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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  Excellent Reliability, Great Performance - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By kopper65 - March 18 - 12:07 pm

  Bought this car used two years ago (2012) with about 80k miles on it. It had had the timing belt replaced already, so I felt pretty confident that this car would last a while before any major mechanical failures, and, so far Ive been right. Absolutely no problems in the two years Ive owned it, just normal maintenance costs, including new tires. I really love how it drives... its peppy, handles excellently well, and I love driving it in the snow. I sometimes wish it had a bit more power for acceleration, but not often. I typically just drive it at the speed limit and see gas mileage in the low 20s. Overall Ive been very happy with the car and dont plan on getting rid of it any time soon!

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  Fuel pump fails @60K - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rss9 - March 16 - 7:15 pm

  I am the first owner of this car. The tires were replaced in 18K. The fuel pump fails at 62K. I am not sure HONDA is maintaining quality. Dealer is trying to sell extended warranty informing me lot things can go wrong.

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  Great combination of power and fuel economy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By clintonk - March 15 - 9:17 am

  This is not your average fuel sipping hybrid. In order to see the fuel savings dont use the horsepower and stay at or below the speed limit. Also, unlike other hybrids, this car excels on the highway. With a trip in ohio from east to west with 51 miles rural highway and 84 miles interstate, I averaged 45.1 miles per gallon at the speed limits posted. town mileage with short trips less than 5 miles average 17-20 mpg and urban traffic is around 30. In November 2013 the IMA light started coming on with 135,000 miles I took it to the local dealer for a diagnostic, Battery Deterioration plus an update for the Hybrid system. the update has prevented the IMA from coming on since the update.

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  4 cyl CVT vs V6 AT - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jgtx14 - March 13 - 11:48 am

  I test drove an EX CVT and a EXL V6 back to back before purchasing the EXL V6. The EX interior was not near as nice as my 2011 EX interior, very plain, no wood trim, etc. Also, the CVT does a great job and isnt noticeable, until you need power. Then it revs up and hangs there at high rpm until you let off. These were issues for me so I went with the EX-L V6 (which is a totally different driving experience)

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  EX-L V6 - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jgtx14 - March 13 - 11:37 am

  Just purchased new last week. Was able to get $ 5500 off of sticker price, due to negative comments by Consumer Reports regarding the V6 models reliability. Yes, the car doesnt ride as smooth as a luxury vehicle. I am fine with the ride, feels sporty. Lots of complaints about the ride quality, dont buy it if you dont like it...No, I cannot feel any vibrations from the 6 when 3 cyl are deactivated (Fixed for 2014??) Yes, the car is a bit noisy at HWY speeds but quieter than my 2011 EX. Seems quiet around 40 but wind and road noise present at 65 +. Yes, HandsFreeLink needs work! Not intuitive and functionality limited. Difficult to set up speed dial, etc.

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  An awesome blend-- - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By 20gauge - March 12 - 5:33 pm

  I had a 2006 Mini. Same MPG as my CRZ but used premium. The CRZ has proven to be more practical for stuff than the Mini was for me. Traded the Mini in 18 months on an Prius. 50 MPG--but--BORING !! No driver connection at all. Makes the CRZ feel like an Elise! My CRZ is base with a CVT-- BUT paddle shifters and sport mode and this buggy can zoom down a twisty country road with great aplomb and put a smile on an road course instructors face too. I have been getting 38-42 MPG per tank as well. Ive tested the Fiesta, Focus and some Asian itty-bittys. The CRZ is much sportier as a momentum car, not a point and squirt car like most car magazine reviewers want. I just wish it was RWD.

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  Good van/ expensive to own - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By donovan7 - March 12 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased my 2006 Honda brand new off the lot. I have had the van for 8 years and put on 75K miles. The first 50K miles were great. No issues and then the expense: Engine Mount $1,000, Sliding Door repair $350, Axle/boot issue $600, A/C repair $450, steering box $250 and not to mention putting on my third set of tires at 75K miles. Normal repairs such as brakes, fluids etc but to be expected.

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  original owner & will pass on to my 5yo son - 1993 Honda Civic
  By dextersinister - March 11 - 3:52 pm

  I just had the bushings replaced on my 93 Si hatchback last week. That, combined with the strut replacement last year, has my Civic driving like new. And it has 266k miles on it. Mileage has always been great. Only wear and tear issues over time. Clutch replaced a few years ago. Engine gaskets and hoses all replaced a couple years ago. All done by great local mechanic. Never any drive train issues. I change the oil myself every 3k miles. All the Si options still work too - moon roof, power side mirrors... I dont drive it super easy - combination of aggressive city driving and road trips. I look forward to it passing 325k and letting my son use it in 10-11 more years.

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  Great vehicle, poor seat comfort - 2013 Honda Accord
  By chanchu1 - March 9 - 3:41 pm

  We bought the Honda accord knowing that its reliability and quality build would not let us down. We commute 180 miles daily, to and from, all highway miles. In the first year we put 50K on the vehicle with zero issues. The vehicle gets great gas mileage as advertised. The down fall....Not only are the seats hard, they have a c type curve design with no lumbar adjustment. For shorter individuals as my wife, the head rest would constantly keep her head leaned forward. She eventually began suffer from back and neck pain. At this point we decided get rid of the vehicle. Other than that, a great vehicle.

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  a great hauler - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By zman34 - March 8 - 10:36 pm

  My first minivan due to kids. We left an x3 to get the van, as a left over from previous model year. Hard to beat for camping and any trip with the kids. Comfortable and peppy for a vehicle well over 4000 pounds. Leaking rear shocks at 50000 were a bit expensive. Warranty replacement of wheel bearing and piece of the steering pump. At 70000 now with no other issues. Mpg socks but you are pushing a heavy box through the wing. .. What do you expect? The variable cylinder management is a joke for Mpg improvement. With the volume of these cars sold, I am not surprised there are a few issues reported here. My mazda 3 have been bullet proof to 70,000, still made in japan. Odyssey in A