN. Not on par with my 98 accord that had 235k original engine and transmission or my beloved crx. It has never left us stranded but i can tell that there is alot of common issues people are having. i was going to buy another civic but i am now thinking twice. spending $2100 in 2 years on issues not a great deal to me!

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  A nicely appointed & very practical SUV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By vdp - August 1 - 3:49 pm

  After searching for a compact SUV that would fit our needs as a young family (namely, plenty of rear seating and cargo space), we eventually settled for the CR-V. Despite being one of the older models in the market, its specs are still tough to beat. Slicker models such as the Tucson, Tiguan simply offer too little cargo space. Rear visibility is also not as good. The CR-Vs interior also looks upscale, unlike the RAV4. My complaints so far include lack of storage space in the front, weak acceleration, and lackluster fuel economy (I have been averaging about 21mpg). The navigation maps also look dated (reminds me of Windows 3.1 from the early 90s), and dont pronounce street names.

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  Starting problem - 2002 Honda Passport
  By bsox - August 1 - 12:50 am

  I have had my passport for 6 yrs. I love it. I have had no problems except for now. I have 92,000 mi. on it & ow there is a starting problem. The car starts then imediatley stalls, the 2nd. time I start it , it starts right up. No mechanic can figure it out & no ingine lite is on. I was told it could be an ignition switch or a fuel pump relay. Has anyone had this problem? It doesnt matter if it is cold or hot . I still get 18 to 21 mpg.

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  The rattles are enough to drive you crazy! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dneslen - July 31 - 5:38 pm

  I bought this car because Honda has such a good reputation. I was not impressed! The car had a terrible rattle where the rear window meets the back cheap plastic. I had to diagnose and fix the problem on my own, but never got the rattle to completely stop. The glove box also rattled. It drove me crazy. I would drive with the glove box open so that I did not have to hear the rattle. The interior is cheap- a lot of plastic. The dash is ugly, nothing to be desired. On the upside, I love the exterior look. However, I just sold this vehicle after owning it for only 5 months. I was so happy to get rid of it! I am now going to go with German engineering:) Oh, and the seats are very uncomfortable

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  The Good Ratings Are Deceiving - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hope043 - July 30 - 1:46 pm

  I dont understand how the star rating is so high for reviews that are quite negative. READ THE REVIEWS. Weve had this vehicle almost a year and regret it. Believe what the others have said about the drivers seat and headrest being uncomfortable! You dont really notice it from just taking it out for a test drive. Poor inside storage design - the double glove box and under seat storage is nice, but the other cubby holes are practically useless. And its crazy to put cup holders in the door - your drink spills when shutting the door. The gas mileage is also quite disappointing. Wish we never traded in our 2005 Toyota Matrix.