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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  Very Disappointed So Far - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ettamarna - September 1 - 5:13 pm

  After less than two months and 1,500 miles, my new 06 Pilot died (leaving my pregnant wife stranded in a snow storm). Apparently the "third bearing was contaminated" from the factory and "disintegrated." Engine was oil starved, and now short block and cylinder heads need to be replaced. Aside from that, the car suffers from a number of annoying interior creaks and rattles. Audio (both stereo and nav) "blacks out." The fr p door rubs the body panel. I have a 2003 S2000 that I love, but my faith in Honda has been shaken. Maybe it is a problem w/ the Alabama plant? Ive filed a case w/ Honda asking them to replace with new vehicle (rather than rebuild the engine). Will post an update.

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  Vinyl Seats? - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Tuck - September 1 - 5:46 am

  We compared to the other suvs this was clearly the best value and performance has been excellent. However, we strongly advise a longer than 30 minute test drive. At about 15 minute your back will start sweating. I had leather seats in every car since 1980, and never have we sweat so much! I cringe at the thought of driving anywhere over 20 minutes. Add to the cost of reupholstering and the value drops significantly.

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  new S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By dundonrl - September 1 - 2:00 am

  great weekend/alternative car.. it has enough power for around town, and above 6000 rpm really wakes up when the VTEC enables the high lift lobes on the cams

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  Great Car, but audio system fails to initialize - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Wolfgang - August 30 - 8:54 pm

  I picked up a 2016 Civic Touring about a week ago, and the audio system fails to initialize about half of the times I turn on the car. This means that the radio, navigation voice, and bluetooth phone do not emit sound through the speaker system. The dealer verified that this is an issue with the car, and told me to just keep turning off and on the car until the audio system works (believe it or not), and to check back in a few months to see if there is a fix. This problem shows up only randomly- I should have restarted the car at the dealership a few times to experience the problem. I do hear clicking during adaptive cruise control and the high-pitched turbo. Neither is particularly annoying, but theyre noticeable. Other than that, this is so much better than my last car that I cant really fine-tune the categories above very well. Except for that crazy audio issue.

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Paul Mc - August 28 - 9:20 pm

  I researched this car for over a year and waited for 2009 Fit Sport. Purchased it mainly for fuel economy, fun to drive and low cost of ownership. After 3300 miles the car has gotten progressively worse mileage as its broken in, not better. I cant see how people achieve such high mileage figures. Great little car in every way but greatly disappointed in fuel mileage.

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  Car for the Mature - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ji Sim - August 28 - 11:56 am

  Im 22 years old, I feel that cars these days rely on looks and dynamics. The Honda Civc 2005 LX, 4-door sedan is something where reliabilty is more focused than style of looks. This car is general purpose for familes, single, and pretty much any reason. My CO even has this car. The smooth riding is unlike anything for its price. If you want to spend more money I would reccomend the Accord 04+. Yet compared to other cars for the price of this car, bar none.

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  Insight 2002 - 2002 Honda Insight
  By henry8744 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  With over 50000 miles I am averaging 62 mpg. I really enjoy this car. It is fun to drive and comfortable.

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  Nice Second Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Stan - August 26 - 5:46 am

  Overall very pleased with the Crosstour. We like the styling and the convenience of the hatchback. The car is comfortable to drive. So far - so good. The limited rear visibility tempers after a few drives. One learns to use the mirrors much more than other SUVs. The smaller cargo capacity does not matter to us as we have a larger SUV as our primary vehicle (Acura MDX).

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  The perfect secondary vehicle - 2002 Honda S2000
  By s2kterpnut - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Perfect non-primary car for top-down, sporting fun. Everything one would expect from a first-rate sports car: powerful high-reving engine, great handling, rigid chassis, good brakes and sticky tires. Manual tranny, rough ride, noise and limited storage make this a poor daily commuter though.

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  Crv 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Christopher rysn - August 24 - 5:48 am

  I have a 2015 crv. Great car altho I do not like some of the safety features. For instance, if I am driving and my wife decides to put in a destination in the navi, it will not allow it. I would have to pull off somewhere s d stop to set it or make adjustments. Its stupid. I get that they dont want the driver to mess with stuff while driving but the side view camera is more distracting than my passenger adjusting the navi for me.