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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  Best truck Ive ever driven - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nathan E Cieminski - September 3 - 9:53 am

  This is by far the best truck Ive ever driven. All the features and safety ratings are top notch. You couldnt drive a better truck. The tailgate alone with the extra truck space is amazing. The sound system and navigation is top notch.

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  Honda Forever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By David - September 3 - 9:07 am

  Went from being a Honda owner, to being a new Chrysler (nightmare) owner, back to Honda. My Honda (aside from maintenance) has never had problem 1. My daily trip to and from the office is something I always look forward to. Its comfortable, roomy for its size, handles wonderfully and even has considerable kick under the hood. I know that the guy in the Mustang GT who took off from a standing start must have been pretty bummed to see a Honda directly behind him in his rearview mirror. No lie. It lives up to all 240 horses. Go Honda, you will not be disappointed.

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  Smooth ride with good mpg - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite - September 2 - 9:39 pm

  I bought the glacier blue ex awd for 23,200 out the door (base price of a little over 22,000). The ride so far has be ok... Pretty smooth transmission. Getting around 23.3 mpg in mixed highway/city driving. I owned a 2004 accord 4 cyl before, which basically is the same engine. Yes, the engine is kind of small and I feel and hear it. When car is sitting idle the engine noise is louder than Id expect for it to be, and when the AC is on, its really loud.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dmoney03 - September 2 - 5:52 pm

  The first year I had it, I drove it over 23,000 miles. It is fun to drive, but the long trips arent the most comfortable for a 6 guy. Fuel economy is around 31 mpg on the interstate and 25 mpg around town. I keep it well maintained. That might be the reason for such mileage. It has plenty of power and response. It does seem to be a little heavy coming around the corners, but it will hold the whole way. The only complaint I have, is the rattle in the rear speaker deck from the sub and speakers. My personal opinion is, get the lip kit. It makes it look so much better and aggressive.

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  258K--almost 16 years! Love my Accord! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jen Accord - September 2 - 4:48 pm

  2001 Honda Accord V6 with 258K miles and little or no repair needed except 1 mount is 1/2. Otherwise, I want my car to last another 250K. I had heard the 2001 Honda Accord 4 cylinders were lasting 500K but not the V6. Kept up with all maintenance and I believe thats the key.

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  WINNER CROSSOVER CLASS INAUGURAL REBELLE RALLY - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Meli Barrett - September 2 - 3:21 pm

  The 2017 Honda Ridgeline was our chosen competitor vehicle for the Inaugural Rebelle Rally this past October and we took 1st Place in rossover class. We were entered in the crossover class because of the Ridgelines unibody construction and its All Wheel Drive. This did not limit us at all! We had a blast driving this truck from Lake Tahoe, Nevada down 2000 km offroad to the sand dunes of Glamis, CA. The entire time this truck was a champ. Ours is called Goldie and she handled like a dream. We were on all types of terrain from flat packed dirt roads, double tracks, open desert including lumps of vegetation to maneuver around, rocky inclines and mountain ridges! We drove in washes and gullies, dry lake beds and OHV trails. We saw parts of the country unseen by many and our Ridgeline capably got us there! We were impressed, but not at all surprised! Everyone who had a chance to drive Goldie during our training, fell in love with her abilities! Not only did we outscore our closest opponent by 140 pts, we finished 4th overall (36 teams) and we finished second, by two points, behind the winner of the bone stock award which was given to the stock vehicle with the most earned points. We loved this truck so much, we are taking her back for round two, this coming October! We had to haul spare parts, camping gear, 2 pair of MAXTRAX, a spare offroad tire, safety equipment, air compressor, luggage, snacks, tools, maps and navigating equipment, a driver and a navigator and there was plenty of room for everything we needed just by putting it in the cargo area with the rear seats lifted up, and also within that beautiful in bed trunk!! Some serious separation anxiety happened when we returned back to our real lives, but while we were a rally driver and a rally navigator, and Goldie was our third teammate...we loved every minute of being a team! If you want further information on the Rebelle Rally, please visit rebellerally.com. I hope to inspire other Ridgeline owners to take your trucks off-road, off the beaten path and most especially just out of the driveway to explore and adventure together! See you in the dirt!!!

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  95 Honda Accord EXL - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Vadim - September 2 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 with 138000km (85000 miles). It is summer of 2009 and car has 370000km (230000 miles). It obviously has its problems, needs repairs. But I got my money worth... that is for sure. Overall very reliable if maintained . I had radiator break (replaced myself), regular maintenance repairs. Engine and transmission are original... would recommend to anyone.

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  Impressive Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DJ - September 2 - 11:56 am

  Bought this car Dec.31 2007. Waited for five months to write this review. Have 3200 miles on the odometer. No issues. Silky smooth ride and drive. Daughter took it out and had a small ding on the right front fender. Cost $917 to fix - issue - integrated piece with headlamp. Beauty is expensive to maintain :-> Impressed by the headlamps and the interior layout. Radio buttons is a bit overwhelming. Audio quality is very good.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By CHK - September 2 - 10:06 am

  Bought the car in 2006 when it had about 150,000 miles - have made many trips from PA to NH and back with never a problem - this car has never let me down. It now has 215,000 miles, and Im looking to take it to 300,000. The only service Ive had to do is routine maintenance, and repairs that were a result of my own dumb mistakes. Great car!!! Looking to by buy another car in the next couple months - this one will be another Accord. Thanks, Honda.

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  Great Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sam - September 2 - 7:23 am

  Was in the market for an RTL-E but ended up buying a Black Edition based on a great deal I received. Ive put about 1,000 miles on the truck so far, and overall Ive been very pleased.