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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  Dont Buy Honda for Fuel economy.. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By yennik - January 25 - 11:20 am

  The car is perfect in almost every respect except for FUEL ECONOMY.. started out at 12mpg city and 16-21mpg hwy.. thats 40% below city and 25%+ below hwy EPA estimates.. Just over 9000 miles and its 14-15 city and 19- 23 hwy.. Thats very gentle driving.. No hard acceleration.. The Honda service manager told me that is about typical economy for the Odyssey with VCM.. My 7200lb 4x4 Crewcab F-250 diesel gets better fuel economy than the Honda.. From 5 or 6 other VCM owners, I get the same report on economy.. I bought the car over the Toyota strictly on economy.. Honda USA is disingenuous to mislead the consumer on the fuel efficiency of the Odyssey.. It weighs 4600lbs!!

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  Medium/Low Mile Maintenance Nightmare - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Tucker W - January 25 - 9:47 am

  Heres the deal: Im a car guy and die hard Toyota guy, but I respect Hondas and I promise you I am taking all my bias out of this. My father bought this CRV for my mother with 80,000 on the odometer from a HONDA dealership who did a "pre-sale inspection" and said it passed with flying colors. The car currently has 87,000 and has been a maintenance nightmare. Brakes had to be replaced at 83,000, an easy job and only takes an afternoon in the garage, but it was frustrating that the dealership pre-sale inspection missed simple maintenance like that. Then, at 86,000 the alternator died and fried the battery as well. Ive done a lot of alternator jobs before, and this one is the most difficult to get to. I do not recommend doing this at home as you have to pull the power steering pump. An OEM honda alternator was also $425, and a $60 serpentine belt. Not 300 miles later, the clutch on the A/C compressor seized and broke the brand spanking new serpentine belt. I dont mess with A/C systems at all, so we took it to a mechanic friend. $1700 down the drain. At this point Im just expecting the next $3000 repair job. Its slow to accelerate, handles terribly, what more is there to say? So much for Honda Reliability...DO NOT BUY WITHOUT A WARRANTY.

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  Medium/Low Mile Maintenance Nightmare - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Tucker W - January 25 - 9:47 am

  Heres the deal: Im a car guy and die hard Toyota guy, but I respect Hondas and I promise you I am taking all my bias out of this. My father bought this CRV for my mother with 80,000 on the odometer from a HONDA dealership who did a "pre-sale inspection" and said it passed with flying colors. The car currently has 87,000 and has been a maintenance nightmare. Brakes had to be replaced at 83,000, an easy job and only takes an afternoon in the garage, but it was frustrating that the dealership pre-sale inspection missed simple maintenance like that. Then, at 86,000 the alternator died and fried the battery as well. Ive done a lot of alternator jobs before, and this one is the most difficult to get to. I do not recommend doing this at home as you have to pull the power steering pump. An OEM honda alternator was also $425, and a $60 serpentine belt. Not 300 miles later, the clutch on the A/C compressor seized and broke the brand spanking new serpentine belt. I dont mess with A/C systems at all, so we took it to a mechanic friend. $1700 down the drain. At this point Im just expecting the next $3000 repair job. Its slow to accelerate, handles terribly, what more is there to say? So much for Honda Reliability...DO NOT BUY WITHOUT A WARRANTY.

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  Good car overall with flaws - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Jim M. - January 25 - 1:16 am

  Have owned my 2015 Accord EX-L for just under two years now this is my 4th Honda I really liked all my previous Hondas however I am disappointed with this one.Most of the complaints on this site are pretty valid regarding wind noise and tech but to me these are minor issues my major issue is the poor suspension cushioning over poor roads it is awful I do not understand why more owners are not complaining about this it not mentioned here that Honda upgraded the suspension for 2016 model year have been told is much improved(thats how we know it was an issue) overall I feel it is a very good car I realized this after recently renting a new Nissan Altima for 4 days it had some advantages over the Accord but I find Accord better overall.I will be getting rid of it after 2.5 yrs of owner ship due to poor shock absorption especially in cold weather(usually keep my Hondas for 5-6 yrs not this one).Will check out new Accords this fall for new generation for 2018.

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  A Functional Truck with Style & Comfort - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Obewan - January 25 - 12:16 am

  30 days and 3000 miles later has shown that the Honda Ridgeline truck is functional, yet one can still take the vehicle out on the town. A comfortable ride with style awesome sound system the Ridgeline often gets double takes from rubber neckers wondering what they just saw pass. Amazing looks, comfort, rides like a dream, and plenty of room.

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  Mouse House - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By penguinn - January 24 - 8:16 pm

  If you are considering using the Ridgeline off road or where there may be rodents, be advised that they have easy access to the interior of the vehicle. Funny that anyone would use a 4 wheel drive outside of the city. Honda of America does not consider this a problem. If you plan to use the Ridgeline in an area with Hanta Virus carrying mice, bring along a cat. Although Honda corporation is dodging this issue, our dealer is stepping up and trying to solve what should be a detail of basic design. We are very pleased with them. Honda Corporates position is that any damage to the truck or your health from rodent infestation is not their responsibility. Consider this carefully.

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  As good as it gets under $50k - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ed - January 24 - 6:30 pm

  This is the only roadster I found for less than $50k that offered the combimation of extraordinary handling, good acceleration and the build quality and reliability I demand. I also considered the Boxter S and BMW M3 (but not the M roadster). The ride quality is very acceptable for a roadster, and the well bolstered, form fitting seats are superb. I opted to add rear speakers to improve the sound system.

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  My dream car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By geppetto - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing! It is a little tiresome in stop and go traffic, but when you hit open road it is the best. I absolutely love when the VTEC kicks in and you get thrown back into your seats. The screaming engine at 9000 rpms will take your breath away.

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  this car kicks ass - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jbjcls - January 24 - 10:00 am

  if youve got the money and you dont need room for passengers this is the car for you. even though the trunk may look really small it can fit a lot of stuff

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  wow - 2003 Honda S2000
  By jeff cavin - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I believe this is the most amazing car I have ever owned. For the size and price range of this car you cant beat it. It handled as good as any sports car I have ever driven and what a blast to drive. I cant say enough about this car anyone looking for a small convertible should look no further you would be disappointed. Jeff Cavin