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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  Upgraded from Outback - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded my wifes 2009 Outback LTD in. The Outback was a good wagon, but the CR-V quieter, roomier with better pick up and better MPG.

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  A Very Good Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By John - December 3 - 6:57 pm

  Traded in a 99 Accord, which served me well, so I was looking for the equivalent. My coupe has ample power, excellent handling, good fit and finish. The cloth seats are reasonably comfortable, but would have preferred the looks and feel of leather. The ride is smooth and quiet, transmission shifts smoothly, and the brakes are very responsive.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Phil - December 3 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my coupe in April, after having 2 Accord sedans (91 and 01). Both earlier ones were 4 cyl 5 speed manual. I decided for the 6 cyl manual. The dealership made the purchase FUN and the car is awesome. My mileage (mostly highway, 70 to 80 mph) is in the high 20s and the performance is great. It is NOT a race car, but Ive yet to have a performance or handling problem. The AC works well (100+ degrees) the windshield wipers work well in heavy downpours it doesnt leak. The only complaint is the inside of the windshield and rear window attract a deposit which is difficult to clean off and returns in a few days. I really enjoy the car!

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  After 3 Years, Still a Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Austin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car new based primarily on safety and reliability rankings. Havent had to test safety, but reliability and quality have been excellent.

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  Do not buy! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By itz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Do not buy this car. Honda does not stand behind their products. The car will not get the mileage that is quoted at all. Previous years models have an error with the controller arms that destroys the tires. You are better off buying a prius.

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  Used 06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTrider - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this Ridgeline in 1/09. Quality is outstanding. Have put 25K on it. Took a trip to LA and averaged 23.8 MPG on the Freeway. I would buy another used Ridgeline. Rides very smooth and is fun to drive. Easy to see what is around you and is not noisy. Maintenance seems to be pretty normal compared to other vehicles. Even had my 17 year old 115 lb daughter change the brakes in about 30 minutes. Has 67K and feels like it will last another 200K. It has no rattles or squeaks.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By joe4prez - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot. Only issue after 25K miles is a new battery replacement, which was done under warranty. The car has a comfortable ride and great seating capacity, which with carpooling we fill up every day. We love the DVD player, though on the freeway we have to turn it up to MAX to hear it. When taking on a heavy load (like once we loaded it with boxes of books)the rear of the car bottoms out. Sunroof is a little too slow to open and close. Other than that, a near perfect car.

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  Better! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie Wannabee - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought a Touring Elite 2011 on 11/22/10 with only 2 miles on the odometer. Traded a 2010 Touring. Love to explain but there wouldnt be enough space. Read the reviews here and other sites. Some reviews were real negative and became cause for concern. This van is better than previous Odysseys we owned by far. The stereo on the Elite is a thing to savor and the technology loaded aspect a true delight. None of the criticisms about how bad they ride, the soft ride, etc. Better built (rattle very annoying on the drivers side door previous van here, in the same harsh road, totally silent). I think for the money this one beats all competitors. The Touring Elite is the best investment. Worth it!

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  Lots of Space, But Not Fun to Drive - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I chose this minivan over an SUV after much begging from my wife, who liked the space, practicality and fuel efficiency. I regret the purchase. Car has lots of space, but the 5-speed models still have lots of road noise. Car is fuel efficient but not much better than SUV considering this is a 2 wd. VCM spends too much time fumbling with how many cylinders you need, which results in an unpleasant drive and a lack of confidence in the cars ability to accelerate at times. 3rd row access is just as bad as in an suv especially when you have car seats in the 2nd row. Honda technology/electronics are not as intuitive or impressive as in cars like the Flex. SUV with a roof rack is a good alternative

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  Another Great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ben B - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded in an Acura on this car and feel like I stepped up to a more enjoyable experience. I drive a Ridgeline and the dealer experience is one reason we bought the Accord. They do a great job. Have previously owned Accords (1996, 2002) and also have two Civics in the family. Im a 30 year dealership Service Manager (never with Honda) and now have only these trouble free cars in our garage. Fun to drive and the V6 helps when merging with freeway traffic.