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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  Great CAR - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Shane - September 11 - 2:43 am

  Perfect CAR

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  I love me a Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By dave - September 10 - 11:22 pm

  After test-driving everything in the segment, I found the CRV to be the best choice for me. Very comfortable ride, lots of functionality and interior room. Good fuel economy, about 30 highway and 23 in town. Plenty of pep in town, gets right up to speed on the highway. It is very similar to the Rav4 and the current Forester. I was coming out of a Civic and I finally decided on the CRV because I am used to the feel and layout of Hondas.

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  Dont believe MPG estimate - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By BrianP - September 10 - 8:26 pm

  Traded our 05 Pilot because we needed the convenience of a mini van. Tested the Odyssey and Sienna. Althugh we liked the features of the Sienna more, the Odyssey drove and handled much better. Biggest dissapointment is with the fuel mileage. With our AWD Pilot we got about 19 overall. With the same type driving in our Odyssey we get 16. Also some minor interior rattles and creaks which are annoying.

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  Hey! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Diggity dizzle - September 10 - 3:43 pm

  Owned a 2001 gti vr6 for 5 years. Loved the car--hated the 1k-2k annual repair bill. So the last time the gti was assessed with 1k bill--I jumped ship to a fat whip! Fast, reliable, fuel efficient, sharp looking--but not "look at me"--in stature. Handles, cruises, races, et cetera. Good stuff.

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  Happy with it... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By steve76 - September 10 - 7:47 am

  Drive a round trip to work of 140 miles. We get 41 mpg with synthetic oil at 70 mph. Not 1 problem, car has 83,000 miles. Fun to drive, enjoy the great mileage and for the price is unbeatable. Tires will make it to 100,000 miles. Bought some comfy seat cushions. Downside is road noise but really not a problem. Makes you smile everyday with the mileage and we take 6-8 hour trips on vacation. We are in our 40s too.

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  Honda SRV after a Cadillac SRX - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Anthony - September 10 - 5:06 am

  I owned a 05 Cadillac SRX for a few years, and repair and dependability cost demanded trade in. I brought a Honda SRX-L and it has been a great car. I have not had one issue with the car so far. The dealership was wonderful and appears to be helpful. Oil changes, paint protection, warranty suppose. I will keep you posted on this car as the years go on.

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  New Accord Ex-L with Navigation - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 9 - 7:20 pm

  Just purchases. Was a little disappointed with some of the features that seem to be standard on other cars in this price range. Other than these little things, I love this car. The navigation system is worth the additional cost (not to mention fun to play with). Wish I would have purchased the V-6 because the car seems a little underpowered. This is all I can complain about. This is a well built car and a great car to drive.

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  So Far Not a Glich - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 9 - 7:03 pm

  Still only at 80k but with the exception of usual oil changes and a brake pad replacement, maintenance has been zero. Reliability exceeds all previous vehicles Ive owned and performance far exceeds the other vehicle Ive owned in the mid-size sedan category which was a VW Passat. Fuel economy is excellent, usually am driving highway and will average 35 on summer tires and 32 on my snows. I live in Vermont where snow is an issue and with the addition of decent snow tires, its handling remains crisp and perfectly in tune with my driving. Looking to drive this car at least another 5 years.

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  Its a Lemon - Many Parts Have Failed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JohnnyM - September 9 - 6:41 pm

  Many parts failed: rear wheel bearings- 28K rear shocks-38K A/C compressor- 15K now, front strut-55K horn-56K Nav system--stopped working for 1 day, came back the next (54K) visors, break-3X (told they werent made for Arizona)-15K,34K, 51K cruise control- often wont engage (told that brake pedal part fails, so "just push down hard on brake" - 39K) ft. brake calibers-defect (22K) recall-starter- fire danger-40K. Honda North America will not stand behind product -says " "...its too bad...not our problem, its yours." This is our 3rd Honda, 2nd Civic - never had any real problems until this. Car REALLY slow from start, but then ok 4-wheel disk brakes shudder and under-responsive.

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  I love my CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By SandraK - September 9 - 2:10 pm

  I was extremely hesitant about purchasing a 4 cylinder, but after 2 weeks of ownership in hilly country, there has been no problem with power. It cruises comfortably, the seats are fabulous, and there is definitely enough power to pass a car when necessary. The car is sporty and fun to drive, easy to turn, and easy to convert for large items (I brought a huge self-propelled lawnmower home in the back of the car last week). My mileage is averaging 24.5 mpg. The car is quiet and the radio/CD sounds terrific.