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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  Most bang for your buck! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lou - January 30 - 7:43 am

  I evaluated the Toyota and Scion models prior to purchasing the Honda Civic. In the end, it was the build quality and my previous knowledge of Honda reliablity (and a great deal of homework and test driving) that resulted in this Honda sale. I enjoy the peppy drive of the manual transmission and the gas mileage is great (so far, 31mpg in mixed driving). If you read this, stop, and go buy one, you will not regret it! It is truly the biggest small car you will ever find.

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  05 Accord V6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tom - January 30 - 6:53 am

  Bought this vehicle to take a six week trip across the country. Went in the middle of August and returned the end of September. This vehicle was so comfortable we never were tired even after logging 900 miles in one day. Also, the V6 performed admirably and we averaged just over 30 mpg for the entire trip of 9,000 miles. At one point in South Dakota while using the cruise control (@75mph) we averaged 34 mpg. This is a beautiful car in every aspect and really fun to drive.

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  Love my Pilot, not so much the service dept!!!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Denise Bertolone - January 30 - 4:51 am

  the radio in my pilot is terrible. We took for a test drive and noticed the quality of the sound was bad. It kept cutting out and fading in and out. The salesperson said it would be no problem getting the problem resolved.....that was over a month ago. Still waiting....still calling....still getting no answers.

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  My Silver Bullet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Flyerniki - January 29 - 11:10 pm

  I bought this Honda Accord EX/V6(MT) Coupe after owning 3 Mitsubishis. Needed a sporty car with the room of a sedan. This was the one. The back seat is actually comfortable. My only regret, that I didnt get the nav system. Spend the money and get it. 90 MPH feels like you are floating and dont forget the 6th gear... it is there for traveling. Super fun to drive, my husband loves taking her out every once in a while. She has been across the country 3 times now and done beautifully all 3 times. My husband drives a Jeep and when he stops for gas I still have half a tank and it takes 87. Overall, love the car and would recommend it to anyone!

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  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  Pretty fun, cool car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike - January 28 - 10:33 pm

  I just bought this car after my 1999 BMW 328i had some mechanical problems. I am super pleased with this car. Fun to drive and very fast. Would definitely recommend this car to everyone.

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  I love my Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lovemyhybrid - January 28 - 2:20 pm

  Great car. I get about 46-48mpg on average each tank of gas (I reset the calculation with each fill up) during my daily commute which includes some city stop and go traffic and some highway driving. Keep it on "Econ" feature most of the time. It picks up great when getting on the highway and passing. Smooth transition when stop and go (although it was jumpy when I first got it. Not sure if my driving changed, or if it had to go through a breaking in period). Only problem is that it sometimes rolls back if you stop on a steep hill, and you need to take the econ button off when going up a steep hill. Concerned about what this will mean in the winter. I love passing and parking next to Priuses.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rob - January 28 - 1:13 pm

  Bought the vehicle in May 2008. Two weeks into having the vehicle a slight grinding noise started to occur after starting the ignition. As the weeks passed the noise became louder. Took it to get serviced and they replace the starter. Two days after picking up the vehicle from being serviced the same noise started to occur again. Its back at the shop and waiting to see what happens next. It may just be bad luck. Another issue I have is the acceleration. There is a 1 sec delay when accelerating. If your trying to move on the highway give yourself some time. The 4 cycl is sufficient but Im sure a 6 cycl would provide better acceleration response.

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  Excellent car!...FUN to drive - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brian - January 28 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Accord a month ago and already logged 3,500 miles due to a long trip. Therefore, I have spent plenty of time in the car and can say it lives up to other positive reviews Ive read. Hwy mileage was 30+ MPG and hovers around 23-25 in city/hwy mixed driving. Onto the features...the interior finish is terrific and seems way ahead of the competition. Navi sys is precise and integrates audio, climate control, and other settings into its functionality . Most importantly, this car is VERY fun to drive. The car moves in any gear, and takes off when pushed above 4K RPMs! There are sportier-handling rides, but it is still very responsive, yet comfortable on long trips.