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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  95 Honda Accord EXL - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Vadim - September 2 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this car in 2002 with 138000km (85000 miles). It is summer of 2009 and car has 370000km (230000 miles). It obviously has its problems, needs repairs. But I got my money worth... that is for sure. Overall very reliable if maintained . I had radiator break (replaced myself), regular maintenance repairs. Engine and transmission are original... would recommend to anyone.

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  Impressive Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DJ - September 2 - 11:56 am

  Bought this car Dec.31 2007. Waited for five months to write this review. Have 3200 miles on the odometer. No issues. Silky smooth ride and drive. Daughter took it out and had a small ding on the right front fender. Cost $917 to fix - issue - integrated piece with headlamp. Beauty is expensive to maintain :-> Impressed by the headlamps and the interior layout. Radio buttons is a bit overwhelming. Audio quality is very good.

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  Next Honda Is A Camry - 2003 Honda Accord
  By R. Morgan - September 2 - 11:23 am

  This car is the 9th Honda product owned by me and my immediate family. At 76,000 miles with all scheduled maintenance performed, the transmission failed. Honda would not pay for any repair since it was out of warranty. Transmission overhaul cost $2,200. No more loyalty to Honda Motor Company from me. Transmission repair shops will tell you that the torque converter and internal filter are the weak links in all Honda transmissions.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By CHK - September 2 - 10:06 am

  Bought the car in 2006 when it had about 150,000 miles - have made many trips from PA to NH and back with never a problem - this car has never let me down. It now has 215,000 miles, and Im looking to take it to 300,000. The only service Ive had to do is routine maintenance, and repairs that were a result of my own dumb mistakes. Great car!!! Looking to by buy another car in the next couple months - this one will be another Accord. Thanks, Honda.

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  Great Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sam - September 2 - 7:23 am

  Was in the market for an RTL-E but ended up buying a Black Edition based on a great deal I received. Ive put about 1,000 miles on the truck so far, and overall Ive been very pleased.

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  Mine! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chancencinny - September 1 - 7:33 pm

  I feel in love with CR-Vs the first time I saw one. I bought my 2000 CR-V when it was 4 years old and was always happy to see it. When the third generation was announced I was counting down the days until I could buy mine. It has yet to disappoint me. The little quirks were worked out from my first gen and I am so happy I sprung for the EX instead of the base model. I love the feel of driving it and everything. Mileage while not bad could be better I average 19-21 but I mostly do city driving. On the freeway I can usually get 25+.

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  Excellent all around vehicle - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Steve - September 1 - 4:41 pm

  Bought this car new 16 years ago. Now has 175K and it still runs well and looks good. It has needed some repairs recently, which I would expect with all the miles, but overall it has been an excellent and very reliable car. The four cylinder engine is economical delivering 23 city/28 highway, yet offers plenty power to "get up and go". Easy to drive, with excellent handling characteristics. Comfortable seats and nice view of the road with low dashboard and large windshield. Economical to operate and maintain. Tires wear like iron, I get almost 50K miles on a set of tires. Brakes last a long time too.

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  Excellent Vehicle So Far - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - September 1 - 4:34 pm

  Looked at the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9, which simply did not stand up to the size and features of the 2009 remodeled Pilot. Bought the Pilot in September of 2008, and have been very happy so far with no problems. Towed a tent camper trailer without any problems -- hardly knew the trailer was behind us -- did not have any issues with sway.

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  Well, the kids love it... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By ebd135 - September 1 - 11:13 am

  After our third came around it was time to move up in terms of size with our vehicles. This is our second Honda product so no real surprises in build/material quality, which as been good so far. The van has been very functional and the power doors are great. The space within the van is excellent, as is the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Gas mileage is been in the middle 20s so far, but I will expect less during the winter. The children love the van and taking long trips has been a much more pleasant experience for the whole family.

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  Civic 3rd one and happy - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jose - August 31 - 11:56 pm

  I love the reliability of the engine, and the ride. Fuel consumption is good to great. Plenty of leg room, and stereo is nice. At this time I have 60000 miles on this Civic and hope to catch the other one I had at 210000 miles which did not burn one drop of oil. It was an older model and the timing belt broke on it, or it would still be running. The newer civics dont have that trouble because of clearance in the valves. Keep it up Honda. Youre the best.