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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  My First Honda - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Donald M - September 26 - 12:22 pm

  I am coming to Honda from a 2013 Kia Sorento. I need a vehicle with more passenger room, and the Honda seems like a logical choice. While I love the room, comfort, and the extras...Honda is really lacking in the tech department without paying outrageous amounts. My base Kia UVO seems years a head of this Honda. For one, The initial voice is clear and loud, but the secondary voice sounds like an 80s answering machine. You are very limited in voice commands, like you cannot adjust radio or anything else, you basically can only tell it who to call. The phone interface seems to be for phones before the smart phone era, and hooking your iPhone via Bluetooth seems like you are losing a lot. I love my Honda but the technology or lack of it gives me second thoughts, seeing that it feels like it is 10 year old technology even though it looks awesome. One power supply and usb port in the front...and nothing in the back...really Honda! I hope there is a software update soon, or something, otherwise in 3 years, I will be looking elsewhere. I love the van...but technology is something you use all the time while driving and on trips.

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  Honda Accord 2003 2.4 L Engine - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - September 26 - 10:10 am

  These are some pretty reliable cars as long as long you take care of the maintenance on them. If you take care of your Honda, your Honda will take care of you. Use synthetic oil and change your oil every 5,000 miles and service the transmission every 30,000 miles. Your catalyst converter will need changing every 100,000 miles and you o2 sensors may require changing when every your engine light indicate changing of the o2 sensors. These are the basis requirement for keeping up your Honda and if you do this, the car will last you as long as you take care of the car. Miles on a Honda mean absolutely nothing but another mile just as long as you care for the vehicle.

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  After 3.5 years, finally realized I like this car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle - September 26 - 8:41 am

  I had a Mazda CX-7 prior to this purchase and had SO many mechanical issues. They all seemed to happen right after I went over 60k, so they werent covered by the warranty, go figure. I was anxiously waiting for the 2012 Honda CR-V to come out so I could get rid of it and say hello to reliability! I bought the CR-V in January 2012 and have just finally realized that I REALLY like it. Took me long enough! Coming from a turbo-charged engine, it was somewhat disappointing to drive at first. Very little pickup and I felt like I couldnt even get out of the way. Had to adjust driving style, but I just kept reminding myself that I no longer had to worry about it not starting or breaking down on the side of the road...trade-offs. I had Bose speakers in the CX-7, and the sound system was also less than par comparatively, although decent for what it is. The bluetooth was a nice new addition and the back-up camera is awesome. I had the battery issue everyone else seems to have, but it never completely died on me. It took a while to turn over a few times, which worried me because of the CX-7 fiasco, but it always started. We make periodic long drives so maybe the battery was able to get a good charge then? When I took it to the dealership for regular maintenance last winter, they told me I needed to replace the battery because the charge was really low. I didnt replace it b/c I thought they were just trying to upsell me something I didnt need. I mean really, who needs to replace the battery after only 2.5 years and 40k miles?! I wasnt aware of the battery issue 2012 CR-Vs were having at the time... At my last oil change they did a software update to fix the issue. I havent had any problems, but then again, its summer, I guess well what happens as it gets cold again. That brings me to the AWD...or rather, the RWD, since thats what it feels like. I havent gotten stuck in the snow yet, hopefully never will, but when driving in the snow it feels like the rear-end wants to come around and its a little scary having to compensate. And, DO NOT drive it in sand...we DID get stuck in sand, even after letting air out of the tires. We finally had to almost completely deflate them before we got traction and were able to get out. Overall, this is not an AWD vehicle, I tried. :) If you want that, I suggest buying something known for that, just be prepared for the gas mileage to adjust accordingly. The cargo space with the seats folded down is incredible. My family moved this past summer and I was able to do much of the small stuff on short trips. It fit so much stuff that I was more concerned about the weight limits than I was on the space available. Overall, this is perfect for what we need and the gas mileage is pretty good. On long trips we get 30-31 mpg and city I get about 24-25. Just whats advertised. I plan to keep it at least until our 10-year old starts driving...she can take it and then I will probably get something with real AWD capability and low gas mileage. :) Hope this review helps in the decision making!

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  Battery/air conditioner is problematic - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - September 25 - 11:15 pm

  Ive already replaced my battery one at year two. The mechanic said something about my driving, idling, extra usage of phone charging. Ive not changed my driving style in 40 years, and Ive never had to replace a battery before 4-5 years. The air conditioner has gone out every year. They dont say its a normal occurrence, but they dont admit that something may be wrong either. Ive always been a Honda girl, but after this car...I will research other cars.

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  Do not buy this car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Maggie - September 25 - 8:13 pm

  This is not a hybrid, do not pay the extra money! I previously owned a 2002 Prius but when it was up for renewal and had over 120k miles I thought it was a good time to trade it in. Thinking that Honda was a solid company I felt confident about buying the 2007 Civic Hybrid. It was the worst decision! Advertised mpg of 40+ I only get <27mpg - I could have spent thousands less for a regular Sudan with better gas mileage. The acceleration is also DANGEROUS with the IMA motor sometimes it will accelerate and then others it will barely move almost causing multiple accidents. Do not waste your money!!!

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  awesome car!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cindy.clark@u@gmail.com - September 25 - 6:29 pm

  just put my 07 fit over two hundred and still loving bernie !!!

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  2015 Honda Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Brittany Allers - September 25 - 5:59 pm

  I am currently leasing a 2015 Honda Civic from a local dealership. The main reason I decided on the Honda Civic was for the price. As a full-time college student, the low payments fit my budget. I had been driving my parents’ Honda Accord and wasn’t expecting the Civic to be that great. However, I’ve grown to love it. The responsiveness of the car is great. The steering is spot-on. It doesn’t overshoot or cut a corner close when steering unless you drive that way. The accelerating and braking are also amazing and has kept me from an accident or two. In less than 5 seconds, it can go from 60 down to 15 without loss of vehicle control. Overall, the driving is smooth and easy to handle. The interior is comfortable in the front seat. Don’t think about passengers as they don’t have much room for legs in the back. Another great feature is the fuel economy button which increases the MPG.

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  NOT EVEN 5000 Miles and SHAFT DRIVE issues! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ally - September 25 - 9:26 am

  My husband and I bought a 2015 Honda C RV Touring. We wanted the top trim, we thought we will get everything better! WRONG!!! The car besides the vibrations in idle, now is having an steering vibration after 70 miles per hour. Took it to service twice now, and the car keeps vibrating after 70 miles per hour. It had a weird knock noise in the rear axle and they discovered the drive shaft wasnt good anymore!!! My car is not even 5000 miles yet! The had to balance and do the alignment twice. CAR STILLS SHAKING after 70 miles/ hour. Now Im waiting for the drive shaft part to come, so they can "figure it out" again why the car is having this steering vibrations. I think I have a lemon and I will see if I can apply the law, otherwise I might trade it in for a KIA SORENTO. I know we will lose money, but I guess my patience and time are priceless! So disappointed!

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  Not a highway car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By DEEZ - September 25 - 4:57 am

  When I first bought this car I tool it back to the dealer because I thought the steering had a flaw. It was just the wind. Its very light and really gets pushed around on the road. We took it from Ohio to Virginia this summer and what a terrible trip. Its just not built to drive over 55. No acceleration at all. Also the headlights are very dim. The storage is great and MPG is better than advertised. I havent had any mechanical issues. We bought it for my wife to learn to drive, but the visibility with those little van windows and the tall seat placement is terrible.

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  2001 Electron Blue Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Jon - September 24 - 10:43 pm

  I have had my Honda prelude for just about a week now and I am just in love with it. I love having the rare blue color, as well as the already "hard to find" car. The V-tec is awesome and addicting! The seats are quite comfortable, but I wouldnt bring it on long trips with more than two people. It does take 93 octane, but it dosent cost to much to fill it up. You get average gas mileage, so dont expect it to be in the 30-40mpg range because it is about 27mpg. I have always wanted one of these cars and now I finally got one and it is a fantastic car! I got lucky and only paid $4000 bucks for mine with 134k on it, (usually theyre around 5 or 6). I highly recommend buying a prelude, I get looks everywhere I go. All the reliability of a Honda in a cool, fun, affordable sports car.