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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  4 Months later and love it - 2014 Honda Civic
  By ripp1582 - August 23 - 4:03 pm

  First new car and I have no regrets. Averaging 35 mpg, build quality is good and car is plenty powerful. Two tier dash takes some getting used to it but no issues now. Back up camera is awesome and so is Bluetooth.

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  First Pilot, Early Review - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By hiphophawley - August 21 - 7:35 am

  We got our pilot about 1 month ago. We love the interior room, and it tows boats great. The rear cargo area has plenty of space with the rear row of seats folded away. Gas mileage has been consistently around 18, with mixed city and highway driving. Best mileage was about 24 hwy, worst mileage was 17 towing, not on highway. I will update the review as I have the suv longer.

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  The Best car you could ever have if you needed one made in 2008 - 2008 Honda Civic
  By hiker323 - August 19 - 2:58 pm

  I want to write this with tears because this is the most reliable car that I have owned and yesterday I found out that it will be loss. A week ago my car was sandwiched between two other vehicles. It provided the best protection one could ask for. My back is gone and my front is damaged, but I have remained completely safe. If you choose this car it is reliable, safe and will protect you well. *though my car is gone, I want you to know how safe this car is & that it will protect you.

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  Gee, ours does 43 mpg! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By theczech52 - August 18 - 10:09 pm

  Hi, I dont understand all the Civic hybrid bashing. Our 09 battery has never gone bad, and in FACT our second reserve car is an 05 Civic Hybrid at 148,000 on its original hybrid battery and averages 40 mpg! We dont garage either car here in upstate N.Y. Why are all of you having so many problems? Neighbors comment how good these cars look in our carport!

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  I love my minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By ebeaudoin - August 16 - 2:00 pm

  My wife and I bought this as a Honda Certified car 4/8/2014. A week later, our first baby was born. Let me just say that a minivan is the absolute best vehicle for a family. We bought an Odyssey LX in Bali Blue (gorgeous color) that I took in on trade at the Honda dealer where I work. At the time, I was hoping for some more features (tri-zone climate control, power sliding doors) but over the past few months, I have just been so pleased with this van! Weve only put about 5,000 miles on it, but Im really impressed. The A/C works great, its easy to park, smooth and quiet on the freeway, and the engine has plenty of power. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  I came from a 430HP M3. And I couldnt be happier! - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By crzducatiman - August 13 - 9:26 pm

  Yes, I sold my 08 BMW M3, which was a beast. But I got sick of spending $73 for gas 2.5 times per week on my 55 miles to work. I got the CR-Z because I wanted a hybrid but still have some fun. The car teaches you how to drive efficiently. Its like playing a video game while driving. My 1+ hour commutes are over in NO TIME now. Not because Im going faster, but because Im having more fun. Its awesome. (This is also because the CR-Z EX has an AMAZING stereo. Sound is unbelievable. The EPA estimates on MPG are WAY off. I just got over 53 MPG the other day in economy mode! I love that I can drive in econ mode but hit the S+ button for full electric power to pass!

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  Hybrid + 6-speed Manual = Perfect Car - 2014 Honda CR-Z
  By seagrey - August 12 - 12:56 pm

  My husband was dying to get back to a stick shift. I refuse to buy anything with less than 35 MPGs avg. We both wanted fun, comfort, and style. Answer: the CR-Z. It took us two years to be able to buy one since we do need one car with more space, but as a second vehicle for commuting and weekend errands, its perfect. We had to work out a weekly trade-off to avoid fighting over who got to drive it. It took a little getting used to because it is small but it hugs the road beautifully. The side mirrors are built smart for better visibility and even the base model includes a Google Glass back-up camera (I miss it when driving our other car!). Bottom line: we LOVE it!

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  2009 Accord 4DR EXL 5M - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jodar96 - August 9 - 3:13 pm

  Purchased the car in Nov 2010 with 37K miles. It currently has 54K miles. It looks and drives great. It consistently gets 34-36 mpg on highway driving at 70mph. The feel and ride are great. Road noise is excessive and unacceptable. I just bought a 2009 Mercedes RWD E350 Sport. The road noise between these two is like night and day. I have had zero issues with my Accord. No rattles and squeaks that some complain about. I do have the power steering whine that even at 40K mile, I was told it was not covered. It costs $500 to replace the power steering pump. The Michelin tires are original and have worn well and evenly. I will keep the Accords for several years to come.

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  Buyer beware of not being able to access Navi while moving - 2014 Honda Accord
  By froggers - August 8 - 1:53 pm

  Turned in 2011 leased Honda Accord V6 and picked up the 2014. Everything is really outstanding except for the navigation system. We were not aware or advised that it cannot be fully accessed while the car is in motion. This is really bad, since the passenger is disallowed as well. The voice commands dont work well for us, and its a lot more distracting. This is a real deal breaker for us, and I wont be getting any more Hondas, unless this changes. The menu system is a lot worse than the 2011 model and a lot more difficult to navigate through the commands with a lot more extra steps. Also the center console has less storage space and is less convenient.

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  Bringing fun back to the family sedan - 2014 Honda Accord
  By ikemacon - August 6 - 9:59 pm

  After test driving what some automotive magazines ranked as the top three automobiles in this class (Mazda6, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima), the Honda Accord Sport pleasantly surprised me by overtaking the number one pick for those same reviews: the Mazda6 iTouring. Having been a former Acura Legend owner, I felt right at home again behind the wheel of the Accord. The Sports numbers outperform the Mazda not only on paper, but in driving tests as well. I felt solidly in control at all times behind the wheel of the Accord, even with electric power steering. Active noise cancellation helps to quiet the cabin as well. Fantastic car all around!