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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  Great Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Domenic Calabrese - March 21 - 1:12 am

  we love our SUV!

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  First Accord - Somewhat Disappointed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Marc - March 20 - 4:23 pm

  Perhaps my expectations were too high. I have owned three Acuras, which were of higher quality. And three Mazdas, which required no warranty service visits. This car required three warranty service visits before the 18,000 mile point. One for a blocked drain and a rattle in the dash, one for a protective cover in the wheelwell that fell off, and one to turn the front brake rotors that warped at 7K (mostly highway) miles. One of the reasons I paid a premium for a Honda is to avoid these multiple service visits. The brakes are weaker than they should be, and the handling could be somewhat more crisp. I find the ride quality to be comfortable.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Laura S McQuinn - March 20 - 7:23 am

  I love my Accord, it is comfortable and has the power I want. I felt safe on snowy roads, it is an easy driving car. I have a ittle problem with the feel of the brakes at times. I cant put my finger on it, maybe "spongy" is the best way to describe how they feel sometimes. I hope that this not a problem with the brakes. I am enjoying my Accord, both driving it and looking at it!

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  Love this car. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Igor - March 20 - 3:26 am

  Bought it via internet, at invoice price, after extensive research, and it did not disappoint. The AWD really came in handy during 2005 NYC snowstorms. The car looks great, drives great, very nimble, excellent visibility. Acceleration is a bit slow, but then it is not a sports car. Very comfortable, too, and spacious cargo area. And it is very resilient due to its bumper style: we had an accident, the other car took heavy damage to both right doors, we just got a couple barely noticeable scuff marks on our front bumper. I love this car and during a year of driving it, I never wished I bought something else.

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  Brakes squeal - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tk2572 - March 20 - 2:20 am

  Nice car but the front RT brake started to squeal. Dealer reports no Honda fix to the issue yet. Still trying to get everything replaced until it is resolved. Also poor gas mileage, averaging 20 mpg in rural driving. Other than that it has been fun to drive so far. Do notice the VCM kicking in and out , could be smoother or perhaps a bypass to go into full time 4 or 6 cylinder mode.

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - March 20 - 12:43 am

  Each time I drive away in my lil Fit, I feel as though Im in on a well-kept, wonderful secret! This tiny car delivers in every way. I researched a lot before purchasing and am so glad that I didnt spend 10k extra on the alternatives. No need. The interior is spacious with great flexibility. On level ground, pick-up is good though not so hot on hilly terrain. Large windows are nice, however interior heats up a LOT when parked. Cargo room is fantastic. This car is very zippy and loads of fun to drive. The price point makes it a real winner, especially given Hondas great reliability and safety crash ratings. The Fit is guilt-free, fun driving at its best!

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  great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sgast - March 19 - 3:26 am

  I have 45,000 miles on my 2003 EX V6 and I have no complaints. I shipped the car to England where I am driving it now and have been on three vacations to France, Germany and Italy and have been amazed with the power that the V6 puts out. Very few cars can keep up with it on the Autobahns. I have gotten on a average of 26 miles to the gallon while averaging over 100 MPH. The stock tires have held up well and the brake pads still have plenty of life. The only complaint is that the suspension is fairly soft but that should be fixed when I replace the stock shocks with some KYBs that I have on order.

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  Expected Better Gas Mileage - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JVM - March 18 - 11:03 pm

  I absolutely love the way the car handles. It feels like a sports car. At first glance, I did not like the new dash, however, it really grows on you. The only item I was disappointed in was fuel mileage. I was expecting at least 30 to 31 mpg in city/highway driving, but I am only averaging 27/28 mpg. I do drive for fuel economy; so hopefully when the car is broken in more, the mileage will improve.

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  Touring 16 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Mountain Time - March 18 - 5:53 pm

  Drove the new Honda Accord and Civic. The Accord is really nice but the Civic was just more comfortable for me. The Touring model has every option anyone would want except for blind spot monitoring on drivers side. That would have been nice. Driving the car in mixed driving, I got 38mpg on the first tank. That was calculated. The car was saying 40. Not bad considering the my 2015 Prius was 5 mpg off. The power of this car is nice. The drive is very comfortable. I can see this car getting 42-45 on the highway. Not bad at all since my Prius only got 46. The fit and finish of this car rival the luxury cars. Honda hit a home run on this one.

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  Boring but useful - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By nzhong - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Boring and cheap instrument panel design, but great interior design in term of usability. I wish the seat is a little sofer. Anyway, it is a good value for I bought this big car EX-L for $28700. The tailgate window can not be OPEN!