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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  Element after 43,000 Miles - 2005 Honda Element
  By Paul Christie - January 31 - 10:40 pm

  I love my Element except for one nagging problem. My doors have a bad rattle in them that causes everyone who rides in it to think they arent closed completely. I took it to the dealer while it was still under warrenty to have it fixed and they had to replace the door latches. The rattles continued. I will probably take it back again. A coworker has an Element and she says she has the same problem.

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  Good Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Bulldogsfan23 - January 31 - 10:10 pm

  Ive had my honda for over 4 years. It is very reliable. Havent had a single mechanical problem. The power window have been really slow since I bought it and now the driver side window will not work at all. My car has been stolen twice now so I think I might get something else. Other than that it is a great car.

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  I bought the LX CVT AWD - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Mike Smith - January 31 - 3:19 pm

  I thought of getting the top-dollar model but I absolutely hate the tablet type of radio and air/heat controls. In my opinion there is brilliance in simplicity and the LX model controls (knobs) hit the nail on the head. The suv drives well. The steering is a bit light but I have been averaging over 33mpg with AWD in my rural setting. I paid $ 21,138 with a $500 military discount. If you refuse to let them put add-on charges they will still sell the car at invoice price. The Bluetooth doesnt understand commands to call someone though. I will have to take it back to Honda for repair.

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  The most reliable car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By mrjex43 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Honda has a long-standing tradition of producing vehicles that are extremely reliable, well-built, and fun to drive. My 97 Civic LX sedan is no exception. Purchased by the original owner in 10/2001, Ive only had to replace the battery. The original owner is also a family friend, and with regulary scheduled maintenance, the battery is the only thing that has EVER needed to be replaced. After six years and 85,000 miles, the car still looks and drives like new; no rattles, rust, interior wear - this car was built to last.

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  Franks 1999 Honda Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank Parada - January 29 - 2:06 pm

  Overall Ive driven the van for four years and love it. The van gives me between 18-19 mpg and enjoy the comfortable ride. I would purchase the same van again.

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  04 S2000 review - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Richard Rafter - January 28 - 2:45 pm

  Quick, fun to drive, never had a mechanical problem. More “nice car” comments from other people than I have had for any car I have ever owned.

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  Me and my red Fit. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By regretela - January 26 - 11:43 pm

  I ordered my red Fit in mid-April, got it at the end of May. I love the small size, the roominess, and the "cute" factor. The car is pretty comfortable, though it has a bit of a "hard" ride; but it handles well. I am getting around 28-29 MPG with 2000 miles on the car so far. I had a Geo Metro and this car is only 10" longer. I am less pleased by the very low front ground clearance. I almost tore the front bumper off yesterday on one of those invisible cement parking barriers at the local bookstore. The car will stall if I put it into gear too quickly upon starting in the morning. There are a couple of other minor issues I will have to deal with at the first oil change. Good car, though

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  1st Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AVIMECH - January 26 - 6:03 am

  We went to buy a certified Accord, but after seeing the poor selection ended up test driving a new Accord and then the Civic. Hands down the Civic won due to styling, mileage, features and price. The Accord just felt it should be driven by someone of an older generation. No problems as of yet, plenty of room and gas mileage has been hovering between 31 & 37 mpg depending on amount of short trips. Feels solid and built with high quality materials. And crash test results are excellent.

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  Like but a problem - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Like but a problem - January 22 - 10:20 am

  I like my vehicle when I bought it and at the current time. I bought my vehicle brand new. Once it reached 60K miles, I begin having mechanical problems. I had to replace the O2 sensor at $500 and after that was fixed, I had to replace the throttle body which cost approximately $1,000. The sensor within the body needed to be replaced but you had to purchase the complete throttle body for the simple part.

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  80,000 Miles No Issues - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By argentum - January 20 - 3:49 pm

  Our CRV, which we bought new, is completing its 5th year on the road. So far nothing has gone wrong yet. I think thats pretty amazing. The vehicle also still looks very good. There is some small pitting on the hood and the black side rails are faded. I got 45,000 miles on the original Firestones and will change the next set at around 90,000. The recommended maintenance intervals are too far apart. Do the spark plugs at 75,000 and change the trans and coolant fluids at around 60,000 miles. Also if you notice a rumbling during slow tight turns, have the rear differential pump fluid changed. Change the pollen filters. When they clog, the AC works harder. That may be why compressors go bust.