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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  Going to get rid of this car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By chuck1953 - June 9 - 3:51 pm

  I like this car because it is economical but if you dig a bit you will find that many people cannot drive this car for many miles or more than an hour or so without back pain. Something about the design of the seats is absolutely terrible. I enjoy the entertainment sytem, fuel economy, fit and finish but it is totally uncomfortable to drive. You will find this out but not until you have had it for a bit and I am not alone in this. Do a little internet search on uncomfortable seats in Honda Fit.

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  Owned many Hondas, second Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 4grandsons - June 9 - 1:50 pm

  Purchased my 2008 Accord EX-L sedan, 4-cyl, 5-speed automatic new in March 2008. It now has 130,000 miles on it and has been just a reliable as the 2002 Accord EX I had previously. Had the rear brakes replaced with the "new" Honda brake pads and have not had any issues. While it is not the perfect car, it has been very reliable, just like the 2002 was before. Had the complete service done at 105,000 miles and it runs like new. Not the quietest car, but the right tires make all the difference when it comes to road noise. I cannot justify replacing it, it runs too well.

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  My last Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By fcgllc - June 8 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I recently bought a one-owner. dealer maintained CR-v with just under 100,000 miles on it based on Hondas reputation and Consumer Reports ratings. So far, Ive discovered that it uses about 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles. The AC compressor just died (a typical problem for Hondas that was never mentioned by Consumer Reports), and the squeaks and rattles in this thing drive me nuts. Ive got a Nissan and a Mazda in my driveway with double the miles of the CR-V and I trust either of them more than I will ever trust another Honda. Once I get the AC working again, this car will be out of my driveway and never again will I own a Honda product.

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  Very well designed and reliable vehicle. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jmn5467 - June 6 - 10:40 pm

  Have owned the van for 7 years and put about 60,000 miles on it. It has been an extremely reliable family vehicle - I have had almost no problems at all aside from an airbag-related sensor that had to be replaced and the usual maintenance (brakes, tires, etc). Surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. This is a very well designed vehicle for someone with 4 kids (or without).

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  New 2015 Pilot - Love the car but lost confidence in it & Honda - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By jmcinpa - June 5 - 4:55 pm

  May 22nd I Traded in my perfectly working 2011 Element because it had Takata airbags ( which Honda never notified me of ) and couldnt afford to have the replacement complicate my drive out west in August.. I traded for a brand new 2015 Pilot EX with 7 miles on it. Drove the Pilot home that evening. May 23rd I drove the Pilot a few places May 24th Drove Early in the evening I went to move the Pilot and it wouldnt start. Tried many times to start it and it wouldnt start. We put the trickle charger on it overnight. May 25th It started in the morning and I drove to Agway. I shopped at Agway for about 20 minutes and the 2015 Pilot wouldnt start. Cont- in Favorite Features

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  Incredibly impressed with this car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By adaminwestdale - June 5 - 2:21 pm

  As with every Honda Ive ever owned, this car does everything just as it should. It is beyond reliable, incredibly comfortable, handles great, is powerful and yet returns pretty impressive fuel economy for a V6. It turns heads everywhere I go - thanks to the Tiger-Eye Pearl (metallic brown) paint job and the beautiful two-tone leather interior. But more than all of that, I was so impressed by the technology (lane-watch camera, front collision warning, land departure warning) that I actually convinced my partner to replace an aging Hyundai Santa Fe with a new 2015 CRV Touring to get the same (plus even more) safety technology.

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  Whole lot of shakin going on! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jdtbucks - June 5 - 1:52 pm

  There are a lot of great things about this car, but there is one showstopper that should prevent you from buying it. When you are idling at a red light, the car vibrates like one of those funny exercise machines from the 40s. It also rattles like you wouldnt believe during acceleration. This is my 6th Honda and my last. Honda admits its an issue, but dont really have anything encouraging to say about a fix. My brother opted for the Mazda 5 and he is very happy with it. If I could exchange this car today, I would.

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  All good except vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ctati - June 4 - 3:14 pm

  When people test drive usually its on A/C so you wont feel much vibration, once you drive without ac then its frustrating, as soon as red or stop signal I see I am scared to stop this vehicle. I dont think even diesel engine will make such vibrations.

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  I couldnt do it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By caine2375 - June 3 - 6:03 pm

  I live in Minnesota. I live at the bottom of a hill that turns into an ice rink during the winter. Last winter that got my civic stuck at least twice on days I dared to challenge mother nature. I was prepared today to trade in my civic for a 4wd vehicle, a hyundai touson. I couldnt do it. The honda has been an awesome vehicle. I bought it used and other than routine maintenance I havent had a problem with it. The MPG estimates are crap, though I still net 37.8mpg over the last 9kmiles. The car runs fine, it takes a little getting used to it shutting off at the light. It takes a bit to get going but hums along at 75 errr 65 just fine. I keeping it for my non winter driving thankU

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  So far so good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By phenom4 - June 3 - 11:52 am

  Ive driven the CRV for 200+ miles here in SoCal. Ive only come across the vibration while driving once when I was on the freeway at 60+ mph. The outside temp was in the high 50s. The drive felt very rough. All other drives and when idling have been vibration free. I find the infotainment system to be outdated and difficult to use along with the voice features. Lane watch is a distraction. I dont feel comfortable taking my eyes off the road. Move your screens! Otherwise, its got a comfortable interior, a good ride and good looks. Im happy. I purchased my CRV from Internet sales guru, Mike Skierka at Galpin Honda. He was very friendly, laid back and easy to deal with. Thanks Mike!