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:
Showing 641 through 650 of 31,869.00-
Fun to drive and soo cute ! Awesome Gas mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
By mickmarion - April 24 - 10:21 amI just wished she was taller. I get tired of hitting the dips, cars should not be made so low at 4 inches taller or more. But she is so roomy, we have 3 dogs and all fit back there perfectly. The seats never sit upright. She doesnt look roomy from the outside until you look inside. That is why she is a Fit, can fit everything !!
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Love my van but $$$ to keep up - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By asuitor - April 19 - 10:46 pmI absolutely love my van and so do my kids. Very luxurious and loaded! That being said cars that are loaded have to be kept up. Most of all the run flat PAX tires. Holy crap! $1500+ for new tires on a van! Oops Honda left that out on the sale!! DVD system is great! Heated seats are awesome etc
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Great SUV, but underpowered - 2012 Honda CR-V
By jhesselbein - April 18 - 2:06 pmThe 2012 CR-V has a lot to offer. Ergonomically, it is very practical - everything is within the drivers reach, including climate controls, radio controls (which are redundant on the steering wheel), bluetooth, etc. The instrument cluster is a fresh design and its fuel economy is certainly respectable for a small SUV (I average about 26-29 depending on type of driving: city v. highway). There is ample room in the rear seats for average-sixed adults. The powertrain operates very smoothly and the vehicle, overall, have a very car-like driving demeanor.
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As Honest as I can write... - 1998 Honda Prelude
By darealreview - April 17 - 11:15 amI bought this car with 256000kms (159000 miles) on the car and finally bought a new car. It currently has 320000 kms (199000 miles). Ill be honest, Ive never driven a brand new Prelude, but from what I can see, considering the milage was high, it still booted, vtecd, and sound like a fast sportscar. from 256000 to 320000 kms, i only worried about oil changes and gas. i had a couple of small things that had to be changed - fan belt, rotors, and exhaust. These are all maintenance issues. This car is a soldier, and I abused the hell out of the car, and it just wont die. It is rusty as hell, and so now that I bought my new car, my prelude satisfies the carefree in me.
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No tranny problems here. - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By weigel5 - April 16 - 1:17 pmI bought this vehicle new and sold it about a year ago. It was a great vehicle for the 11yrs we owned it. Only consistent problem was the passenger automatic sliding doors would get out of alignment every other year or so. It also developed a slight oil leak (very slight) as in one to five drops per week (estimate) never actually counted the droplets on a weekly basis. I only hope the new owners have as good of an experience with this vehicle as we did.
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2012 Civic EX-L Nice - 2012 Honda Civic
By deer_country - April 6 - 8:31 pmThe beautiful Civic Honda is an excellent all around car. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but other than that it is excellent quality. The edge of the seats seem firm and cause discomfort on a long journey. But the handling is excellent.
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Checking in at 20K - 2009 Honda CR-V
By chuckfromli - April 1 - 8:21 pmJust passed 20K recently. Went on KBB a few minutes ago to see what the car is worth. Private party value for very good condition is 21K. That means I only lost about $5500 in almost three years and 20,000 miles, and I didnt even enter my mileage. Their default was like 40K miles! Car is overall very, very good. Love the heated seats and the sound system. I have not had any problems at all. Washed it by hand today and I was surprised to see the tires getting close to wear bars. I would guess theres another 7 or 8K left on them. In fact, I like it so much we may buy a 2012 for my wife.
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my 2012 ex sedan accord - 2012 Honda Accord
By kokoloco84 - March 26 - 7:38 amfront drivers seat is very un-comfertable and the radio sounds like its coming from out a tin box. poor sounding
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An okay car - 2011 Honda CR-V
By rheramb - March 25 - 7:58 pmStandard dislikes noisy, Continental tires are probably the worst tires I have ever had , meager interior convenience-cup holders, storage. A rumbling sound in suspension/wheels, more like a low roar.Got the Glacier Blue and wish I had chosen anothr color because it is so common. In our climate Honda has trouble with brake corrosion regardless of the model..
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Good car - 2002 Honda Accord
By owneriam - March 21 - 2:44 pmI bought a brand new 02 EX V6 coupe and kept it 8 yrs (10/01-11/09). I gave me 8 trouble-free years so I owe it a nice review. The only issue it ever had was 1 or 2 dried out engine seals. It did sit for 4 months while I recovered from an accident so not sure if it sitting awhile had anything to do with it. The only negative things Id say about it was the poor visibility out the rear (you get used to it) and the disappointing gas mileage I got. I drove 90% city and the low fuel light consistantly came on at ~265 miles each tank. I miss that paid off car!! I sold it with 79k+ on it to a very happy person.
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Honda Accord 8,180 Reviews
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Honda Accord Crosstour 175 Reviews
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Honda Accord Hybrid 119 Reviews
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Honda Accord Sedan 1 Reviews
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Honda CR V 108 Reviews
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Honda CR-V 4,333 Reviews
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Honda Crosstour 32 Reviews
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Honda Pilot 3,304 Reviews
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Honda Prelude 428 Reviews
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Honda S2000 898 Reviews