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:
Showing 3051 through 3060 of 31,869.00-
Buy this car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
By Brian & Judy - May 5 - 5:33 pmBought this car new in 2000. I had owned Honda cars in the past and trusted them to be reliable. As of today (5 May 08), my trusty CR-V has nearly 150,000 mile on it and still runs perfectly. All I have done is change all the fluids regularly and drive it gently. I changed the timing belt at 100K, but other than that, it has never been in the shop for anything. Still has the original brakes. Paint is still in good shape, too. I like the fabric seats. Tons of space in the rear. Easy to clean. Id buy another in a heartbeat, but I dont think this one will ever wear out.
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Woeful gas mileage, fun to drive - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By albert - May 5 - 2:46 pmBought a Ridgeline RT June06 and very satisfied with the features and driving experience. But the gas mileage is awful. Drove to vegas back and forth for 300 miles and got just over 18 miles/gal. In our area where there are lots of driving up and down the hills - 12 miles/gal. I may have to install a bed cover, hopefully it can minimize drag and saves fuel.
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Buyers Remorse? - 2008 Honda Accord
By jt007 - May 5 - 11:56 amTraded in my Oddysey for better gas mileage and more comfort. So far not super impressed with gas mileage, and comfort, well lets just say my dealership just ordered a new seat cushion for me today. I feel like somehow a Civic LX seat ended up in my loaded Accord. I drive 50k plus miles a year, and am not sure if I will make it even 6 months if they cannot solve this problem and soon. Comfort is my only real complaint. I am 61" tall, 210lbs...not overly large. Seat feels like it cuts into my left leg on long trips. I highly recommend driving this car more than down the street before spending this kind of money! Other features are wonderful. Gas mileage will surely improve, hopefully.
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Very Practical Ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
By Bob - May 4 - 9:59 pmGreat Utility vehicle and super reliable. I cant believe how much stuff will fit in the back with seats down. I practically remodeled an entire house without needing a truck.
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Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Sylvia - May 4 - 6:43 pmI bought this car in 2007 and Ive gotten nothing but compliments on the design. Smooth ride but weak power on acceleration/. My car mileage on highways is typically 28.1 mpg and 27.8 on city roads (based on 87 octane). Seats could be more comfortable as they are a bit stiff, esp for long distance driving. Love how the back door opens up, not sideways, like the RAV4. One of my complaints is that I have to turn off my front lights manually--does not turn off with the engine. Also when you drop anything between the 2 front seats-around the console, its extremely difficult to find/retrieve whatever you dropped. Overall, its a great-looking car with good gas mileage.
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Souring On This Model - 1998 Honda Accord
By angelcake - May 4 - 2:00 amLoved this car until it hit about 80K miles, had to spend almost $2000 in emissions repairs, the "check engine light" still comes off and on, fuel injection problems, acceleration problems, had the catalytic converter replaced to the tune of $650.00 and to top it all off, both of the heating/AC knobs broke off. I am not hard on cars at all, so there should have been no reason for this. Several other owners of the 98 Accord LX have had the same problems. Probably will not buy another Accord after this.
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My Honda Accord experience - 2009 Honda Accord
By Jbow - May 3 - 10:56 pmThis is my first Honda. I am happy overall and hope to get a lot of miles out of this car
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My oh my - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By JAN - May 3 - 10:43 pmWell, I wish Honda had been a little more truthful in their mpg est.the sticker said 16-22 mpg. real life= 14-16. just awful. I also tow a pop-up trailer w/this van and even though it is rated at 3500 lbs. w/the tow pkg,it still has a difficult time pulling 1400 lbs. Am currently looking for a different vehicle. But for someone who doesnt care about gas efficiency - this van would do fine. It is comfortable w/a car like ride. However, the handling is a bit sloppy.
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Great car but no 3rd row air - 2008 Honda Pilot
By New Honda 2008 - May 3 - 8:44 pmI looked at GMC Arcadia, Dodge Journey, Hyundai Veracruz, Toyota Highlander and bought Honda Pilot SE. 3rd row seating, awd, and dvd were the main features I was looking for. I went on an hour long trip today with the kids in the 3rd row. They were complaining it was too hot. To my surprise, no 3rd row air vent? Disappointed but I guess well eventually figure out the right temperature for everyone in the car.
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Questioning Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
By ASIANGIRL - May 3 - 6:36 pmI was so happy when I first got my new accord. Soon after I bought it, I started experiencing some issues. First my remote didnt want to work most of the time. Then even when I didnt press on the gas it would start gassing while I was in park. Then I had to replace my rear brake pads. I have kept up with my service but when I start the car it makes a rattling noise. I owned a 94 Honda accord before this and I was never disappointed. Wondering if I should just trade the car in to protect my family.
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