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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  No Problems - 1990 Honda Accord
  By rspill - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Solid, reliable car. Very few problems, low maintenance. Purchased new, I now have 175,000 miles on it. Replace front suspension plus expected brake and timing belt repairs.

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  236000 miles later - 1990 Honda Accord
  By jstanton - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Always started. Corners with the best. Over 230000 miles and still going.

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  Would Buy Again - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By V McDevitt - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Have taken many, many 6-10 hour trips with 4-6 adults and van was GREAT (lots of room for all!). Drives solid (youll know when you test drive -- nothing else like it!) Reliability has been pretty good but the squeaky brakes are driving me crazy. Doors are heavy would have gone w/power doors given choice again. After market security/remote entry system SUCKS (Code Alarm) -- have to be right beside car for it to work. Wish it had more bells and whistles. Im looking for a new car/van/SUV with the power, space and gas mileage of the Odyssey, but with more bells and whistles. Not sure anything better is out there ...

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  I Like My Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Roshel - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice family car. The driving seat and steering wheel is very comfortable.There is enough space in the backseat of the car. The backseat of the car folds up to get more space in the trunk. I really enjoy driving this car.

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  Freakin Awesome! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By kwyxand - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun you can have outside of sex! The power surge that you get when the VTEC cuts in takes you from "driving the car" to "just holding on" is a rush! And the handling was a pleasant surprise... my Acura TL-S feels like a boat now. Thr controls are easy to operate and well positioned for the most part... Im not real fond of the cup holder in the console since it interferes with shifting when there is a 16oz cup in it. And the stereo is just okay. It could benefit from a few more amps and better speaker placement... the CD also has skipping problems, probably from the stiff suspension... not a sign of the quality unit that I expected.

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  Never a CR V in my sights!!! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim M T - August 23 - 12:38 am

  I never owned an SUV and never wanted one!!!!. My VW Golf (loved it!!!)lease was coming to an end and l looked at Mini Cooper, Mazda 3 and Impreza with an eye to getting something with a little more room ,yet fun to drive. The 2018 Crosstrek caught my eye since it was built on the 2017 Impreza platform with great reviews and a cargo area designed to meet our needs. I was about to buy the Crosstrek when a mechanic friend suggested I check out a Honda product. On a lark I went to the dearlership near me and tested the CR V-2017. I was sold. The solid feel behind the wheel, the acceleration, the cargo room, the numerous bells and whistles, gas mileage and the automatic closing feature on the lift gate sold us . It was priced very close to the fully loaded Crosstrek. I had only one problem after purchase --road noise coming from the tires. The Bridgestone tires on the car did not get high marks from Tire Rack and others. After two days I called my salesman to ask if I could swap out the Bridgestones for a set of Michelins and pay the difference. ---72 hrs later I had the Michelins on the car--what a difference--no road noice, better in wet and snow condition for a small out lay of cash.

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  2015 CR-V - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By patf3 - August 22 - 11:06 pm

  I traded my 2005 Pilot for the 2015 CR-V in November. I did not notice in the test drive but I have the same transmission vibration others have described. I now have 1800 miles on it and I am getting nowhere near the mileage advertised. I average 22-23 mpg combined city/highway. Now that I have gotten the disappointments out of the way I have to say I love the car. It is comfortable and stylish inside and out. The cargo room has been sufficient for me considering I came down in size from the Pilot.

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  Rear Brake pad nightmare! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Astounded white girl - August 22 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned 4 hondas and have come to rely on the fantastic quality of performance and lack of maintenance issues. I can literally change the oil religiously with a Honda and it will go forever. Not with this latest purchase. I have owned the vehicle for 1 year and 7 months with 21,000 miles and just paid for new rear brake pads! Unbelievable that after only 3...three oil changes, I am replacing brake pads. WOW Honda! I am extremely disappointed that the reliability and quality that I have come to expect from your cars has come to this.

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  Honda knows their stuff - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Family - August 22 - 8:23 am

  My wife and I love this vehicle. We have taken it snowboarding in Lake Tahoe already and it drives up and through the mountains like a dream, it handles curves solid and rides like a luxury vehicle.

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  1997 Honda/Isuzu Passport/Rodeo LX 4WD - 1997 Honda Passport
  By Tengt1968 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Well in the short term, what a great SUV!, i Dont care if it is a Rodeo underneath the Honda Emblem, what a fun truck to drive. No major Warranty claims to date. Have not been off pavement yet, but will write about it when I do.