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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  Likeable, Except for A/C Compressors - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Galvdude - June 27 - 11:54 pm

  Bought certified used @ just over 50k miles counting on legendary Honda reliability. Pleased with majority of vehicle, including tire and brake wear, so on with the bad. As of yesterday, 2nd A/C compressor failure. First at around 55k under certified warranty, second 104,500, no warranty, but Honda is covering parts only. Blower control switch has dead spots, not covered when found under certified period, not worth $ for control panel yet. Intermittent auto up and down driver side window. Paint chipping off hood rapidly. Overall potentially the most expensive to maintain and repair out of 35 vehicles (4 have/had 120 - 210k miles w/out A/C problems) Ive owned save for the cert. warranty.

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  Great engine terrible seats - 2006 Honda Accord
  By aggiex - June 27 - 10:29 pm

  I traded in an F150 for my Accord for gas mileage. So far I am completely satisfied with the performance and mileage of the 4cyl. My biggest complaint is the front seats are rock hard and the lumbar is too high and not adjustable. I spend a lot of time driving and have constant back pain from the seats. Despite the impressive engine, I wish I could get rid of the car already because of the seats. My other complaint is the brakes are extremely touchy and lock up very easily when wet (from rain, etc.).

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  Hesitation when accelerating - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DianeO - June 27 - 3:29 pm

  This car is just okay. My Toyota Sienna had better & more features, but I no longer needed a van. The worst thing about this V6 Accord is the acceleration. When I press on the gas, I expect a car to go. But just when I need to accelerate to get into a tight spot on the freeway and I "punch it", it hesitates. That hesitation has caused many near misses.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By pauldan - June 26 - 9:46 pm

  went from truck to this car,ride is great,acceleration is super Most fun Ive had driving in years. Front seat heater switches should be moved, always being put on accidently Thats my only complaint. Great car

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Not a happy camper! - June 26 - 5:23 pm

  I have only had the car for less than a month and I have filled up at $40 + 5 times so far. My R/T to and from work miles is 60 per day, I filled up on a Sunday night, drove to work (commuter lot) 27 miles away and return on Monday, missed Tuesday, and Wednesday and I am already at 1/2 tank. I must go back to the dealer. I am not getting even 16 miles to the gallon, something must be wrong. Tested with no air, windows closed, sunroof closed and at about 60 miles per hour and its like the gas is just leaking out somewhere. Dont buy this car if you have to commute!

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  Nice for a smaller SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Midwest - June 25 - 5:16 pm

  I have enjoyed it over the past year. It rides well and has tight steering. Brakes are a bit sensitive. The only problem I have had is a burning rubber smell from the rear wheel well on the passenger side when driving through the mountains and have actually seen smoke once. I see others have had the same problem under different road conditions but know one knows why this happens.

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  Beware The Roadnoise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Benton - June 24 - 7:43 pm

  While this is a pretty neat auto the road noise will take away many points. We traded a 2004 Ford Explorer on this car mainly because of the horrible road noise we got with the Ford. We have a neat new auto with almost the same tee same level of noise. We did not notice on the 2 test drives as both days were extremely windy. The dealer now tells me that there is no insulation on this vehicle as it is considered in the Civic family. We were told that the top end Accord and Oddessy would have insulation and be much quieter. Great! The fuel economy is not that great for a 4 cylinder either.

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  Im sticking with Honda - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Karen - June 24 - 4:09 pm

  I love this car! It goes in the snow quite well and gets great mileage. Ive had this car for seven years. Problems have problems with the trim (inside/outside) heat shield keeps falling off-power windows seem to be questionable and manifold was found to have a crack in it within one week of the 80,000/8 year and was fixed for free by Superior Honda of Uniontown. The service from the dealership has been excellent. The A/C seems a little sluggish to me but all in all I expect to have this car for at least another 8 years so long as the snow and salt dont do it in first.

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  The Fit fits! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By ZZZDMD - June 24 - 12:53 pm

  Just picked up a beautiful white 2016 Fit EX, only have a couple days driving it, but great so far. As far as Im aware there was little to no change from the 2015, since it was completely redone at that time. I love the styling, the EX level tires and wheels look great. Im not a big fan of Firestone tires in general, but these seem just fine. I dont need nav, and the leather seating and heated seats were not important to me. The trim upgrades from the LX model add the right amount of niceties - wheels, sunroof, better sound, bluetooth, cameras, keyless, etc - really offers a great value for the money. So far in town driving is getting 33-34 mpg. Im excited to see how it improves as the engine gets broken in. Rear seat comfort and room seems really good, as well as cargo room. My two teenagers fit fine in the back. Three smaller kids would fit fine too, but if you have a carseat, fitting two more back there would be a squish. I guess I should say its perfect for my needs (I haul medical equipment around Phoenix metro, the cargo capabilities are more than adequate for me). Honda did a great job with this, there are a few nitpicky things, but as a whole this car is fantastic. Cons (in my opinion) - When driving, even with the shiny, well thought-out facade, its obvious that its still a subcompact economy car underneath. Its not an Accord, or even a Civic (but I new that going in, and im fine with it). Honda did a good job with muffling sounds, but the doors still close with a slight tin-can feel, road noise is pretty evident, ride is pretty firm and a bit choppy over bumps, and the CVT does drone on initially. My old trusty 2005 Civic has a plusher ride, but to me its not a deal breaker. I do worry a little about seat comfort on long road trips, im 61" and could use even one more inch of legroom while driving. The most annoying thing for me is the lack of volume nob. I really thought that would be the least of my worries, it does bother me more than I thought it would. But if this is the worst thing then ill be just fine! Overall an excellent economy car. If you are shopping, make sure you drive one to get the feel of it. I highly recommend!

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  Who didnt love the Ugly Duckling?" - 2007 Honda Element
  By Pam - June 23 - 10:31 pm

  Okay, when my Dad owned one in Silver I totally thought it looked like a toaster. He raved about it, so when the lease on my 2004 Grand Cherokee was up I thought what the heck (always been a Jeep girl) Test drove the Element and the CR-V and to be honest the CR-V was teeny inside, my husband is 65" and he has plenty of room, so do my two boys. I love the ease of a rubber floor with two kids and the special order stain proof fabric on my EX. But most of all Mommy loves cranking up the tunes on the killer stereo system. Super fun to drive & own. Better than any Jeep I have ever had, more fun to drive, better gas mileage and AWD if I ever need it!