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 SUV! I would buy it again! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stepay - March 12 - 2:02 pm

  Bought this car in Feb. 2011, and I still love it today like I did the day I bought it. Honda quality, looks better than what they did to update it to 2012 (not sure what they were thinking about the back of the 2012 - looks weird), but the real thing here is value. Im still amazed I could buy this car brand new for the low price I paid for it. A 2011 Kia Sportage with similar options was a couple thousand dollars more. Also, those complaining about road noise should have investigated that beforehand. Honda never claimed this was a super quiet car. Reliable, drives great, lots of room, looks great. Intended to be a family car. You want smooth and very quiet, then pay more next time.

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  Love our new car - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By hawliann - March 12 - 12:41 pm

  We recently purchased our New Honda Pilot at Commonwealth Motors in Haverhill,MA. Our sales person was Gary Kotyla, he was very helpful and thorough going over all the details of the purchase and all we needed to know about our new Pilot. This is our second Pilot that we have purchased from Commonwealth Motors and we are very happy! Michael & Hawli Stuart

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  Excellent balance of design elements--update - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By flicker25 - March 10 - 10:43 pm

  I previously posted that initial 2013 CRV gas mileage was good, not great. I may have underestimated Honda. Just returned from a 300-mile round trip to Ocean City, Md., with 4 adults and cargo area piled up to rear window with food and clothing. With engine warmed and driving a flat stretch of US 1 between Newark, DE, and OC--and keeping a steady 60 mph in eco mode--computer said I was getting 34.2 mpg (no stops or hard accelerations). To make sure there was no advantage in descending elevation, I ran the same route in reverse. Computer said I was getting 33.9 mpg. If computer is accurate, this mileage suggests very high engine efficiency --and better-than-EPA estimates. Impressive.

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  Reliable Car - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By adam555 - March 8 - 4:28 pm

  I bought this car two years ago with 108k miles on it. It runes so far like new thanks God. I figured out I am not paying over 35k for a new one, that we dont use a lot. We have around 6k a year. I usually dont write reviews, but I tell you if I read the others reviews before, I would have never bought this car, and I am glad I did not. People usually dont write reviews unless they have problem. two third of the reviews show problems with this car, but I know many owners for this car love it like I do. I am buying another car for myself, and every time I look at a car, I change my mind because of the reviews, so I decided to look at the Odyssey figuring out no complaints, but there is.

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  Fun and fuel efficient car - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By kingme8 - March 8 - 2:53 pm

  The CRZ is a rare mix of Hybrid MPG and sport mode. The 3 mode driving system is really convenient. You can switch between the modes at any time during your drive. The 2013 comes with a more powerful lithium ion battery this year, as well as S+ button for a 5 second burst of speed, and a back up camera. Some of the negatives: -Rear window visibility(backup camera helps) -No armrest in the center(Although you can buy a slide in accessory) -No locking gas flap Overall, I really love this car. When you sit in the cockpit, the blue panel looks really futuristic. Even though Im getting better MPG, I think Im spending more on gas because I want to find reasons to drive it.

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  200,000+ and still going - 2005 Honda Civic
  By nelsonoah - March 5 - 11:30 am

  Update to my 11/19/09 review. Im still driving it and have done nothing but regular stuff (oil/filter, brakes, tires). I now have roughly 205k miles on it. The IMA warning light came on about 1.5 years ago (around 190k miles). Honda said the hybrid battery was testing weak and needed replaced ($2,500 and 3-year/30k warranty). I decided not to replace it and to just see what itd do. Battery doesnt keep charged up as well as it used to, but Im still getting over 40mpg driving in town. I found a place that will put in a used battery with a 1-year guarantee for $1,275. Besides the battery, everything else seems to be in great shape.

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  Excellent balance of design elements - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By flicker25 - March 3 - 1:26 am

  I am 62", 290# and can fit into front or back seats without banging head or knees. Vehicle is silky smooth in performance, quiet at high speeds, nimble in handling. Turning radius very tight despite room in front/back/cargo areas. Styling to me exceeds others in class. Interior is well laid out controls are intuitive and easily reached. Driving a flat 30 miles home from dealership at 55 mph in eco mode, instantaneous mileage dropped below 30 mpg only twice. Me likee. Dont think Honda engineers could balance all elements of form and function better than they did. I am retired and no Honda fanboy, but vehicle is exceptional.

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  Just picked up my Ridgeline - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By garyb10 - March 1 - 11:18 am

  Pretty much as expected. Great interior design, although it is missing the iPod/USB connection and Bluetooth. Trunk in bed is awesome feature. Gas mileage is averaging just over 19

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  I love my 2013 Purple CR-Z - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By prpldawn - March 1 - 12:10 am

  I have only had my CR-Z for two months, but I love it. I owned a 1985 CRX-SI, and the CR-Z is the flower child of the CRX with current tech functionality. When looking for a new vehicle, my main requirement was it had to be PURPLE, and the Passion Berry Pearl is a beautiful deep/dark purple. The continuously variable transmission is an adjustment, since I always drove a manual transmission, but I enjoy not having to use a clutch. I am still waiting to get the mileage mentioned on the Honda website, but most of my driving so far has been city driving, with lots of hills and stop and go. Still, I am averaging 30 mpg. I look forward to my first road trip to test the fuel efficiency.

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  Best car - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By cheliepoo - February 27 - 12:27 am

  I love it.