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:
Showing 4841 through 4850 of 31,869.00-
Wake Up! - 2003 Honda Accord
By jays - July 8 - 10:00 amAwesome engine, but the responsive and sporty handling of 91 Accord is much better than 2003 ! This one is very ok. Shape is horrible, so is trunk space. Sound system seems 49 years old. New maxima much better for the price.
-
Consumer Reviews Vehicle = CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Craig - July 8 - 9:03 amConsumer Reviews Vehicle = CRV I am really enjoying this car. Formally drove a 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe, with horrible gas mileage, so the improves mileage for this Honda is a breath of fresh air. Adequate power, holds the road beautifully, maneuverability is smooth as silk.. Excellent value: leather heated seats, moonroof, back up camera for under $29,000. And I dealer (family-owned) Offers free inspections for all cars in our family, free car washes. I highly recommend test driving this car. Minor disappointments, but not deal breakers: no volume knob for the Radio, small gas tank (15.3 gallons) relative to size of a vehicle, and you think they would add a beeping device for things behind your car since they have a back up camera, small gas tank (15.3 gallons) relative to size of vehicle, and you think they would add a beeping device for things behind your car since they have a back up camera.
-
Hi Tech /Gas Saver - 2006 Honda Civic
By Donald - July 7 - 2:40 pmI am a much better driver because of the MPG gauge. By constantly trying to improve my gas mileage, I drive slower and much more economically. I have avoided several accidents because I was driving more cautiously. The navigation system is excellent! I have made several trips to new destinations, the directions given to me audibly and on the screen were perfect! The stereo sounds very good for a stock unit and the seats are very comfortable. People are always gazing at the car and asking me questions. The big question is "how is the gas mileage" and I am pleased to say that I am averaging over 47 MPG in mainly stop and go traffic.
-
’16 Honda HRV, not bad, just good - 2016 Honda HR-V
By Skye - July 6 - 3:28 amAfter stalking and researching this vehicle for a year since its release in summer 2015, I finally own it… well it is financed. I must say I enjoy the car and everyone that has the opportunity to ride along with me always ask – is this a Honda CRV and always entertained or thinks the rear door handle location is pretty cool. PROS ** Fueling up is easy on the purse ** Space is more than sufficient for my 2 French Mastiffs or 3 adults and I. ** Miles per gallon is average on these Atlanta street and highways. I have not really got to the 33 mph, most I can get when oil quality is 50% of better is 28.6 MPG and when oil is at 40% 27.7 MPG. ** Bluetooth feature a plus, connects to my phone without any issues. ** Navigating out of a small space – exceptional – turning radius is on point. CONS ** Headlights illumination is not great when traveling up a slight to extreme incline; visibility covers about 5-10 feet ahead of your vehicle (could be more). The directional of the light appears more downward toward the pavement illuminating right below the license plate/bumper area if other vehicle. ** Seats are moderately comfortable but would not recommend for long distance road trips if you have back issues. ** Extremely bouncy on poorly paved roads ** USB port is not compatible with my android phone and it cannot be used as a charge port for mobile devise. ** Cabin noise is horrible on certain areas of the HWY in Atlanta when traveling 50 ++ mph, sounds like all the windows are down but in actuality all the windows are rolled up. ** Lining through the back of vehicle (floor panels) cheap. At the end of it all, it is mine and I will make the best of it but there is definitely room for improvement.
-
Reliable Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
By Dan - July 5 - 8:01 pm -
Sharp looking dependable car - 2015 Honda Civic
By mrp - July 5 - 8:47 amCvT is only transmission available.
-
Hard to get more for your money - 2006 Honda Accord
By Jake - July 4 - 3:53 amMy experience got off to a rough start. On my drive home, the transmission popped out of first gear. Took it to the dealer and had to twist their arm to admit there was a problem - then had the car in the shop for 10 days so they could replace first gear. After a couple months the problem appears to be solved. That said, the transmission shifts like a dream. Why anyone drives automatics is truly a mystery to me. The interior is great and roomy, nav and xm are great - especially the xm. I do wish the car had beefier brakes and better (more sporty) tires. But I can always upgrade in the future. Gas mileage is about 25 in mixed driving and 32 hwy. Engine is powerful and smooth.
-
City driving equals a lot of gas - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Daniel Cushion - July 4 - 1:43 amSo far I have not gotten close to the city mileage they claim in their ads. I average between 14 and 16 miles to a gallon around town. I thought with a 4 cylinder that the gas would get at least close to the 20 or more miles to a gallon that they claim in their advertising. However on a highway trip I was pleased to get 25 miles to a gallon. Overall I am happy with this vehicle, but wish that the city gas consumption was much better.
-
My review - 2001 Honda CR-V
By salter99 - July 3 - 12:00 amI enjoy driving my CR-V around town and on trips. Fuel economy is good, and it is inexpensive to maintain. I like the looks and handling.
-
This is what most of U.S. should drive - 1998 Honda Civic
By Jim - July 2 - 5:37 pmBought new in 1998. 5 speed EX 2-door model. 146,000 miles. Have replaced the battery once, tires twice, and timing belt and water pump at 105,000 miles. No other costs other than oil changes. Car has averaged 37 mpg overall to date. 100% reliable. A few door dings from the parking lot. Interior looks like new. Foreign oil dependency would be much lower if more of us drove these.
-
Honda Accord 8,180 Reviews
-
Honda Accord Crosstour 175 Reviews
-
Honda Accord Hybrid 119 Reviews
-
Honda Accord Sedan 1 Reviews
-
Honda Civic 6,669 Reviews
-
Honda CR V 108 Reviews
-
Honda CR-V 4,333 Reviews
-
Honda CR-Z 66 Reviews
-
Honda Crosstour 32 Reviews
-
Honda Element 1,560 Reviews
-
Honda Fit 1,073 Reviews
-
Honda Fit EV 1 Reviews
-
Honda HR-V 172 Reviews
-
Honda Insight 447 Reviews
-
Honda Odyssey 3,253 Reviews
-
Honda Passport 170 Reviews
-
Honda Pilot 3,304 Reviews
-
Honda Prelude 428 Reviews
-
Honda Ridgeline 880 Reviews
-
Honda S2000 898 Reviews