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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  Long Term Review - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - September 16 - 9:24 pm

  The Odyssey bought new in 08 has 27K. I posted previous reviews. Additional comments to previous posts are the brake feel could be improved. Mileage improved to 30 mpg on several trips using 91 octane, non ethanol gas, speed 60 -65 mph. 28MPG has been seen many times. In the suburbs mileage is 21 - 23, Keep acceleration RPM at 2000 vs jack rabbit starts. The van has had no repairs except for a minor issue with the glove compartment door becoming misaligned due to a screw.

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  i love my car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Zhirong Wang - September 16 - 6:23 pm

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  2017 Ridgeline Rocks! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Billings - September 16 - 6:02 pm

  The new Ridgeline handles great and the ride is more car-like. The interior is spacious while the seats are comfortable and provide good support. The truck has a large trunk that can be locked. I purchased the RTL trim level because the radio has dials for volume and tuning.

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  Lindy Lou - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Lindy Lou - September 16 - 11:31 am

  My odyssey is 2 weeks old. About 1000 miles. Absolutely love it. Pleasure to drive. Gas mileage appears to be very good. Traded in my 2002 odyssey. The 02 was a great van. 180000 miles. Nothing major. I highly recommend the 2016 Odyssey

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  Excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mohan - September 16 - 11:31 am

  I did a lot of research on similar cars from various manufactures along with the CRV, before opting for the CRV. It is primarily driven by my wife (who loves it to bits). She drives 120miles round trip to work every day and says the drives it great. It has lots of room in the front and back. Regarding the fuel consumption, well she is averaging around 29miles/gal. We did a round trip on Labor day from Chicago to Cincinnati to Twinsbury and back to Chicago. An amazing car. I loved the drive as a driver and a passenger (in the front and back). Both my son and daughter love the drive and the comfort the CRV has to offer. There was lots of room in the trunk for all our legs. Well designed.

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  The best one Ive owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Andrew.M.Tillcock - September 16 - 3:13 am

  Having spent the day comparing fuel efficent cars again I though it might be time to re visit my local Honda store. Gas as we all know is about to hit $4 a gallon by summer so in I went for my quest for the eigth generation Accord. I purchased the EX-l 4 cylinder without/nav( cannot see paying nearly $3000 more just for directions.. so for my evaluation this being my third Accord and by a land slide the best(the others 89",07). First off the new body style is very appealing and the new seats are more forgiving for larger men. Acceleration A+, fit and finish are up to quality with cars thousands more. XM radio and premium sound are top notch. Ride quality and handling are spot on! Honda# 1

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  Great little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sarah - September 16 - 12:33 am

  We were shopping for something to replace my 06 Accord that was totaled in a wreck, while at the Honda dealer the new CR-V caught our eye. It wasnt even on our list. I love the new design, didnt care for the old one. There is very little road noise in the cabin. The brakes are excellent. Large cargo area, the seats fold down easily. It is so easy to drive around town, I think the front end may be shorter than the Accord so parking is a breeze.

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  Very Practical (but for 2 people) - 2005 Honda Element
  By sundeep - September 15 - 10:10 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle very much. Very comfortable for long drive. Rear doors can be little bit uncomfortable in the parking lot when you have passengers but it is great when you have bags, you can throw it at the back seat easily.

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  Best car ever owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rickmoitoza - September 15 - 11:56 am

  I just got back from a 3000 mile road trip from California to Sandpoint Idaho. The Honda was very comfortable to drive and averaged 32.5 miles per gallon. I have the v6 - manual sticker said 25 hwy, 22 in town... I get 27 in town. This car is the best I have ever owned.

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  S - Big U - V - 2003 Honda Element
  By BlackElement - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Utility is the word. Its a station wagon. Its a van. Its a camper. Its a SUV. Its a music listening room. I like this vehicle. I have had people ride in the back seat who are well over 6 feet tall and their knees do not hit the back of the front seats. It is fun to drive and has adequate power.