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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  Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Kenny - January 20 - 2:33 pm

  Bought the car used at 40k miles; been driving it for 4 months. Gas mileage is a little shy of what I was hoping for... getting 24 mpg average; however, it suits my 2 car seat life style nicely. Immediately upgraded the cloth interior w/Classic Soft Trim leather and the car looks brand new. As I read the other reviews, several things stand out as true; wind noise above average, low beams are low at night, rattles and bumpy ride is evident on less than average roads, and the cruise control works to hard...after hitting resume hang on, because the respones is equivalent to you mashing the pedal to the floor. Overall, sexy family hauler w/$3k in upgrades; leather interior, tires/rims, etc.

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  Gas Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard - January 20 - 10:36 am

  Just received the EX-L on July 2nd. First gas mileage was 19 MPG (mixed). The first highway MPG was 28.8. Air temp 70F, speed 62-66 mph, small rolling hills, with a light load. Starts and stops can be much smoother than with my 2000 Subaru Outback, (220,000 miles). The all-windows-down when unlocking and many safety features are great. For example, if the sliding door window is down the door will only open 75%. I plan on the van lasting 250,000 miles.

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  We love our Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jingold - January 20 - 9:00 am

  We absolutely love our Honda Fit. We havent experienced any problems. It is very comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone who asks. It is a fun, safe, reliable vehicle with a lot of cargo space.

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  Dont believe all the great reviews - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jason - January 19 - 10:47 pm

  I had really high hopes for this new Ridgeline, but after driving this vehicle for the last 8+ months I can say that its a real disappointment especially compared to the previous generation. I had a 2008 Ridgeline that I really liked, but the new one is nothing like the previous generation. The new Ridgeline just doesnt have that nice solid feel that the previous generation did. The biggest issue with the new Ridgeline is stability. The steering is over-powered and light feeling as well as being overly sensitive to the road surface. This leads to a lot of road vibration in the steering wheel. Some reviewers have stated that there isnt much feedback from the road. Since driving this vehicle for 8+ months, I can say that its not that you dont get much feedback. Its that you get the wrong feedback, and too much of it. Small insignificant road imperfections (small bumps, small cracks, etc) cause feedback into the steering wheel where you would expect to not even notice. I will concede that some of the steering issues that Ive stated could be due to the lousy Firestone tires that come on the truck. The suspension is just on the edge of being bouncy, so when driving it feels a bit like floating around on the highway. This leads to the truck being very sensitive to even light breezes making driving on windy days very difficult. Other poor design issues: When coming to a complete stop, the truck rocks back and forth about 10-12 times before becoming motionless (which is weird as Ive never experienced this on any other vehicle), the heated seat switches look and feel like they came out of a vehicle from about 20 years ago, many of the safety features are intrusive (such as the Collision Mitigation Braking System...if it worked better it would be ok), the entertainment system is a bit clunky (its running a VERY old version of Android), the rear hvac controls are located with the main hvac controls (this doesnt even make sense especially in the RTL-E which is the trim level that I have). The biggest build quality issue that Ive noticed is that both front doors are not mounted straight (its not noticeable on mine unless you look closely, but once I noticed it I see it every time I get in the truck); however, there were a couple of others that have been corrected by the dealer (including something that was broken). On the positive side, the truck has a comfortable ride, the seats are comfortable, the technology is much better than previous gen, the look is much more truck-like, the brakes are pretty good, the engine is pretty good (although it could use a bit more low-end power), the transmission is pretty good, better fuel mileage than the previous Ridgeline.

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  Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Patrick - January 19 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first Honda and I have had it a little over a month. It has plenty of pep for a 4-cylinder, doesnt lag too much when accelerating I am looking forward to years of trouble free maintenance and reliability, both major factors in deciding to purchase the Accord. Estimated mileage is OK, currently I do 60% city 40% highway and I average 24- 25 MPG. I know the car has to be broke in, so hopefully I will see closer to 30 in the coming months.

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  The Best - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Minor - January 19 - 1:54 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned

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  gas guzzling civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By kenny white - January 19 - 11:03 am

  My 2008 Civic lx with 3500 miles is getting 25 mpg. My 2004 Odyssey gets 20 and 22 mpg. I do not like the 5 spd auto. It gets on my nerves shifting up and down. It replaced a 1994 escort that never got less than 29 mpg the entire time we had it. And the shifter doesnt stop till d3. I do love everything else about this car but I will never buy another Honda. We will trade this car as soon as we can afford to unless the mpg goes up to 30. Oh yeah, the paint will fade from the acid rain and for an extra $500 they will cover it for 5 years. I have been very happy with my salesman and service rep since 2004. But if I want new untested improvements that may or may not work I will get a Honda!

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  Best working car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ausome working car - January 18 - 12:53 pm

  This car is one of a kind I got mine when I turned 16 and Im still loving it. I have not once had a problem with it whatsoever. Its real quiet too when youre driving unlike other loud cars. The gas by the way is amazing - I cut a lot of money off spending for gas because this car does a good job on it. Also if you like to work on cars for shows this civic is the ultimate car to do it to. I installed subs, neons, lambo doors, suicide seats, interior neon, and put things on the motor for speed. It is a great car to work on.

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  Great Car, More Reliable than Domestics - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Webb - January 18 - 3:43 am

  For those of you looking to buy a new vehicle, the CR-V is the way to go! The acceleration is adequate and smooth throughout. Fold the seats ahead and the back becomes a great roomy area for dogs. It handles great during inclement weather, very stable with a smaller chance of rollover than larger SUVs. Honda made a wise decision by not increasing the size of this car as so many have done!

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  Cant wait to trade it in! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Scott - January 17 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 4th Accord and 6th Honda. I was excited when the new body style came out the interior space was a welcome improvement. I have been so disappointed in this car, I dont know where to start. I had to replace the rear brakes at 20K miles. I called Honda to complain, but they did nothing but send me a customer survey. The interior noise is almost unbearable unless you are driving on new blacktop. The 4-cyl is ok at highway speeds, but if you need to accelerate quickly from low speeds or a stop, forget it. Just hope the other guy has good brakes!