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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  Buyer Beware! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tflower - April 16 - 3:55 pm

  I am a three time Honda buyer because of the reliability of the vehicles. This car has major issues with oil consumption due to poor engine design. At three years old and 50K the engine has to be replaced. I had the oil changed 4 weeks prior and the car started running rough and check engine light came on. There was not any oil on the dipstick! Honda knows there is a problem but has not issued any warnings or recalls. The fact that they are not forthcoming has really angered me. This is not Honda quality or reliability. Buyer beware and do your research before buying this vehicle.

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  Great family car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bandit911 - April 13 - 9:20 am

  We have made 2 long trips along with the normal day-to-day driving. This is a near perfect car for us. While there is only 2 of us, we many times have 5 people in the the car. Everyone is comfortable in this car. Rear view camera turns out to be a nice convenience. The big disappointment is the rear hatch. Once it is open it is very difficult to close. There is not an option for an electric closer. You must reach fairly high in the air to grab the open door and if you have any type of shoulder or arm problem (I do) then you can not close the hatch. A car like this should have an electric closer. This is a big oversight.

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  disappointed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lacyayn - April 8 - 9:06 pm

  Cute car, fun to drive though I recommend the manual transmission if you are looking for fun. Really disappointed with the gas mileage achieved though. I am told its due to the ethanol in gas now. Only getting on average 25mpg highway when its rated up to 31 and get about 23 around town.

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  2012 CRV -- Good basic car. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bruder - April 7 - 11:07 pm

  My girlfriend bought a 2012 CRV LX 2WD last summer. Ive been driving it recently so I decided to share my experience. The CRV is comfortable and easy to drive. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The engine provides adequate power and the transmission shifts are smooth. The brakes work well and stops are confident. The CRV handles reasonably well but the steering is somewhat disconnected. For most people its fine. Visibility out the front and sides are good but the rear window is very small and the visibility out the rear is terrible. Fortunately the back up camera is standard on all models. The sound system is good. Were getting 27-29 mpg in mixed rural driving.

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  Miss my Honda! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By got2bekylee - April 6 - 9:02 am

  I was so sad when i had to get rid of my Honda. The only downside is my A/C didnt work when i got it in 08. Which didnt bother me too much. I only got rid of it because i had a baby and needed something a little bigger and cooler for the summer. I would still have it if i could afford to insure multiple cars. It ran better than my 03 Saturn and my 99 Kia. The gas mileage is also a huge plus with this car. It would be a great first car or just something for work and/or school. I would highly recommend this little old car.

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  Very poor mileage - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mnr11 - April 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2011 and per the reviews, city mileage is 21 and 28 on the highways. The actual mileage in my experience is 18 to 18.5 in the city and 21 to 22 highway. I am extremely disappointed and this is my may concern.. all maintenance is up to date.

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  Faithful Honda owner..a little rattled. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ajhall - April 2 - 2:29 pm

  This is my second Accord, also the first car I have ever bought without researching. My thoughts were "its an Accord. Im safe". Currently have 80k miles on it. The car has been great, plenty of fun to drive and ample room although the trunk is a little small. What youve read about transmission issues are true. Mine is going in the shop this week for a rebuild around 3k in price. Honda has seem to correct the issue in later models and has been known to split the tranny rebuild with you since losing a class action suit, but its a little shameful to have to do on a car so young. Im going to keep it 300k+ miles. Not my last Accord, but research each car individually before buying.

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  Perfect 2nd vehicle/Commuter Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By 20034runner - April 1 - 9:00 am

  My primary vehicle is a 4 door 4x4 pickup and my 5 day/week commute is a 57 mile round trip. I needed a commuter car. I bought my 05 Si (EP3) in March of 2010 w/ a documented 70k miles of near-perfect maintenance 3 years later and 40k more miles, I have no complaints. Happily uses 87 octane and and with my VERY heavy foot, it still gets no less than 27 mpg of mixed driving (30-31 on a highway trip.) Ive found it likes Pennzoil Synthetic blend oil the best for both performance and MPGs. Completed the 100k service, new iridium plugs, coolant flush and serpentine belt (no timing belt to replace in these) and I easily expect another 100k on this car. Love the cargo room too!

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  The Honda Pilot is boring - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By connor111 - March 31 - 6:03 pm

  Its a reliable and useful SUV, but for the amount of money this car is, it should be a lot nicer. The interior is very boring with absolutely no trace of any luxury. Also, our navigation system is completely messed up and takes us on the most bizarre, out of the way routes.

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  Family Vehicle - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By gregnice23 - March 25 - 7:58 pm

  With the birth of our son we had to upgrade and get a family vehicle. I had Hondas before but I wanted a change to something different. Looked at the CX-9 and we liked it a lot, too bad Mazda has crummy leasing programs. I wanted no part of an unsafe boring looking Highlander and all the problems Toyota has nowadays. JGC was close but American reliability is no way close to the Japanese lets be real. The Pilot is safe. That is all that matters right now to me for our son, Safety. Cargo area is great, it really does swallow up stuff. Ride is comfortable and gas mileage is adequate it is a 4X4. People who buy cars who worry about gas mileage go hug a tree and get a hybrid. Pilot=Family Safe.