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 not living up to reputation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By quietrider - June 9 - 4:23 pm

  After my disaster with my first car, a 94Â’ Ford Thunderbird, I decided to listen to my friends who told me of HondaÂ’s legendary build quality. What I found with this CR-V was that it drove well and has a nice design however, they did a lousy job with the air conditioner unit. It went out first in Â’04 after only 31,000 miles on it. Then it went out again in Â’06 when I had over 90,000 miles on it. Today 6/9/2007 it has gone out again. Other then this problem it has been a great vehicle.

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  Civic HX 5 speed/2003 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By knarf - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Very poor engine performance. Primarily in 4th and 5th gear get a degree of engine hesitation, stumble and at times surge. Difficult to do maintain 60-65 on highway in top gear because of the total lack of throttle response. Have to depress throttle 1/2 way to floor before I hear engine tone change and feel any acceleration. Am getting 37-39 mpg, well below rated 44mpg on hiway where most of my commute is. Would appreciate any response or comment on this issue

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  My New Ride - 1997 Honda Accord
  By MilesB - June 6 - 11:37 pm

  I recently bought this car, and I must say that I am VERY impressed. It has 145,000 miles on it, and it still runs like a dream. I honestly couldnt ask for more in a used car.

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  Bad Brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JayinPhilly - June 6 - 3:23 pm

  I loved my Accord until at about 250 miles the brakes began to squeal. I took the car in and the dealer said there is nothing wrong. It is now at about a year later the brakes still squeal and the dealer is telling me I need new brakes. The stability control system causes extreme brake wear is what the dealer is telling me. Honda refuses to do anything about this. I am a long time Honda driver but I will not buy another, my last Accord lasted 45K miles before new rear brakes were needed. Nice car, bad brakes bad VSC system.

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  More than a little disappointed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By SO109 - June 6 - 8:40 am

  Many more rattles than I figured from the highly "Acclaimed" Honda. Velor interior starts showing wear at less than 10,000 Mi. Right now, Im sorry I bought it. Dont think Id buy another Honda. Well see how well the dealership stands behind it.

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JD NJ - June 5 - 4:24 pm

  The CRV has been a good car until recently. I agree with the other reviews which say that the car is fun to drive, decent gas mileage, power, etc. Minor problem began when it was two years old. It developed a rattle on the front right side and odd tire wear. Dealer still claims that they can not find a problem. Interior parts started to break through normal use and rubber matting on dash started to peel up. Now I am dealing with the A/C compressor failure which Honda denies is common in the 2002-2005 CRV. I hope that Honda will pay for A/C repairs 100% to help restore my confidence in them.

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  hONDA - 2000 Honda Civic
  By KMB - June 4 - 10:00 am

  GOOD EXCEPTGOING FROM DISTANCE DRIVING TO CITY, I LOVE IT BUT HATE THE NEW ACCORD

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  Reliability 1st.........Performance 2nd - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Zorin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The title says it all. This is a Honda and expect it to perform well over 200K miles if its taken care of. The ride is excellent for a small car. Most cars of this size are relatively bumpy for this price range. The performance lacks though! Acceleration begins avout 3K RPMs and above. Unfortunately the stick shift was not offered in a 6 cylinder until 2003, and a stick was what I wanted. Gas mileage is about 25 city and 31 hwy.

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  Great choice for a small family - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sahi - June 3 - 3:30 am

  Good choice if you have one child and have occasionally visiting family. Gas mileage is decent in its class. Doesnt feel like I am driving a SUV .. handles like a car.

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  Function and form over performance - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Drew - June 3 - 1:25 am

  I was focusing most on function in my next vehicle, and since I do a lot of highway traveling, this car is basically ideal if you want any significant cargo capacity without sacrificing MPG. Looks good as well. Pros: 1) Amazing gas mileage. My actual mpg is significantly better than even EPA. Average 33.5 so far, but get 36 plus on highway at 70 mph 2) Interior is well done and cargo capacity for a vehicle this size is excellent. Recent emergency required loading of commerical dehumidifier, 4 carpet blowers and large wet dry vac and everything fit fine. 3) CVT is better than I expected and I dont have any droning issues unless under full acceleration 4) Handling is better than my 2010 Rav4, but not to CX-5 levels (but close). 5) Back seat legroom is fantastic given the size of this vehicle. Only real sacrifice you give up in space is the width of the seats. 6) Radio and bluetooth work great Cons: 1) Road noise - While wind noise is minimized, there is a shortage of dampening material. Rough roads and rain come through fairly loud for a honda, but its not to the level of annoyance. 2) Merely adequate acceleration. While it doesnt impact or bother me, if you are looking for great acceleration or easy highway passing, this probably isnt the car for you. MPG advantage, in my opinion, more than makes up for it. I understand the EX-L with paddles improves this though (I have the base LX version) 3) Material quality - compared to older vehicles, the quality of the cloth for seats and carpeting material are less. However, on par with other cars and compact SUVs in this price point. Thin so potential wear problems. Need to invest in mats, car seat covers and trunk liner to preserve them. 4) Inability to add a hitch at this point.