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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  Best 1st/any car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By hondatoyotacj - May 15 - 11:47 pm

  This was my 1st car. 182,000 miles and it drove like a dream. I loved the way the truck drove and how it felt just sitting in it. My CR-V had a great smell, possibly of victory since its an amazing car. I got a new car and sold it (Mistake). I dont get the same feeling with my Xb. This will always be my favorite car. If I could find one around my house that had decent miles, Id be all over it. I plead for potential CR-V owners to purchase this truck. Join the family!

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  Never Again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By janeyac - May 15 - 4:03 pm

  I owned a 1990 Honda and loved it - the style, the comfort, the ride! After putting almost 200,000 miles on my Maxima, I decided to return to Honda for better gas mileage. What a mistake. The seat is the most uncomfortable seat I have ever been in. I am constantly adjusting the controls to relieve my aching back. This is not good. Rather than being excited to have a newer vehicle, I don’t even want to drive it!

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  2009 Accords Have So Many Problems - 2009 Honda Accord
  By goldmanf - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  Whats happening to Honda cars... My first Honda was 1978 Civic. I traded all of my several Honda cars (Civic, Accords and Pilots)around 160K miles for newer ones. My parents, my sibling families love the Honda cars. This trend is ending. This piece of garbage 2009 Accord EXL is a piece of junk from day one. The brake squeak and I thought it need to be brake in. A year later, I complained to the dealer and I was told that is a known problem. I was told ny Honda service advisor that just turn on the stereo louder and I will be fine. Now, I just found out the well known A/C condensor prone to damage from road debris. Is this US specific Honda issue???

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  Very Impressed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By peter777 - May 15 - 1:41 pm

  Well this is my first ever car in US. But I have been driving another 2001 Honda Accord in our family for 3 years. Before buying my own 2011 Honda Accord I test drove the competition- Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Both were good at their own places. But when I test drove Honda Accord, I made my mind right away and bought it. What impressed me was the interior spaciousness, and the exterior style. I knew other stuff like the rock solid reliability of Accords and the less desirable traits like road noise they have. But overall package appealed me. The cars seats are really comfortable, road noise is less than 2001 Accord. Acceleration, handling, and breaking are nice for SANE driving.

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  The Cats meow - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By pfukstik - May 14 - 8:41 am

  This is a great car, Get one!

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  Unexpected Issue - 2011 Honda Civic
  By taffy2011 - May 13 - 4:56 pm

  The first problem I had with this new car is a needed replacement of a front wheel bearing with only 15K miles. It also needed a realign. Now I know why CR didnt recommend the Civic for this model year.

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  a true sleeper - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mac91 - May 13 - 9:10 am

  Bought a 2006 hybrid with nav as cpo for about half new retail price when it had 47k on the clock. Now close to 80k with zero problems, no repairs. no rattles. Consistent 40 mpg on freeway if driven below 72mph. very comfortable and powerful. hard to beat. I have owned 9 Honda/Acura cars and this one beats them all without question.

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  durability questionable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By honda_critic - May 12 - 10:36 pm

  Blown engine at 74k miles. No consideration or assistance from Honda Headquarters. No assistance from Rt 23 Honda in Pompton Plains NJ Car was garage kept and maintenance schedule done at dealer. Filter and oil changed every 5K. car ran well until after sitting in garage for 1 week while on vacation. Starting the car caused car to lurch and make rattling noise from engine. Car Faltbed delivered to dealer who started the car to determine problem. In doing so continued the rattling noise causing the connecting rod to push though the block and oil pan. The dealer called to say the engine was blown and asked if I had driven though high water. No was the answer. Result Honda wants $6+K for fix

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  Great for the right person - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By 2bogey - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  Having always been a Honda guy I went with the Pilot. Pros- Seats 7, roomy, good passenger storage. The wheel wells are 42" apart so you can fit everything from sheetrock to golf clubs. Drives awsome in the snow and poor conditions. Overall no major mechanical problems. Cons- For the $ you can buy a vehicle with much better creature comforts. No I-Pod jack, Seats are uncomfortable, MPGs are Average for a vehicle this size. Heat went out and was $400 to fix @ 40K. If you dont need or want bells and whisles this may be a good vehicle for you.

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  excellent hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lalala1 - May 12 - 11:10 am

  My civic hybrid has been through a lot - long commutes, cross country trips, 2 high school drivers. Its still running well with over 170k miles & getting over 41mpg which is a lifesaver right now. As long as maintenance is kept up with it will last a long, long, long time! Im expecting to drive this car for several more years, I love it.