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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  Bad MPG - 2008 Honda Civic
  By natherr - December 14 - 11:26 am

  We bought 2 2008 Civic Hybrids being told that we would get 40/45 mpg and I have 4000 on one of the and 700 on the other. We get 28/30 mpg at the best and they tell us that nothing is wrong with them. Anyone else have this problem? Service even told us that they get a lot of complaints about this and that most people dont buy them for the mileage. I find this hard to believe. I could have saved $$$ buying a regular civic and got the same mileage.

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  HONDA RELIABILITY? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By koobii - December 12 - 10:21 pm

  I bought this Odyssey because it is slightly bigger than the Sienna. BIG MISTAKE! Vibrate at around 40-60mph. Not tires. Balance new tires 3X. ALL dash lights come on intermittenly. Trac and engine lite stayed on. Cost $168 to replace an evap. After checking google, found out this van has 3 recalls, one has to do with 2nd gear. Honda advisor said, that should fix tranny problem. Had the Odyssey for 2 months, I dont trust this van on a long trip. Will get rid of it before I have to put lots of money into it since Honda will not warranty the tranny as they do on the 99-01 Odyssey (100K). Own Honda/Acura cars before, never any problems. Will buy another Toyota. Never had problems.

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  Good but already seeing first problem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By civic2006 - December 12 - 10:33 am

  Overall the car is what you expect, decent, dependable with a good mileage. But just 5 days into owning it I have seen the first problem. There is a vibration sound at low speeds(around 39- 42 MPH) when running on the 5th gear and slighlty stepping on the pedal or moving across a slight incline. Honda engineer should have easily spotted this problem.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JGRacer - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Not as many bells and whistles as the Jeep Cherokee but a far superior ride and comfort. This is a SUV that drives like a sedan. The stereo leaves a little to be desired.

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  Confused Buyer - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Franko - December 11 - 7:30 pm

  Veh. is ok, but it has shortcomings,i.e Road feel, a little noisy at hwy. speeds, radio tone stuck on bass setting, Always hit my knee on wheel tilt lever, no fog lights, no front mud flaps, all extra, rear seats dont fold flat, inadequate storage in front. No storage tray under pass. seat due to air bag sensing wires hanging down, no room. 2004 EX had tray. No lighted vanity mirrors, driver & pass windows has little to no tint. Passenger knees nearly hit glove box with seat all the way back, inaquate room. No roadside assistance program. Emergency brake on dash is awkward. I traded 2001 Hyundai Santa-Fe on the EX and had 60K miles with zero problems. Santa-Fe is superior all around.

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  Nice mini van, do not believe MPG rating - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Cincinnati - December 11 - 1:33 pm

  We bought the van due to our growing family. Everything is what we expect in a Honda other than MPG on sticker says 18/25 MPG. We get 16/22 MPG. We do not drive fast, and we are not heavy people. Other then this the van is just fine.

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  Generally what I wanted - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Barrye Hanson - December 9 - 9:57 pm

  Bought 5/21/15. Have 2600 miles. Mostly short city trips. MPG 23.5 City, got 32 on highway one trip. Steering good. turning radius is tight. Style (look) good. Drivers seat is hard, added 1" foam to seat and back which helped. Lumbar killed my back. Could not find commercial pillow to help, make my own out of 4.5" foam, works. I have always had a sensitive back. Ride somewhat bumpy but acceptable. Entry/exit is good, had a 99 Civic prior which was too low. Could be more storage spaces in cabin. Finally came out with a cargo cover in October, but looked cheesy. Made my own out of 1/4" plywood, works gook. Road noise is acceptable, can talk to others. I forget to turn the lights on at night, because the dash is already lite up prior, different from prior car. Acceleration is acceptable.

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  Dont buy this first model year car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dwest - December 7 - 9:33 pm

  The 2008 Accord was a new model year which also included a redesigned brake system. The new brake system includes a new electronic brake distribution system that is not properly designed and results in premature wear of the rear brakes. My rear brakes only lasted 19K miles. Google this issue to find out more before considering this car.

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  Great Car to Have - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cruz - December 7 - 9:00 pm

  So far, I have nothing to say about its quality or performance. It feels very solid and confident on the road. Though I do not consider it too bad, its interior is kind of noisy at highway speeds and the engine, being plenty peppy, could be a bit more of refined to be perfect; a bit smoother revver...

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  Nice Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By PhillyCivic - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Civic for almost 2 years now. Overall, I am satisfied with the car. Its certainly no Lexus, but I didnt pay the price tag for a Lexus either. I have had a few minor problems that were covered under the warranty. Buy this car if you want something that is reasonabally comfortable, reliable, and efficient. If you are looking for luxury and performance, avoid it all costs. :)