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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  Best Car Ive had - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bvc - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Yes. Its my Honda CRV.

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  Disappointed 15yr Honda owner - 2001 Honda Civic
  By traveler777x - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March 2003. I am the only owner of it. I have had 3 recalls and 1 MAJOR TSB (the CVT needed replacing and no one told me--i found out on my own, luckily in time!). Car drives like all Hondas ive owned (3). Very spry and quick for its 117HP. Lousy reliability this time around, a few service issues (eg. cruise light broken and badly repaired), the air condition button keeps falling off (?!), and the in-dash CD-changer gets stuck constantly. Bad Honda! Im buying a Mazda soon.

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  3rd Civic Ive owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fran P. - May 21 - 1:40 am

  Coming from an old 2003 Civic manual 5 speed, it feels a bit weird to drive the new CVT. It almost feels like the engine has to catch (maybe it is the eco..not sure) as if I am driving manual. So the acceleration feels a bit lumpy sometimes as if the car has to lurch randomly, but very subtly. The electronics are good. I notice a bit of lag from time to time, but other than that - its a great addition to the car for long commutes. When I bought my car brand new, there was an issue with my trunk. I opened it, and after shutting it closed, it would not stay shut. It would continually pop open on its own and beep twice. I noticed the bottom part of the trunk weather strip was bent and distorted. I forcefully had to shut it in order for it to stay - and be mindful not to use it until I went to the dealer to have it repaired (5 hours total.) 2 hours for diagnosis, then another 3 hours another day for them to replace it :( but I still love my car. Feels fast, fun to drive, and lovely to look at. I wish they put more care into the interior of the seats and console - as once you put your arm down, it leaves white residue so that will definitely wear down quickly over the years. My other issue was I opened my trunk to inspect my car on the first night home and there were razer blades on the top of some parts. I figure thats more the dealerships wrongdoing. They admitted they use it to cut the tape and various parts off and forgotten them there. Nervous that they couldve had more that have fallen into the parts of the car...but so far it seems fine. The steering wheel makes a faint click click click noise when you turn it all the way. Not sure what that is - but it does not affect the way it drives. Overall, love the new car. Going to go the extra mile to be careful with the interior because I feel like it will definitely wear down quickly. Everything else is great - feels spacious and plenty of room to get in and out. Trunk space is huge. Love the details on the headlights and tail lights and the storage space in the middle console ! =)

• 

  3rd Civic Ive owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fran P. - May 21 - 1:40 am

  Coming from an old 2003 Civic manual 5 speed, it feels a bit weird to drive the new CVT. It almost feels like the engine has to catch (maybe it is the eco..not sure) as if I am driving manual. So the acceleration feels a bit lumpy sometimes as if the car has to lurch randomly, but very subtly. The electronics are good. I notice a bit of lag from time to time, but other than that - its a great addition to the car for long commutes. When I bought my car brand new, there was an issue with my trunk. I opened it, and after shutting it closed, it would not stay shut. It would continually pop open on its own and beep twice. I noticed the bottom part of the trunk weather strip was bent and distorted. I forcefully had to shut it in order for it to stay - and be mindful not to use it until I went to the dealer to have it repaired (5 hours total.) 2 hours for diagnosis, then another 3 hours another day for them to replace it :( but I still love my car. Feels fast, fun to drive, and lovely to look at. I wish they put more care into the interior of the seats and console - as once you put your arm down, it leaves white residue so that will definitely wear down quickly over the years. My other issue was I opened my trunk to inspect my car on the first night home and there were razer blades on the top of some parts. I figure thats more the dealerships wrongdoing. They admitted they use it to cut the tape and various parts off and forgotten them there. Nervous that they couldve had more that have fallen into the parts of the car...but so far it seems fine. The steering wheel makes a faint click click click noise when you turn it all the way. Not sure what that is - but it does not affect the way it drives. Overall, love the new car. Going to go the extra mile to be careful with the interior because I feel like it will definitely wear down quickly. Everything else is great - feels spacious and plenty of room to get in and out. Trunk space is huge. Love the details on the headlights and tail lights and the storage space in the middle console ! =)

• 

  Honda 2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jane W. Evans - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the 97 CRV the 98 CRV a 2001 CRV and now the 2002 CRV. This new model is a pleasure to drive and handles beautifully but to be honest I miss my old design. I would be interested to know if others feel the same. I do not seem to be able to haul as much in the luggage area since the back seats fold upright and cannot be adjusted forward.

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  Leather interior - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gopilot - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Hi do not have my pilot yet, but getting one this month.. ordered the EX-L and wondering how everyones leather is holding up? heard that it could be saggy or strechy? most people say its not to bad, but wondering if it is worth taking it in under warrenty.. thanks for the info rob

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  The Honda CRV AWD 2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Omar G. - May 18 - 2:29 pm

  Gas mileage is not what expected. Mostly hwy and 29 average not 31. Had higher expectations for mpg especially with the eco button. Other than that car drives great, handles good, and very responsive. Wish they had a 2.0 Turbo version.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Honda Fit
  By EN - May 17 - 2:53 pm

  Well researched purchase,I considered the matrix but chose the fit due to better rear visibility and more fun features. Love this car: small but versatile, fuel efficient, affordable, lots of safety features. Main complaint is the bumpy ride: doesnt handle rough roads well, and downright bouncy (seems to oscillate off the ridges in the concrete) on certain stretches of well maintained freeway. At 51" I find the interior comfy, but my 6 ft friend feels cramped. Sun visor is inadequate for a short person when flipped to the side. Gas tank is small but mpg (I avg 33 for about 75% hwy driving) makes up for it. Handles snowy roads well, but I do worry IÂ’ll get stuck with low clearance in front.

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  A good car with some problems. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Tonisama - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Good: Interior build quality and control layout is hard to beat in a car of this price. Controls are all well placed and materials are high quality. The car is very comfortable to drive. Bad: Engine is noticeably loud in the upper RPM ranges. Automatic transmission is not very smooth between shifts. Engine downshifts as soon as I take my foot off the accelerator, then abruptly shifts back up into previous gear. Causes car to lose speed even when traveling downhill! Strange black trim pieces gave me pause. Why didnt Honda make the EX exterior trim, which was integrated and color matched, a standard on all trim levels.

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  My 2002 Honda Crv Ex - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sherlee - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My experiences have all been satisfactory. This is a well made car.