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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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Phil - August 4 - 2:56 am

  This is a great little SUV. Cargo space comes in handy and is flexible. Its a great car for running errands. However, I find highway driving a challenge. Since there is no carpeting, car tends to be noisey. Due to the boxiness of the vehicle, I find it difficult to steer at higher speeds and find myself fighting the steering wheel to compensate for lane drifting. There is a terrible blind spot from the right side door post. The post is wide and hides vehicles from view. Very dangerous! Brake grinding noise is also a problem. I was told the noise would disappear after 100 miles. I now have 5,000 miles on the car and the grinding has not disappeared.

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  Jerky ride - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carrie - August 2 - 8:23 pm

  Just purchased my Honda and the one problem that is major for me besides not getting the gas mileage it shows on its sticker, is how jerky it is when the motor/engine shifts gears up & down. Feels like you are driving it incorrectly. Was told all SUVs shift like that but I had owned one from another make prior to the Pilot and it was not that way.

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  paying attention - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By rich - August 2 - 4:01 pm

  radio control area could definately be improved

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  My Chubby Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By ALC - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car but I have one complaint about visibility. The driver and passenger side have a blind spot. The rather large window post can swallow a car whole and if you are not careful you could be unpleasantly surprised.

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  Great car, not-so-great mpg - 2004 Honda Civic
  By karenrose - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall love this car. Fun to drive, fast and agile. First Honda Ive ever owned and I love it. Great styling, nice interior, love the stick shift on the dash. Honda should make a convertible model. This car will get me my first speeding ticket. Cant help but race it on the highway.

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  New CR-V, first impression - NICE! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Firesource - August 1 - 12:13 pm

  Leased a 2009 LX CR-V for my wife, who up until this point had driven 5 Chevy Trailblazers over the past 15 years. Im 65" and am very impressed with the interior space - both as a driver and front seat passenger. For a 4cyl w/165hp, this thing is fun to drive. We were looking for an AWD vehicle with ample cargo space and the Honda fit the bill. Compared it to the Ford Flex and Chevy Equinox. The fact that Honda had sharp lease deals played a role, but the overall ratings and reviews for the CR-V put it over the top. Weve had the car < 1 week, so this is obviously a first impression --- so far, we are very happy.

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  better vehicle for your money! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By sreehari - August 1 - 12:18 am

  only the rear of the crv is little bit off

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Matthew - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I brought my lude not too long ago and its great, i put some performance parts on it and it does haul. I agree that there should not even be a backseat, my 5 year old brother cant even fit back there. Everything is great on this car and is built to last. Only thing bad is the dashboard design but u get use to it.

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By matthew - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I brought my lude not too long ago and its great, i put some performance parts on it and it does haul. I agree that there should not even be a backseat, my 5 year old brother cant even fit back there. Everything is great on this car and is built to last. Only thing bad is the dashboard design but u get use to it.

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  S2000 The Good, The Bad, and The Pretty - 2002 Honda S2000
  By stanhan - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive. If you want to rev, shift and run through the twisties this car is for you. It made me forget about my long lost motorcycle and even the C-5 I sold a couple years ago. In stock form I think it offers just about every feature you could ask for. With its reliability, power convertible top, and performance, there simply isnt anything close for the money (why do you think dealers can mark them up and wont EVER sell them under sticker???). Dont expect the raw power of a V-8. The rear-end was defective ($7,000!). Honda stepped up and repaired it under the factory warranty.