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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  Performance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 8 - 2:13 am

  This import is very fun to drive, especially at high speeds. It handles just like a sport car and feels like one. It is highly economical in terms of gas mileage.

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  Life Saver - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 7FAMILYTRUCKSTR - November 8 - 1:46 am

  I hit a deer on the right front side on the interstate doing 70 mph. It hardly felt like I hit anything. The kids were to busy watching the dvd in back to notice. Its a credit to how the van was designed. The front bumper, hood, right headlight, and right passenger door had to be replaced with a pull to the unibody frame by the headlight. 9k bill to the insurance company.

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  Fell in Love, Still in Love! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Brandy Mull - November 7 - 7:07 pm

  When Honda came out with the new HR-V I fell in love. And I am not a Honda fan. Im a loyal Toyota girl. I had a RAV4, but just felt "blah" about it. I love the gas miliage on my honda, Im averaging 28 mpg & less than $20 to fill her up. Her engine is not quiet by any means & the ride is not smooth. I reminds of you of driving a small truck, but FUN to drive! Im 50 ft tall and I feel like this car is the SUV for us short gals! Easy to get in & out of , my 5 yr old has trouble reaching the door handle, but climbing in & out is getting easier for her. I do want to say this, in regards to safety. I had a car literally slam on their brakes in front of me a few days ago & got to use the anti-lock brakes for the first time! And all I can say is WOW!!! The stop was immediate, we all slung forward but we had our seatbelts on so all was well. I was VERY impressed by the braking system in an emergency, esp since I had my 3 kids in the car! The back seat is not comfortable with the head rests, so my kids removed the backseat headrests the day we bought it. Other than that, I give my car 5 stars! I will say the Bluetooth in my Toyotas worked ALOT better....but I still wouldnt trade my HR-V for a RAV! And it wont let me change it, but my HRV is EX model. Ive had my car almost a year now & still love it. I literally get compliments daily on my car from folks I dont know, that says a lot about this car.

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  2008 Honda Civic Overall 40+ MPG - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ski777 - November 7 - 6:53 pm

  This is my first Civic or Honda for that matter. This replaces a very dated 93 Ford Probe GT. I bought this car for its reliability, styling (interior/exterior) and HWY MPG. Ive had the car for 10 mos now with 8500 miles total and commute about 30 miles to work each way. I do about 95% HWY miles, and I am getting 41-43 MPG!

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  Fifth Honda that I have owned! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Owned lots of cars and love Honda - November 7 - 1:10 pm

  I have always had fantastic luck with Honda. My first new car was an Accord. One of my favorite cars of all time was a Pilot. The Pilot was great with teenage kids and all their friends and activities. One of my daughters chose a Civic as her first car. It held its value very well. Netting out the insurance payment after the last crash from the purchase price, she drove it for seven years and 92,000 for a little over $5000. After my kids were gone, I downsized to a CRV. This is my second one. The first one I traded my lease in at the end of the three years even up--even though it had 66,000 miles and needed tires. They are dependable in all types of weather from Wisconsin winter to California hot summer. This car has always driven great and the only reason that I am selling it is to buy a new car.

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  Bananas for my Crosstour - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By okgolfher - November 7 - 7:16 am

  I am from a family of Honda owners but this is by far my favorite. I previously owned a Toyota Highlander which was great but it was still an SUV. In my Crosstour I have the luxury of being sporty but still having the height and room of an SUV. Love it even though it was on the top 10 ugliest cars.

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  10 000km Review - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Scott H - November 7 - 12:50 am

  I got my car in Oct 2006 and have done some good Canadian winter driving. The car sticks to the road like glue, even with the middling tires that came with the car. I am not missing the super-luxurious Maxima I used to have. I am pleased that the car limits my speed to 120km plus a bit for passing. My last car was too fast and I appreciate the reduced number of speeding tickets. The Fit is comfortable, thoughtfully laid out and incredibly practical.

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  Pretty Reliable - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By 123abc - November 6 - 8:10 pm

  I love the great gas mileage that the Pilot gets as we travel all over the country. I can fit comfortably many of my childrens friends.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - November 6 - 4:34 pm

  Love this car. Just had an accident that totaled it and Im going to buy another one. Reliable, comfortable, quiet, fits 8 passengers (as longs as some are kids).

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  A Fantastic "Little" Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Unkabunca68 - November 6 - 3:40 pm

  Im a bit biased (a loyal Honda customer, this is my 3rd Civic), but this is an overall great car! Was a little apprehensive about paying +$3000 more than a standard Civic, but it was well worth it! Mileage isnt quite what I had expected -- Im averaging about 40mpg -- but at 425-475 miles per tank, I wont complain! Acceleration is better than expected .. I was told it couldnt get out of its own way ... its a little slow to start, but but holds its own at highway speeds. Handles very well for a light-weight car. Maintenance is a little more expensive. Engine requires 0W20 motor oil, which is pricey. Love the real- time mpg calculator and auto-shut off feature. Id buy again!