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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  3600 miles in one month. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sean Evans - June 19 - 2:43 am

  I drive a lot for work. And this car is almost perfect for the job. 1. The car literally can almost drive itself. 2. Seriously...The adaptive cruise control is amazing in stop and go traffic. It even comes to a complete stop. 3. The lane watch technology follows the striped lines on the road. Steering is required. 4. I set a beep to warn to brake for being to close to the car in front of me. 5. And the lane departure helps as well. The cars technology is decent. The apple play is convenient but they added to many other options to connect and its just in the way.

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  Great overall car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Accord_guy - June 18 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had this car since 2002, six years later and still have had no problems with it. I drive in the city, as well as long 400 mile trips. Car looks great, gets 35 mpg on the highway, 29 combined. It now has 210,000 miles and still runs strong and reliable. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Nice, but not a "sport" sedan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Chris - June 17 - 7:06 pm

  All the normal great things you get from Honda, good design, comfort, reliability. The engine is powerful and smooth, and the 6-speed transmission adds some sportiness. But dont fool yourself, this car is sill a Honda Accord. Youre not getting a "cheaper" sports sedan by going to the manual. Doesnt handle like a Buick, but leaves something to be desired. The car needs a better handling package, upgraded suspension with wider tires and upgraded brake system.

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  Anyone else with transmission issues? - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By stressedoutdad - June 17 - 7:01 pm

  After several years of owning Toyotas, )95 Camry, 01 4Runner, 04 Matrix), we traded in the Matrix after we realized we couldnt get three car seats in the Matrix. We found a certified 02 Odyssey w/ very low miles. (my wife cried, knowing that she was driving a damned van). Other than being drab gray, its been a good vehicle. Having a bunch of work to do on my 4runner, I traded it in, and we leased a new 08 Odyssey EX. Weve had it for 4 months, and have had it in the shop three times for a transmission issue: it CLUNKS, then the "D" light starts blinking, and the van continues to shift rough. To be fair, the dealership has given a rental (this one a Sienna! I might trade)

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  Safest Car Ever! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mangel - June 17 - 12:14 pm

  My car is so great because there it has rear air conditioning for the back for my kids.

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  Great ride - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By MontrealDave - June 16 - 3:09 pm

  We received our Pilot LX 2WD May 30 after returning our Mazda MPV. I have to say not having a minivan is nice. I dont think we sacrificed anything except indoor parking. The width of the Pilot is about 6 inches wider than our old van was but is a much finer vehicle. Still good for carpool but has the added power needed to accelerate and overtake. On the whole, with all incentives, this was a great purchase. I think it looks nicer than the new 2009.

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  Major Oversteer Problem - 2007 Honda S2000
  By KW - June 16 - 1:28 pm

  I have lusted over the Honda S2000 ever since it arrived on the scene. I have had a 91 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce and a 96 Mazda Miata. I love my new convertible except on the freeway. Driving above 60 mph scares me and I feel like Im going to lose control of the vehicle around freeway bends. There is major fish-tailing involved and I oftentimes struggle to regain control of the vehicle if I am driving anywhere over 60 mph. In Texas, driving less than 70 mph on the freeway is a death- sentence.

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  why i chose honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By loren steinfeldt - June 16 - 2:00 am

  After having 2 American-made cars, I love my Honda. I feel safer, and, after much research, it was the best value I could afford, offering the most standard equipment and perks for the price.

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  My family luv this pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By barok - June 16 - 1:17 am

  We leased this 2007 pilot 4wd LX. I break-in this SUV very well so now I can get 0-60 mph w/in 6 seconds. MPG is average for an SUV. Driving is great, especially in the snow, but not in dynamic actions. A lot of noise in rough roads, but like riding on a boat while in highways.Engine and transmission are great!

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  Fun car to drive - 2006 Honda Element
  By Don - June 15 - 8:31 pm

  I find the Element very reliable. The best car I have ever driven in snow. The only thing I find that I dont like is that the front seat become very uncomfortable on a long trip (anything over 50 miles). I would like to find out what the max. towing cap. is. I was told by a salesman (Salem, NH Honda) that the tongue weight can be no more than 1500 lbs. but I could tow over 2500 lbs. Is this true?