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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  Not bad for a first car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Peter Allen - February 16 - 8:20 am

  I purchased this car in May of 2005 and had only a couple of problems with it, such as the renewing the brakes, replacing the transmission, and an odd sound that sounded like a motorcycle. All of these problems were fixed. I also noticed that most of the interior lights come on and off whenever they feel like it. Love the V6 and Navigation system. Did I mention my back seat is coming out? This car looks great from the outside, but the interior material and build is somewhat cheap and unreliable.

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  Save yourself a lot of grief...look elsewhere - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By amazed99@hotmail.com - February 16 - 4:03 am

  I purchased my 2018 CRV new. I have had nothing but issues with the heat and defrost functions. I took it back to the dealer four times already and their standard response is that is just the way new cars are now, they dont produce heat. I have even purchased a thermostat for the interior because there is just no heat. The ONLY way I can get the stupid car to heat is if I drive it longer than 40 minutes, then it finally starts to warm up around 70. The windshield is a nightmare, the defrost does not keep it clean of snow and ice. In this area of Wisconsin, that is a necessity, not an option. Either I missed this, or the reviews by Consumer Reports and Edmonds are not reporting this defect. Shame on you, as had I know this, I would never have purchased this car. I cant say enough negative about Honda and the CR-V.

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  economy car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ria - February 16 - 12:06 am

  We wanted an affordable car that would last and be reliable. This car has been. I personally prefer toyotas, my corolla got better gas mileage and was funner to drive. I dont like the heavy feel that hondas have but some people do. I am tall and dont have a lot of leg room and the seats arent comfortable for me. I was content with it until we had our second child, with two car seats in the back and a stroller in the trunk theres no extra room. Id recommend this car to somebody who just wants a reliable commuter car.

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  New to Hybrids - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Richard - February 15 - 12:33 am

  This high end hybrid has met and exceeded my expectations so far. It did require me to change my driving habits to meet and exceed the EPA fuel economy ratings. I have learned to keep my eye on the average miles per gallon read out to adjust my foot on the pedal. So far after 90 days, I get 29+ around town and at least 37 on the highway.

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  2009 Fit Sport - 2009 Honda Fit
  By DRAGONWEST - February 14 - 11:23 pm

  Ive just purchased 2009 Fit Sport (auto) and drove around town today 06/10/2009. Excellent handling & outstanding fuel economy. My (mix driving on both freeway/city, highest speed is 75-80 and slowest speed is 30 plus many stops) average mile per gallon is 41.9 - Great visibility/performance/handling/space. I believe I can bring 9 or 10 more miles per gallon when the engine breakdown (mix driving). Test drove Insight 2010, Prius II, Civic Hybrid 09, Civic 09, Accord 09, Camry 09 but only felt in love with Fit 09. Just share with you all about the drive-out price as well: $18.2k (wheel lock, cargo tray, carpet floormats included).

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  AMAZING - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Crane Operator - February 14 - 8:47 pm

  I just rolled over 87K miles on my 13 Sport purchased in 3/13. Its my 19th Honda (all with 4 cylinder, manual transmissions) and I cant say ANYTHING bad about it. Its an amazing car! Ive owned several Accord EX-Ls (91,96, 99, 06), a couple Civic Sis and this car leaves them all in the dust. The best part is that it does all that "fun to drive" stuff at plus 30 mpg! Ive never reset the "B" trip odometer since new so I have an overall running accounting of 32.6 mpg. At some times, when driving a long distance on a single tank Ive topped 40 mpg on the "A" trip odometer and can regularly hit 38.5 mpg in the same scenario. Whats not to like? My car has never needed any dealer work other than scheduled maintenance, which Im religious about. Its still on the original rear brakes and the front pads have only been changed once. It came on Michelins and Ive kept it on them replacing the originals at 62K. if I had any criticism of the car at all, it would be that I wish it had a leather seat option. The cloth seats function excellent but the fabric shows any liquid stain, no matter how slight, even sweat. That fact deters from the overall "pizazz" of the interior. I bought this model because it had the 4 cylinder, manual tranny combo as the stock set up. Why pay extra for what you dont need. Id buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Its why Honda is Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By STEVEM - February 14 - 2:00 pm

  Leased it brand new, and since we knew a friend of a friend we got a great deal. Should have bought it, though. Very powerful 4 cylinder engine. When you need to pass somebody, theres no problem. Nice to have power everything, REALLY nice factory sound sytem, handles great, very comfortable on long drives and does definitely get the 30/31 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, it does get the 23/24 mpg in the city too, and with the newer Accords touting much better gas mileage, it makes you think. However, for a car that originally priced at just over 21K, what an amazing vehicle. Had to trade it in cause we needed an SUV, but it was solid to drive and defintely miss it.

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  luv yur ride? Yes i still love my ride,even moreso - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By michael samaroo - February 14 - 1:36 pm

  I am very happy so far with my honda cr-v (2012) purchased 1 month ago. I will be going on a 1200 mile trip and will be in a better position toevaluate vehicle at end of trip. Ride and cornering is very smooth if you dont yank steering.

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  65,000 miles road test - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Driving Far - February 14 - 9:30 am

  Build quality: My car had a shocking number of fit and finish problems, including very annoying noises from the drivers door that the dealership could not remedy properly(neither was Honda prepared to exchange the car as a lemon). They were very disappointing but didnt impair the functionality of the car. Driving experience: After 65k miles I continue to be impressed by the excellent engineering. Honda has spend a lot of time thinking about details, such as the lights. For long distance driving I find the suspension too hard. One can feel very ripple in the road, without any highway benefit, whereas for sporty driving the tires give out too early and the car has too much body lean

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MGirl - February 11 - 11:16 am

  This car has been very efficient. It is roomy and seats four adults comfortably. I have been VERY impressed.