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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  Ours has had flawless reliability - 2015 Honda Fit
  By nau - March 12 - 12:19 pm

  The Fit has been what we expected. We have had absolutely no reliability issues so far. Our blue EX-L was built in July, 2014 and we purchased it in August, 2014. It now has over 13,000 miles on it, and all weve done is change the oil.

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  Windshield - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Becky Haley Wilson - March 12 - 10:14 am

  Love my 2012 Pilot I traded in a 2007 Pilot and love it also. The only problem I have is that in the 3 months that Ive owned it, I have 4 chips in my windshield. I didnt have one on the 2007 windshield. Driving the same roads at the same speeds. Is this due to the way the windshield slope or lack there of? Just curious if anyone else has this problem.

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  Excellent commuter car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By cme4brain1 - March 12 - 7:01 am

  I needed a commuter car and did lots of internet research, and it came down to the Mazda3 or this Honda, but the Toyota corolla would have been a fine choice as well. The mazda3 had better mileage and was a sportier driver, but the seats were hard and uncomfortable for me putting my thick wallet in my hip pocket. The Honda seats are way more comfortable and the ride is a tad softer. It is a well made car with great fit and finish, moreso than I would expect (last econobox I bought was 15 years ago).

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  Blue tooth/home link - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By sharynk - March 10 - 8:48 pm

  I hate the hands free. So far the car has been evaluated and 2 microphones replaced, 1 blue tooth, speakers. I still have garbled voices on both ends. When connecting the noise is also garbled. I called the service department from my car and I was asked to call back on a land line. What is wrong with this? I realize this is not necessarily the service departments techs as they need to follow proticall but but but. I cant be the only car with this problem. I know Im not. Hope I can get this resolved. I have had a few honda pilots and I now am very unhappy,

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  Love my Honda accord 08 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Luis Gerardo Cervantes - March 9 - 9:05 pm

  I dont have any problems with this accord love the way it drives have Hondas since I was 16 years old now Im 32 and keep buying Honda and Acura Im in love wit) this cars

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  Safe, comfortable and easy to drive and like - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaconvert29 - March 6 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased our CR-V new on 8/2014 after donating our 2002 Mazda MPV minivan which we purchased new and had over 170,000 miles on. The big jump in technology and efficiency has been great. The airy feel of the CR-V interior is an easy transition from our old minivan. Even the armrests built into the seats is reminiscent (though I think the 2015 doesnt have that feature anymore.) Gas mileage has ranged in the upper 20s on mixed driving. The engine is very smooth and relatively quiet and road noise seems reasonable. (More quiet than our old car.) We really looked at and wanted to like the Mazda CX-5 to stay in the Mazda family, but we found the interior to be cramped and dark.

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  Love, love, love my Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Gemma Kanzler - March 6 - 3:42 pm

  I have the Pilot EX-L w/RES. I dont have any children, but I like to do a lot of whitewater trips and I bought the Pilot because I can sleep in it, carry a lot of people for shuttle and carry a lot of boats. I have equipped it with a Thule rack that fits onto the already beefy luggage rack bars. Im thinking the RES will come in handy on boring car trips. Ive had it for 8 months and am loving the comfort and having just weathered 2 big snow storms, I can attest it is a beast in the snow, considering it doesnt have true 4wd. Mileage sucks, mostly because of my daily commute being stuck in stop and go traffic. When I get out on the open road, I have gotten 22 mpg.

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  EXL Sedan great value - 2014 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - March 5 - 7:46 am

  This is my 74 car !! Went back to a Civic Exl from an Accord sport 2013 I guess I like smaller cars. I see some complain about gas mpg and this is all about your right foot. the Accord could range from low 20s to well over 40 as to the Civic, high 20s to 41 42 when being careful. Love the keyless entry , blind side, the car really has great features, and has a sporty feeling. Plain and simple this is a lot of car for the money !!!!

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  A Terrific Compromise - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By George Falkowski - March 4 - 12:30 am

  With rise of gas prices, driving a true SUV became totally impractical even though thats what I preferred since the late 1980s. My last car was a Ford Fiesta and I loved it, but the small size began to worry me. I still drive a lot, so giving up 38 mpg on the highway was an issue. After much searching, I bought a used 2010 CR-V with only 13k miles on it. Ive owned it for 18 months as of this writing and have been quite pleased. It gives me the higher ride of an SUV and a solid 25-27mpg on the highway. Its seats are comfortable (an off-and-on bad back here). Theres plenty of room for storage and passes the all-important "two hockey bag test" with plenty of room for the family.

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  The Best Kept Secret - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgelineva - March 1 - 11:21 am

  I loved the smooth ride of my old Odyssey but wanted a truck (62"). My Honda dlr just got a trade-in gold 2010 Ridgeline. Score! Quiet, power sunroof, power drivers seat, in-dash Nav, dog-proof leather, power rear window (no squeaks), quality bed liner (up over sides) w/built-in HIDDEN & DEEP trunk (no leaks), gate opens 2 ways, chrome running boards, dark wind/rain guards on windows & hood, roof rack (I added), easy 4WD button, rear cargo lights, low front running lights (I keep on always), open feet area to switch drivers, quality 6-CD sound, V6 handles full load of people and heavy stuff. Handles GREAT on highway snow/ice (even not in 4WD). Get one!