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 fuel efficient in city driving - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ghasbun - August 27 - 10:59 pm

  My CR-V does fine in Highway 27 MPG but very poor in city driving, 16.25 mpg.

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  Ready for something new - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Amadna - August 27 - 3:51 pm

  I have owned my van for almost 3 years.I am now over 40,000 miles. I have had 2 motor mounts break. The gas mileage is approx. 13/city 21/hwy. The transmission makes a grunting noise. My brakes squeak even though 2 mechanics have told me they are fine. The leather on the driver seat is wearing, and yes I condition it. I am a little disappointed.

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  Solid, but I expected more from Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tonisama - August 27 - 10:50 am

  Upon arriving at my parents house, I was pleasantly suprised to find they bought a new Pilot. The very first thing I noticed upon entry was that the dash and trim pieces are all hard plastic save the rubber grips on the door handles. I was immediately disappointed as I own a 2000 Civic and theres soft touch material everywhere inside and it costs about half as much as the Pilot. Honda, the last thing we need is another GM, please get your act together and hide cost cutting measures a bit better. Other than that, the car is built in typical Honda fashion with solid build quality and a buttery smooth engine. Cant say its the most attractive car, but fortunately appearance is irrelevant

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  Loyal Honda Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By msln - August 27 - 8:57 am

  Bought new in 04. At 71,000 miles, the A/C compressor blew, contaminating the whole system. Estimates cost anywhere from $1800-3000 to fix.

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  bought it today - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rsxs - August 27 - 1:04 am

  I just got my honda accord sport in blue today. I waited for a month and a half to get the manual and it was worth the wait. I drove the CVT first and i was ready to take a nap.It sucks! Felt soooo slow! The 6 speed gearbox was tricky from first two second gear but i got used to it. Short throws and fun. Not a afterthought. And feels way quicker than the garbage CVT and better sound too from the dual exhaust. Very rich black interior. I gave 3 out of 5 for reliability because of first day purchase.

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  No more BMW - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By DAVID NELSON - August 26 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2002 BMW x5 for five years. I bought it new. I have never had a vehicle loaded on a tow truck as many times as the BMW. My wife bought a 2007 Honda cr-v. It was "cute". We went to Florida last winter from New England. We decided to take the Honda, because we had no confidence in the BMW making the trip without issues. During the course of the winter in fla, I became a Honda fan. The gas mileage was very acceptable. The trade-off for comfort was not that noticeable. I trusted the car. I have just sold my BMW x5, and will be buying my own Honda cr-v. It is a great value.

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  It works. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By pbruijn - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Unless you have some type of phobia about being on the road in a small vehicle alongside all these SUVs, this is the car for you. It has great gas mileage,is affordable, reliable, and fun to drive. The only complaint I have is the ill designed rubber front spoiler flap which has come off in both our Civics.

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  More SUV than truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - August 25 - 1:15 pm

  Replaced Nissan Frontier with the Honda Ridgeline July 2007. Has many great features plus the reliability of a Honda. I dont require a true pick up most of the time so its payload capacity is fine, really like an SUV in most respects. Gas mileage on hwy is a little disappointing for a V-6 engine, currently about 20 mpg. Honda made a mistake by not using one of their more powerful Acura V-6s, as this vehicle doesnt have the power or torque required for towing or climbing hills. We travel from FL to NC mountains on a regular basis and it works hard to climb the hills. If I required a truck to tow anything, I would not have purchased the Ridgeline.

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sadgal - August 25 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased the CRV LX for the sole purpose of traveling. Unfortunately the seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever encountered. In just a four hour trip, I thought I was going to die. I am sadly disappointed in the seats Honda has put in this car. I would not buy another.

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  Honda Odyssey vs. Seinna MiniVan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By eyedoc - August 24 - 3:19 pm

  My wife and I looked at these two vehicles when deciding to purchase a mini van. Others in the market did not have the build, drive, and quality of these two manufacturers. Comparing the odyssey touring edition without pax tires (do not recommend pax tires) vs. the sienna limited edition here are the pros and cons of each: Odyssey: Pros: Front load dvd player, good storage, middle seat in second row, better layout of buttons for opening side doors, power rear lift button (not a strap that needs to be pulled) Cons: Seats are not very comfortable, brakes not as responsive and strong, fuel economy