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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  Design - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Daveg - May 2 - 8:13 am

  While aerodynamic and, therefore, economical, Im not sure the design team tried to parallel park this car or do any mundane tasks. It is impossible to "see"any corners when parking. Today I tried to replace my NYS registration sticker in the lower left corner of the front window. I am going to have to make a trip to the dealers to get the old sticker glue off as I cannot get my hand/fingers in to razor off the old glue.Guess I should add the extra trip to my gas mileage rating! Perhaps Consumer Reports should hire non-car people to review cars. This is my 3rd Honda Civic and MY LAST. Wish I could get a call from the design team or Consumer Reports. I fill them in on practical concerns.

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  Passport to FUN! - 1995 Honda Passport
  By BC Walley - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this fun car, really cant give you solid personal experience. Running it hard for the weeks Ive had it, and it runs great. Handles very well for an offroad/street vehicle. The turning radius is better than my Volvos. Getting 18mpg, running 17mi, one way to work, through many stoplights, approx. 30mph traffic, with one 2-3mi stretch of 50mph. Im a happy camper... so far. Yeah, the interior is super basic, but I was looking for an upgrade to a Jeep, for fun in the woods, and reasonable compfort. I got just that. It has 130K mi, solid as a rock, looks sharp, fast, better than most fuel economy. My pdate in a year.

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  AWESOME CRV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ice dog - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I WOULD BUY ANOTHER CRV, I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL.

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  Mr. Reliable - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Happy Accord owner - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this Honda for 5 years and added over 80,000 miles to its initial 59,000. Other than routine maintenance, the car has never had a problem starting or running--and working 80 hrs/week at all times of day/night in snow-country, I needed reliability! Gives an average of 24 MPG in highway with stop/go traffic. Reasonable acceleration (I have a V4), still looks sporty in 2004! Very smooth. Because of it I will always be a Honda fan.

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  Great family minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sylvia - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall nice car. Perfect for a growing family and all the gear. The Odyssey is great for around town and wonderful on long trips.

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  Great for the Heat...not for the cold. - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By NRSP - April 27 - 9:46 pm

  We bought the 2018 Honda Odyssey to replace our 2006 Toyota Sienna. So alot has happened technologically so that was something getting used to. Although I still am mourning the loss of the CD player...but we will have to find a way. The controls for the temperatures are another story...I dont mind that things are touch-screen, but some things just can be reached without taking off the gloves...and when the windchill is -20 degree outside, its pretty tough. PLUS we spent an entire 8 hour drive from Chicago to Cleveland trying to figure out how to get the defrost/defogger to work properly. We ended up with windows that were frosted ON THE INSIDE of the car because we couldnt figure out the proper settings. All in all the van is good. Just the temperature controls have issues. In terms, of interior storage...we found that the back seats dont lie completely flat. There are bumps and ridges on the seats that would not allow you to lay something down. For example...if I wanted to sleep in the back of the van while camping, it would be very hard because the molding on the seats would make it near impossible to only have a sleeping bag. You would need a mattress to cover up the plastic on the backs of the seats.

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  Excellent design, questionable quality. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Derek - April 27 - 4:13 pm

  Bought my Accord in the fall 2009. Have since put on about 5000 miles, the car currently has about 26000 miles on it. I must say that I am really impressed with the design of the coupe (not sure if they fell asleep designing the sedan). The coupe looks awesome and I get lots of complements. I have owned 4 Hondas and I must say that every time I got a new one, the build quality has gradually got worse. First, door seal came off, then glove box started to rattle, I am watching the rear brakes closely now as many complaints there, rear brakes at 35% but front at 75% interesting. Today I heard new center console rattle. Car vibrates @ 60-70 mph. What happened to Honda quality?! Looks is not all.

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  BRAVO HONDA!!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Usopachat2002 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  No wonder I always see 90-93 Accords in the street. My, car was very reliable, fun to drive & it drives like a brand new car. It is the best car ever came from Japan.

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  2200 miles in the first month! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jay C. - April 26 - 8:20 pm

  I purchased my Accord almost exactly a month ago & have made a few road trips in it already. My previous daily car was a 04 VW GTI VR6, which honestly Im already starting to miss. Ive owned a few Hondas in the past, and the reliability/cost of ownership/value was the reason for my purchase. On long trips, its not a bad cruiser, & around town if you can get used to its mammoth size, its not too bad. It needs sway bars, better brakes, & a halfway-decent stereo like yesterday. Its better suited for people who view cars as appliances rather than adrenaline pumps. Its an ideal car for retirees, which is why Im handing the keys to my parents in about a year or two.

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  This Should Have an Acura Badge - 2008 Honda Accord
  By soflorida6MT - April 25 - 7:50 pm

  The new Accord coupe, with the V6 and manual transmission reminds me of the departed Acura CL Type-S. The Accord is a great value for the money. Its very comfortable, has pretty much every luxury feature you might want, and is still fun to drive. I will warn you though, that if you drive it like it should be driven, gas mileage isnt the best. Ive been averaging around 20 mpg with a city/highway ratio of 70/30. The suspension is definitely firm, but in no way harsh. The V6 is buttery smooth all the way to redline, and it has plenty of pull.