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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  Honest review after 2 weeks of ownership - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RobS - November 23 - 3:32 am

  After two weeks of ownership I have virtually no buyers remorse. I feel I must preface this review by stating that it is based in comparison off my previous vehicle, a 2010 Audi Q5 3.2, which was a great car with virtually no issues at 92k miles. This car is vastly different, but that is ok. It is big. In fact, surprising big for most people who have seen it. There really is a ton of room, recently taken 4 tall young adults and 2 parents on a two hour trip with no complaints, even from the third row. The ride is on the soft side, but I knew this was not going to a sporty small German SUV. You can feel the weight through turns but there is minimal body lean and the extra weight makes this thing a exemplary freeway cruiser. It is far quieter than the Audi and the chassis seems more solid with far less shutter with sudden bumps in the road. The interior materials are fine for the most part. I would have liked some wood in the touring model and the piano black gloss trim picks up fingerprints (and I foresee lots of scratches in the future) but otherwise things are soft with little ultra hard plastic. The engine and transmission combo is interesting but I dont find it as bad as some of the magazines have found it to be. Maybe I have a new software version but things generally run smoothly but, given the 9 speeds, it does shift a lot. I have found no issues during deceleration, but around 40-45 and 55-60, the ratios seem like they are too close. Unfortunately, those are common speeds and so if feels like it is searching a bit. The shifts are not abrasive, just frequent. The first gear is also really tall and takes some getting used to. I have found the eco mode to be way too blunted and has earned the nickname "grandma mode" only to be used cruising on flat highways with cruise control on. With eco off, things are fine but you do have to dive deep on the pedal to get any real acceleration. I do wish the sport mode was more sporty. It doesnt seem to alter the throttle response much and just seems to want to hold 2 gears lower than it normally would. In the Audi, sport mode would totally change the demeanor of this vehicle. Increase throttle response, make more aggressive shifting, and hold the appropriate gear longer (and not forever). You can kind of replicate it with the paddles, but I do miss how the Audi was tuned and its too bad here, because this has a great engine. The only regret is probably not splurging for the AWD. The power pretty easily overtakes friction under load and there is mild understeer. I do get great mileage (averaging 26mpg) in mostly SoCal freeway driving. Thats 2 mpg better than I was getting in the Audi. The infotainment is fine, but would have been better with at least one knob for volume and power. No Android/Apple play is a bummer in a vehicle this new and expensive and even though it uses a android based system, the ability to add apps is limited to what Honda will allow you to install, which is right now limited to iHeartRadio. I would love to install Waze or Pandora or access one of the app stores from the browser. Overall, its a great vehicle with some small quirks but hits a sweet spot with size, capability, and performance. They will likely sell a ton.

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  309000 and counting - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Frank - November 22 - 4:49 pm

  I bought this car use it had 34000 miles on it and now it has 309000 its still running very good but it does burn some oil Ive never changed anything but Tires and Brakes and the oil.

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  Nice Ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sonny - November 22 - 10:58 am

  Dont Likes -------- Drivers side split mirror - What was Honda thinking ? In an EX L a drivers side mirror should match the passenger mirror. The mirror is distorted and is just plain stupid. No power seat for the passenger - really , just stupid Black Carpet - my wife hates it shows everything Leather seats are average in comfort , thicker padding would help and maybe a little wider seat for overall comfort Arm rest that driver and passenger have to share needs to be bigger , its just to small and thicker padding needed & also could be larger for much needed storage A Power rear door release & closing feature should be an option in the EX L model & work from the remote or from inside Likes _____ The CRV handles nicely , has plenty get up and go , very smooth shifting and a nice quiet ride - with no vibrations at any speed. Havent had any snow to test the AWD feature, but I use to drive my daughters 05 CRV in 2 -3 feet of snow with ease, so Im sure our new CRV will be excellent in snow Blue Tooth seems clear and easy to set up and no drop offs as of yet , others on the other end say the signal is very clear Gas mileage is 24 - 25 around town and around 30 - 31 on freeway the ECO button is cool , but only have 200 some miles on the CRV so hopefully the gas mileage goes up. Nice to be able to check the real time MPG Very easy Vehicle to get in and out of Im 6 3" and plenty of head room , this is my wifes CRV and she really likes being up higher while driving We drove the Rav , Encore , Subaru , Mazda ( I liked that Mazda 5 especially the cool center knob that serves as the main control ) but wife liked the CRV and probably overall the CRV was the best vehicle we tested Hopefully I can find a way to get a different drivers side mirror installed Ill be installing color coded side moldings, door edge cards and a cool tail pipe extender, parts arrived today and will sweeten the looks as well as give much needed protection. Later in the summer Ill install a rear spoiler

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By befit - November 22 - 9:36 am

  Have driven 500 miles in my 09 FIT (5A). Love the sport mode and shift paddles, but am settling into the Auto mode for higher MPG. Get 42 MPG on pure highway. 26-3 2MPG in mixed rather hilly driving. Seats and ride are nice & firm. Reasonably quiet on highway. Stereo and the Ipod connection are great. Luggage space and the magic folding rear seats are truly amazing for this size car. Overall, I love the car - cant wait to start it up in the morning.

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  1st Honda Ive owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By suzees - November 22 - 9:26 am

  I just bought my 1st Honda. My last car was an 02 Toyota Camry. I really liked that car and it was difficult for me to decide between the 07 camry and the 06 accord. I bought the accord due to its exceptional interior, its quality, and the price I received. I very much enjoy the sunroof, the leather seats, the xm radio, and the interior in general. The only thing that I miss with the camry is the smooth ride. The Accord is quiet and smooth until you go over bumps, and its more rougher than Im used to. But, I think it will be easy to overlook that with all the other fine features of the Accord.

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  fun and comfortable - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sandcanyon - November 21 - 11:06 pm

  I have had no problems - it is comfortable, completely reliable in hot and cold weather, and very fun to drive -- trying to get the highest mpg is a fun challenge (when Im not in a hurry).

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  06 Honda accord coupe - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JIMBO - November 21 - 10:00 pm

  I truly love the vehicle. Extremly well built. If there was a con to the vehicle it would be slight road noise.

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  Love my CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rmking - November 21 - 5:30 pm

  was initially looking at the new HRV but for the incentives, overall cargo space and look and feel of the CRV I received much much more. Very happy with my car.

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  Best car I ever had - 1997 Honda Civic
  By SMHuskie - November 21 - 2:00 am

  7th year with this car. I bought it new in 97 and have put 160000 miles on it. It has never had a major problem and still runs like it has 30,000 miles on it. Still no creeks, rattles or clunks and the car is still more firm feeling than any American car I ever owned. I made it 90,000 miles on the original tires, 150,000 miles on the original brakes (and still had some left to go). Im itching for a new car but this one acts like it can go another 100,000 without breaking a sweat. Couldnt ask for a better mode of transportation- cheap on gas, insurance, tires and Ive put 10 lumber in a 2 door coupe (thanks to the 60/40 fold down). Just awesome!

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  No regrets!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By lung doc - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Lives up to the hype. Looked at Ford Explorer and Chevy Tahoe. Honda handles better, gets better mileage and comes in at a cheaper price. Interior layout is great. Everything is right where you want it -- this is clearly a very well thought out vehicle.