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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  Honda review - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Thomas73 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  By far, this has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased. Fuel economy is great, highway comfort is excellent (I travel quite often), and interior features/amenities are in "the right place...at 117,000 miles, no squeaks or rattles and the engine is still just as smooth and peppy as the day it was purchased, I would definitely recommend a Honda product to my friends. Simple routine maintenance is all any car requires, but this is my 6th car and it is the easiest to maintain, virtually worry-free.

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  Loved Ridgeline until fire - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kim - December 20 - 11:32 pm

  We loved our Honda Ridgeline. Great truck, my husband used it for his work as a construction supply company owner. He frequently hauled building materials with this truck. He also drove it long distances without a single problem. Everything was great about this truck, until it caught on fire today, and is now sitting in the towing companys lot, waiting to see what can be salvaged. Ive been a loyal Honda/Acura owner for years, we also own a Civic and an Acura MDX, but we will not be replacing this Ridgeline with another Honda.

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  Love the Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By B Bryant - December 20 - 9:23 pm

  I have had many new cars over the years, most were GM & Ford but this Honda has to be at the top in most all aspects. Its fun to drive and is fast for a 4 cyl. & delivers good mileage. I drive fast 70 to 80 most of the road miles & the little Honda gives me high 30s and once in a while will squeak 40 MPG. This is our first Honda and it will not be my last. In short its my best auto purchase in 50 years (trade at least one vehicle a year)... so you can see I think a lot of this car & the company stands behind them.

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  Very impressed - 2002 Honda Civic
  By phillyg_16 - December 19 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased my civic w/ 105k miles and have put 50k miles on it since. I love it. It handles very well in the snow (we get lots in MI), and gets great mileage (an average of 32 city & hwy). Its been very reliable. It blows my mind that it has 155k miles on it and it still drives like its new. Plus, I put 12 gallons of gas in it and it takes me 400 miles.

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  Most Overrated Minivan in the World - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JOHNPAR - December 19 - 4:46 pm

  The drivers side power door opens a few inches and then stops, a real pain with a new baby which is the only reason we went the Honda route. Poor noise insulation, DVD works ok but the headphones have never worked correctly. Dome light barely lights up, Back seats are uncomfortable on a long trip. Traded a mid-level 1998 Olds Silhouette in on this much quieter, better ride, comparable power, and handled the same. 105K miles was time for a new vehicle, this is our last Honda.

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  My new 2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By jpmac08 - December 19 - 8:11 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle but I do have a few however. I wanted a small pickup to commute and do occasional work. I narrowed my choices down to the Ridgeline, Tacoma and the Colorado. I picked the Ridgeline on comfort and I was able to get a little better deal through COSTCO. I love driving it. Along the way I have found a few things that I am not excited about. My battery went dead and I went to jump start it according to the owners manual. Honda for whatever reason has not made this easy. You have to remove a shield before attaching cables. A huge hassle. Secondly the instrument council controls are not automatically lit. I had to make a drive late a night and wanted to turn off the A/c. Had to turn on cabin lights o see controls. A back light would have been nice. Finally, in todays world I would think a small truck could get 20 MPH average for all driving. My Ridgeline gets 18.5. Disappointing. I would by this vehicle again, I really enjoy it and the dealer I have bought it from has been great. At the end of the day, nothing is perfect. Honda can easily address my "CONS".

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  A Good Mini-Van Overall - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By R.J. - December 19 - 4:00 am

  Being on a budget, I opted for the Odyssey LX model. I am disappointed by the interior fit & finish of this model. Especially when compared to my 03 CRV EX. The car was delivered with a large gap above the upper glove box, weather-stripping & door molding that was disconnected from the door as well as cheap plastic everywhere the dashboard also makes squeaking noises. I am quite surprised that these issues (gaps and disconnected molding) were not taken care of by quality control at the Alabama plant. I also notice a strange grinding noise when first driving off at about 12 mph, it lasts about 1 second. Honda is aware of this and advised me that this is a self-check of the stability control.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nayyar ali shah - December 18 - 11:46 pm

  I think it is agreat car except for the cruise control that it did not have. the dealership has promised me to arrange it and equip my car.

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  The Best mid-size SUV so far - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tangotango99 - December 18 - 9:40 pm

  This SUV is the Best Mid-Size SUV so far. The ride is one of the very best the interior is roomy. The Pilot is not the best in everything it is just above the average in all around in evaluation

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  Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Adrianne - December 18 - 11:47 am

  I honestly cant say enough good things about my CRV. It drives nicely, handles well, has nice features and is relatively good on gas mileage for an SUV. Good interior space - comfortably fits my Great Dane, Bulldog, cat carrier, and all my luggage without feeling squished and cramped. Reliability is phenomenal! I have over 125,000 miles on my car in just 3 years and havent had to do more than the scheduled oil changes and a brake repair earlier this year.