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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  Awesome Civic - 2014 Honda Civic
  By civicman4 - August 4 - 3:40 am

  I purchased a 2014 Civic LX sedan with the CVT transmission in July 2014. Have owned it for about 1 month and currently have about 1000 miles on it. Love it so far! Averaging about 35 miles per gallon and getting about 400 miles to the tankful! Power is adequate for most driving conditions and the car is fun to drive. Seats are very comfortable and this car has a ton of features for the money (I paid $16,700 not including tax and license). If youre looking for a safe, reliable, economical car, this is it.

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  Honda Accord Sport is an excellent car overall! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jwh204 - August 3 - 9:10 am

  Just purchased my 14 Accord Sport in June - have 2,000 miles now and a couple of road trips taken. Excellent handling car with great road manners! My 94 Accord coupe was my best car ever - this 14 continues that tradition of a solid, well built and handling car. The CVT is great and unobtrusive - the computer simulates a conventional automatic. Great MPG and very responsive throttle. Supportive seats (love the power seat and lumbar) and a very spacious and comfortable cabin round out the package. I traded out of an 11 Altima and its the best choice I have made. No complaints about this car other than a suggestion: the Sport needs a better sound system with more speakers...

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  2015 Fit EX 6 speed rocks! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By johnd15 - August 1 - 4:31 pm

  We owned a 2007 Fit Sport 5 spd and upgraded to the 2015 EX. Great car! Great value. Car feels more solid and substantial. Much nicer interior. Still fun to drive, awesome fuel economy, roomy for such a small car, plus so many new extras. Wife loves the moonroof. We are averaging 39 mpg and hit 47 mpg highway! Thats hybrid territory. 7" LCD screen, multiview back up camera, side view Lane Watch camera and other goodies put our 2011 Highlander Limited to shame.

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  besthondaever - 2014 Honda Accord
  By lovesmyhonda1 - July 28 - 1:31 pm

  This Honda is the best Honda I have ever owned.it is a thrill to drive. The sport mode with the shifter paddles makes it drive like a manual transmission. It has plenty of power expecially using the sport mode. It has a sporty feel while driving it. It really hugs the road. The seats are really comfortable and the material is awesome. I love the carbon fiber. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and feels awesome. The tinted glass is really nice. I have nothing bad to say about this car.

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  Our Favorite Honda Yet - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rtaz - July 27 - 7:48 pm

  After three Accords, dating back to 1994, my wife and I purchased our 2014 CRV. My wife is the primary driver, and she loves the higher seating position. Also, both of us find the vehicle to be very comfortable on long trips. Weve put on 4K miles in the first 2 months weve owned it. The mileage isnt great as far as what is available in vehicles today, but for a new AWD vehicle, it gets in the high 20s. Our best mileage was on a trip returning to Phoenix from Show Low, Arizona where we got 32.5 mpg, but it is mostly downhill. Some reviewers find the 5 speed automatic to be outdated, but we have found that the unit works just fine in this application. We love our CRV.

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  Powerful and Comfortable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By gdheart07 - July 26 - 12:23 am

  I am on my second Odyssey. The first we sold thinking our 06 Civic would serve our needs with our 5 kids on their own. One vacation to Florida and we now own a used 07 Odyssey - just like our first one. Service the vehicles by Honda and use only Honda fluids - especially in the steering, braking and transmission systems - and such problems will not exist. A lower grate is available for protection of the a/c condenser. Battery - the Odyssey has a lot of electrical assy. I replaced my battery with a DieHard. No more battery issues.

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  Good all around vehicle - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gdheart07 - July 25 - 11:50 pm

  I own a 92 Acura Vigor and a 2007 Honda Odyssey along with my 06 Civic. Contrary to the complaints that I have viewed here, our Civic has been a champion. The handling fits between my Vigor and Odyssey. It handles crisp like my Vigor without the stiff ride. It gets 40 mpg with the a/c on at 77 mph. I just replaced the rear brake pads at 74,000. It is only on its second set of tires. Knock on wood, Ill keep it as long as it continues to perform like it has.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2014 Honda Accord
  By car57 - July 22 - 11:03 pm

  My wife and I just put 600 miles on our new Accord Touring on a road trip through the mountains. We drove up to an altitude of 12,000 ft. The roads were full of hills and curves that would have been perfect for a driving a Porsche or BMW, but we found ourselves more and more impressed with how solid the Accord handled and felt. It had tons of passing power, yet still averaged 35 MPG overall. Consider us impressed. I have had nearly a dozen high-end European cars over the past 25 years and the Accord comes surprisingly close to their level of build quality and features. Im not sure its worth spending the extra 20 grand to get the satisfaction of knowing other people envy what you drive.

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  2014 Accord V6 Touring - 2014 Honda Accord
  By accordian2 - July 20 - 11:58 pm

  In May of 2014 this was my firs Honda. I was fascinated with all the new features. On new cars You expect to be disappointed by the EPA mileage however this car has exceeded the expectations. Of the 4 vehicles in our home it is the newest and therefore most expensive one of the 4. Our insurance company priced it the best. I believe due to things like the forward collision warning. Blind spot camera, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control...To me price wise the features and cost are better then a Lexus I compared it to. It quietly performs well.

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  Love This Car! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By highwayman4 - July 17 - 10:20 pm

  After seeing many family members and friends over the years owning and loving their Hondas, I decided to give in and try one on myself. I am simply amazed. A compact car that is as roomy, comfortable, and quiet as a much larger, more expensive car. Steering feels great, turns quick, soaks up the bumps, sudden braking no problem, gives the driver a feeling of confidence. Acceleration could be a little better but its acceptable from a 4 cylinder with automatic. Ive gotten 37 mpg combined city-highway. Incredible value for the money.