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 5321 through 5330 of 31,869.00-
great truck but - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By Savanna - September 24 - 6:40 pmI have a 2006 RTL Ridgeline. I had to bring it back to the dealer for repair to the paint in the door jams....cause dirt in the paint.....From Honda??? Bought tonneau cover and its designed to leak in the middle?? Honda Corp claims this is a good design.... I am worried that Hondais no longer a Japanese quality concerned car company......
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Honda Civic stays one step ahead... - 2006 Honda Civic
By Bob - September 23 - 5:46 amIve owned several Hondas and Acuras in the past and they never seem to disappoint me. You only have to change the oil and occasionally replace the tires. For the 06 Civic, the refinement, fit & finish, and comfort remind me of a baby Accord. For the money, it is easily best in class. Im 61 and fit very comfortably in car - with height adjustable drivers seat and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, its very easy to find ideal driving position. The 350 watt 7 speaker (inc. subwoofer) stereo that comes with Navigation system is awesome. Nav system is best in industry and easy to use via voice commands. The Civic wont win any races from a red light but Im averaging 38 mi./gal.
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Reliable family hauler - 1997 Honda Odyssey
By sotex - September 22 - 2:00 amThis is the second 97 our family has owned. I am using it in my sales position, so I will be in it often. It is great getting in and out of it because the seat is higher than my Mark VIII. The ABS light was on when I bought it, and I have found out that the ABS modulator is out. $1500.00!!! From what I have found out, this is somewhat common for these as they approach the 80,000 to 120,000 mile marks. Im not sure I am going to fix it. Other than than that, I like the dual air, great reliability from this one and our previous one. I am pretty impressed by the quality of workmanship. (except ABS malfunction)
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2001 Honda CRV review - 2001 Honda CR-V
By Netnutty - September 22 - 2:00 amMy CRV has been a wonderful and dependable car. Im a big guy & 62" and I fit easily. We just had to do our first major repair on it by having a valve job. Otherwise weve had to replace the tires once, and had the normal maintenance done on the car.
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A-OK - 2007 Honda Accord
By Michelle - September 21 - 7:43 pmNot exactly a sports car or a family car. The V4 doesnt accelerate as fast as the V6 would but the engine is more powerful when you are already at high speeds. A little too bulky compared to original Hondas
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Pleasure To Drive - 2016 Honda Civic
By George S. - September 21 - 6:12 amSoftware glitches galore: Random beeps from touchscreen. Navigation turns off before reaching destination. Honda Watch video doesnt always display. Keyless entry failed a few times and was locked out of car. Map data is incomplete. Voice recognition is very poor. Dealer sys Honda doesnt have software updates! Says I must leave the car overnight and they will do a reinstall. But, other than the ongoing software problems, its a great car. Handling is good. CVT is good. Peppy acceleration with 174hp engine. Suspension is good at this trim level. Very quiet. Very comfortable front seats. Honda Watch is a great help. The new audio volume strip is better than the old knob, you just need a few days to get used to it.
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Domestics dont match it! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
By Garth - September 21 - 2:00 amI have had my Odyssey since Jan. 04 and havent had any trouble at all. One recall instead of 9 for a domestic. Smooth on the Highway and great gas milage. Could use some quieter tires, hard compound rubber Michelins last a long time, and the leather seats arent that comforatable
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improvements needed - 2004 Honda Pilot
By growing on me - September 20 - 10:00 amI had a lot of trouble with my pilot when I first bought it. There was hesitation at 40 mph. After the recall work was done and the replacement of an egr valve it was better but not cured. A lot to have had done on a new car! My seats are not as comfy, like they are losing fluff. But the interior room is the best in this range. My son is 63, 266 pounds! The radio rattles and is of poor quality and there is a lot of tire noise. I wouldnt buy it again and may end up selling it for a Land Cruiser or another Toyota. At least it will keep its value for resale. It is growing on me though.
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Honda Owner for 18 years--No More - 2004 Honda Odyssey
By Dan Sheridan - September 19 - 2:00 amIve owned Hondas for 18 years & have had the worst car experience of my life. Had muffler & transmission replaced already. Exhaust noise still loud. Transmission still seems loud. The service manager said "I will not fix your vehicle." This 2004 Odyessey is a lemon, and the service sucks. Save yourself...go look at Toyotas or something else!!!
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Point A to point B. Thats the point. - 2000 Honda Civic
By icvci - September 18 - 2:00 amMy 2000 DX hatchback is the perfect car for the price. Fold the rear 50/50 split seats down and the interior turns into a 21 cubic foot cargo area. Things I have taken home in my Civic Hatchback - 32 inch TV in its box also in the car at the time, my wife, two empty 5 gallon water bottles, a small tool box, and an unassembled stand for the TV. 1 Maytag Neptune washer My 2 dalmatians, my wife, golf clubs, and luggage for a weeks vacation. All this while getting from 32 to 42 MPG!
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