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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  I LOVE My CRV!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mike - August 13 - 1:13 pm

  Bought a 2010 ex awd, got the new crv color polished metal metallic/black interior. I just love this vehicle. Engine is smooth and quiet, ride is excellent. Just all around awesome, was close to buying a RAV but I wouldnt be able to live with myself with the rear tire on the back. Wake up Toyota...CRV looks good performs excellent, I highly recommend.

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  Please forgive me! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Darrin in Dallas - August 13 - 10:20 am

  I took a risk three years back and bought outside the Japanese auto brands. I know, bad idea. Having owned Hondas or Toyotas my entire life,(three accords in a row) my wife and I wanted to try something different. The Volvo S60 didnÂ’t have a chance and after replacing half the car during the first three years,(I knew the service team by first name) I wished Id kepted my old Accord. I wont try that again! I am so pleased with my 2004 Accord EX, I think itÂ’s the best car for your dollar.

• 

  Solid - 1990 Honda Civic
  By frank70 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, this is a very solid car. 12 years old, 140,000+ miles, starts right up and just keeps going. Very responsive (though not powerful), great handling (especially in bad weather), extremely reliable.

• 

  Honda CRV 2017 - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Mohamed Danekari - August 12 - 3:44 pm

  I bought Honda CRV 2017 Driver seats worn out only 550 miles reported to Honda of Stevens creek, San Jose, ca at 10 am to service department. Manager took pictures will let me know in 2 days

• 

  A smart choice - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Akk - August 12 - 11:30 am

  A perfect SUV! Reasonably styled, exceptionally built. Very smooth and powerful engine, good pickup, smartly placed controls, comfortable interiors (I have Pilot EX-Navi). Versatile SUV with good fuel economy for an SUV. The only maintenance has been routine checkups. Wish side airbags, moonroof were available. Size is a plus... large interior and cargo room, but looks/drives like a midsize. Paid close to invoice price.

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  There are better options out there - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mario D. - August 12 - 9:55 am

  The new Civic hatchback looks nice, but thats about it. It is very difficult to get in and out of. The seats are not very comfortable. I realize that it is a small car, but the interior is cramped compared to other small cars. It seems as if there is not enough sound insulation in the car, as the engine is very noisy. The climate controls are not readily accessible: the fan speed control is in a separate menu within the touch screen and is not centrally located. (A button or knob would be easier to use.) The cloth on the cargo cover looked to be snagged/uneven. The car is very over priced at $27,000+. You can buy a hybrid vehicle, which is more economic, for less than this non-hybrid Civic.

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  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..

• 

  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..

• 

  Fix Display & Tires and you have a winner!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Brenda - August 12 - 9:39 am

  I just loved this car when I seen it. I had been looking for 3 months and test drove just about everything. I commute so I had to have a car that was good in gas mileage. The only downfalls I have had is that the Phone on the Display has had issues since day 1. When attempting to make a call, it will freeze, screen goes black and you cannot get back out of it until the car is turned off or I have had to take it dealer for them to battery reset. No software updates yet and I bought mine in Dec. 2016, so I have had it 7 months and been to the dealers 4 times now. The other issue I am having is having to put air in the tires every month since I have bought it. Especially the back tires, one time it will be the rear drivers side and the next will be the rear passenger side. Dealer said yesterday that they found a nail in rear drivers side, gonna cost me 200.00 to replace but couldnt find anything wrong with the passenger tire and could not give me any explanation on why I would have to put air in it. Other than that for the price and mileage, I got what I paid for since everything is basic in it, no extras, not even an option..

• 

  Purchased my Honda CRV for tow ability with RV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Degenhart - August 12 - 9:29 am

  Tire monitoring system is a nuisance as it keeps coming on and tires are ok. Fuel efficiency is fantastic. Honda makes a very reliable car. Electronic features are so so. Have towed the CRV behind my motor home. Its light and hardly notice the weight being towed. Honda is making a mistake not offering the older version transmission in the 2015 CRV and beyond. It has a unique capability for being towed and utility when on the road camping. They would sell more cars if they offered the transmission version that can be towed.