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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  2005 CRV-SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Sporty CRV - October 27 - 3:00 pm

  I love the vehicle - For it being an SE it is missing some features such as homelink, powerful stereo, lit vanity mirrors, power drivers seat and fog light. The CRV is very fun to drive and is compact but has alot of room...etc backseat and the rear. We love how the back seats recline. I am suprised that Honda hasnt moved the gear selector. This is definately the best vehicle for the room and the money. You cant go wrong with a Honda.

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  2006 Honda odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie - October 26 - 2:06 pm

  I love it!! I have 2 children and I cannot believe how much it has helped with convenience. I always said I would never drive a minivan, but now I wonder why I waited so long. It is the smoothest riding vehicle I have owned, & you cannot beat the amount of room in both back seats. If you have kids this is the way to go.

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  GREAT CAR EXCEPT PAINT - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RS LOVE - October 26 - 10:00 am

  PICKED THIS CAR UP 3 WKS AGO AND FIRST TIME IT WAS WASHED WE NOTICED SLOPPY PAINT AROUND INTERIOR DOOR PANELS VISIBLE FROM INSIDE WHEN DOOR CLOSED. WITHIN TWO WEEKS A LIGHT MUSTARD COLOR BEGAN TO SHOW THRU THE WHITE PAINT ON FRONT LOWER "AIR DAM" PANEL. RETURNED TO DEALER WITH REQUEST FOR NEW CAR BUT THEY ONLY OFFERED TO REPAIR PAINT. NOT HAVING TOTAL FACTORY PAINT IS A BUMMER, ESPECIALLY ON A NEW HONDA. SERVICE MANAGER STATED PAINT PROBLEM - "ITS BECAUSE THEIR MAKING THEM SO FAST" (DEMAND AND ALL THAT). WOULD ADVISE NEW OWNERS TO INSPECT CAR CAREFULLY BEFORE TAKING FINAL DELIVERY. ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF CAR FINE.

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  New Reigning Champion - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline Hawg - October 26 - 5:06 am

  I traded an 09 Nissan Frontier 4x4 for my new Honda Ridgeline Black Edition. I couldnt be happier with the upgrade. Some question the Hondas "truckiness", but those criticisms are strangely self serving in some weird way. Those who are compelled to point out that the Tacoma, Canyons or Frontier in their most able iterations can out-haul or traverse a more dire off road terrain than the Ridgeline appear to believe that most people buy trucks for such purposes. Research has shown that 94% of truck buyers rarely undertake those endeavors. Just as we often see large 7 passenger SUVs occupied by the driver only. The truth is the Ridgeline rides, drives and handles better than the competition. Its better on fuel economy, has more technology and user friendly options than the competition. And, for doing the work that 95% of truck buyers do, it does it just as well as the others. New champ in town. Long live the Champ!

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  Versatile vehicle - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Miller - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with my CRV. I love the size of the door openings and dont need to bend my head for entry. It feels as though you can walk into the car for seating. Gives you a great view of the road and seats give good back support. Back seat passengers are very comfortable. Great when roads are slippery. Use the fold down seat option often. I am having trouble deciding rather to buy out my lease. or if I should new CRV.

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  Nearly perfect MINI SUV except power - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By wz4wwk - October 26 - 2:00 am

  It is a Honda, and as expected, its reliability, build quality, and comfort make a nearly perfect balance. As far as a mini SUVs are concerned, you cant beat CR-Vs interior space. One thing that makes me say that it is only a near perfect about this car is its fuel economy and power. My 2001 CR- V LX is slower than my Moms 11-year old 1991 Accord EX on uphill freeways. I constantly get about 22.5 MPG (combined) which is worse than my other car (1999 Nissan Maxima with automatic transmission). How does Honda explain that a 4-cyl 2.0 liter engine gets poorer MPG than a 6-cyl 3.0 liter engine?

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  Great improvement over previous models - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nelson - October 26 - 1:15 am

  I only have 4,000 miles on this 2017, but it might very well become one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned.

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  2006 Civic EX Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By minilops - October 25 - 6:43 pm

  I have had my new car since October, and it has been in the shop twice. The SBS light sensor had to be replaced (it stayed on) and the Recall on the gas petal taken care of. Plus when I plug in my cell phone, the fuses blow. The highest gas mileage is 28mpg highway. Now there is a racing engine sound when I am driving, so I am going to have to return it again... Would I buy it all over? NO!

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  LOVE my hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Sarah - October 25 - 2:46 pm

  After 1.5 years I am still in love with my Civic Hybrid. I get about 45 mpg and fill the gas tank about every 450 miles. Passengers are always surprised that it seems like a normal car - until it auto-stops at stop lights. They they are REALLY surprised! It has a quiet high- pitched whine that is annoying for people who can hear it but it is easily covered by the stereo.

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  Death Trap - 1999 Honda Passport
  By In a Death Trap - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The Passport was bought used with 30K miles. In less than a year, the ABS system had to be replaced, the Check Engine light enables & disenables on a regular basis, the gas gauge broke & the component for that was replaced, & the computer require "adjustment". The worst thing of all, while driving & no method to the madness, the engine simply turns off. Its an automatic & is very difficult to stop without the engine on. I sincerely fear for my & my childrens lives (age 7 mos. & 8 years). Honda should take some responsibility for this one.