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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  Very happy - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bethany Glennon - April 4 - 12:33 am

  First new car, first time Honda buyer. VERY happy. Absolutely love the space in the car. The technology is amazing. Do not have the DVD package, wanted kids to actually interact with me in the car :) LOVE the Honda Road Readers - can download books onto my iPhone and then using the bluetooth, we can all listen to stories. My favorite!

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  Same as always, but with leather heated - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Burckhardt - April 3 - 12:20 pm

  LOVE my CRV third one in five years. So Happy with the leather seats. But, when we they ever change the damn windshild wipers to be like the ones in Accord. Driver needs to be able to adjust the amount of time between wipes. Also why is the gas cover release soooo out of the way. why not on the doo?? LOVE the CRV but still donr see the MPG I thought Id see.

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  6 spd Accord Coupe - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cstiles - April 3 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned several Accords and this one has more power and refinement, and is the largest version Ive owned. Lots of power with the 6 spd, and the car has a great balance of style, performance, and (so far) reliability. Highly recommend the V6 coupe with the manual transmission.

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  Always Dependable - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jessica - April 3 - 8:15 am

  If well cared for, this will continue to be an reliable vehicle. After about the 10 year mark, the plastic/rubber cosmetic features (on my particular vehicle) started to dry rot and the ceiling fabric began to sag a bit. Ive had to replace the passenger sunvisor at least twice in 10 years (due to some combination of extreme temperatures and user errors.) The vehicle has a low clearance, so front bumper damage can be easy to acquire for inattentive drivers. Around year 7 of ownership, the lights on the dash indicators started inverting colors (or showing how much fuel you DONT have rather than how much you do); theres a particular logic to reading the lights (on my particular vehicle) when they malfunction that is relatively easy to figure out. The stock speakers cant always support audio played at full volume; Ive replaced at least two speakers.) This does not impact the drivability of the vehicle. All that said, I love my Civic and intend to keep it for as long as it will last. :)

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  Value pack Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jon - April 3 - 7:50 am

  ItÂ’s a nice sport little car for a good price. It is very comfortable but only comes with the bare essentials. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a car that is economical and fun to drive.

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  Transmission Control Module - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Marissa Solomero - April 3 - 4:42 am

  When I had owned this car for about 90 days when I was leaving TopGolf the dashboard warning lights were all flashing and then the car transmission had locked and I could not put my car into drive. I had to tow it to the dealership where I bought it and they reviewed the car and found the TCM had been disconnected so they reconnected it and I went about my day. Then the error occurred again during a move and drive down to Florida. When we stopped to fill up and I turned on the car the issue happened again. The part apparently needed to be completely replaced because the pins meant to keep the TCM connected had been faulty. Please be aware of this and HONDA please place a recall/replacement on this issue. Several other people I know have had this same issue on brand new Civics. Being stranded and in need of a tow is dangerous and frustrating. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!!!

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  Transmission Control Module - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Marissa Solomero - April 3 - 4:42 am

  When I had owned this car for about 90 days when I was leaving TopGolf the dashboard warning lights were all flashing and then the car transmission had locked and I could not put my car into drive. I had to tow it to the dealership where I bought it and they reviewed the car and found the TCM had been disconnected so they reconnected it and I went about my day. Then the error occurred again during a move and drive down to Florida. When we stopped to fill up and I turned on the car the issue happened again. The part apparently needed to be completely replaced because the pins meant to keep the TCM connected had been faulty. Please be aware of this and HONDA please place a recall/replacement on this issue. Several other people I know have had this same issue on brand new Civics. Being stranded and in need of a tow is dangerous and frustrating. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!!!

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  All we expected and more. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By jack speers - April 3 - 3:14 am

  Dealership was honest and straight forward. Money off at year end!

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  Went Green to Save Green! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Sommie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We traded our Honda CR-V for a Civic hybrid to help offset the price of gas and so far so good. We have probably saved at least 2 fill-ups per month and have been averaging about 45 mpg, which sure beats the CR-V perfomance by more than double.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MW - April 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had a lot of cars (Honda Element, numerous Subarus, Ford Explorer, to name a few) and this has been my all around favorite. It rides great and drives good. It has great room for passengers front and back. It has good storage. I purchased my CR-V 10/06 and as of 9/07 I have put 42,000 miles on it. I have had no problems and have averaged 26 MPG. I have gotten as good as 32 MPG on a flat road trip at 60 MPH. I cant imagine a better vehicle for the price.