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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  Second Ridgeline - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgedrive - March 19 - 3:16 pm

  I traded a 2006 Ridgeline on a 2010 CRV to downsize and save fuel. That will be my last 4 cylinder in a SUV. The tweaks from 2006 to 2012 are noticable. Its quieter and peppier. I took six months to purchase a vehicle, test driving many SUV vehicles. The CX-9 was a top contender. But, at 6-02, it lacked enough headroom. Do not compare the Ridgeline to heavy duty pickups. That not what it is. I use it for hiking, camping, biking, trips to Lowes....etc. If I could describe it, using only one word, it would be smooth. I hope Honda does not kill the Ridgeline but updates it.

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  Great little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By iacivic06 - March 19 - 2:42 pm

  I bought my Civic in November of 2005, one of the first 8th gen civics in my area. It been a great car, very reliable and perform well. With the exception of check engine light for and 02 sensor twice, I have not had it in the shop for anything. It still looks great.

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  Poor - 2004 Honda Accord
  By yamaha776 - March 17 - 6:52 am

  I have drove hondas before this is the worst. I am spending more money on repairs than the value of the car. I think I am going to try a camary next. I had issues with the front axles, airbags and the car was not in ANY accidents!! Even Honda couldnt understand it, which I think was a LIE!

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  Bad Tires, CD players and Poorly Assembled - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kalam1970 - March 15 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my NEW Honda CR-V in Feb 2010. It was assembled in Mexico. On the basis of reliability reputation of Honda, I decided to buy CR-V out of 3 choices- CR-V, RAV4 and Subaru Forester. In Feb 2010, Toyota was giving very good deal (0% APR) and Forester was rated the best. However, price for RAV4 and Forester was $1000 more than CR-V LX. As I thought I got good deal and I dont have any Brand biasness, I bought CR-V. After 2yrs and driving 21,000 miles, it needs tire changed costing me $850. I am disappointed. Honda did not keep up its reputation. Plastic things fall off, clock runs fast, CD player get very hot within short time. Make noise when starts moving due to loose plastic...

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  Great First Car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By bsmithmcrobie - March 12 - 8:39 pm

  My mom bought this car used when it was 7 years old and we used it for me to learn how to drive and to have. It was a very reliable car and I loved to have it. It came in handy when all my friends and I wanted to go to the ocean for a weekend and wed pack my CR-V and fit comfortably. I got a decent trade-in and got a Honda Civic so I had something better on fuel that I would have after college.

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  Great MPG and great comfort... just a little pricey upfront - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pokechimp88 - March 12 - 6:48 pm

  Having also owned a 2010 Insight hybrid that is getting about 43 MPG combined and having good reliability with it, we decided to go on and purchase a 2012 HCH III w/lthr. Its a much more comfortable car with more features than the Insight. Because the car isnt broken in yet (200 on the odometer as of its writing) and frequent cold starts in Ohio, the life time MPG is only about 45 MPG, which is slightly above the EPA estimates but that has required a "feather" pedal with little HVAC. The car does have an EV only mode, which is a first for the Honda IMA system and it rocks! I can get 70 MPG on a run with it! Hopefully once the weather warms, I can break 55+ MPG and get 700 miles on a tank!

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  Accord EXL V-6 Blows Smoke - 2011 Honda Accord
  By trcolli - March 7 - 4:16 pm

  Have 22k on my 2011 Accord EXL V-6 and it blows a blue/white smoke on hard acceleration. Looks like an old Volvo Diesel with smoke billowing in the in the mirror. Its done this since new - dealer says its common but not a problem?? Makes me wonder. This is the 3rd Accord Ive owned, all previous 4cyl. Never had a problem with any of them.

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  So So - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsonaday - March 6 - 4:13 pm

  Power is embarrassing! This thing struggles to get to 65mph! i bought this car used and i had to replace some things but its still pretty reliable and some what comfortable. awd only turns on if the car feels like its slipping.. If you are looking to buy a ex, the cloth seating is terrible because the foam is so loose that its flat all over the seat by 40k miles. Do like the interior other then that, well then theres that super annoying audio system that sucked so much i had to replace it...

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  Cute car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By ltdo - March 6 - 7:44 am

  My car 2012 base, Auto transmission, Blue Raspberry color. I agreed with other reviewer, the color so easy to see in busy shopping parking lot this is 1 plus for the color.It looked gentle and happy to me. Car is fairly quite like my previous Corolla. but the driving is more enjoy than Corolla. the cabin design just make me feel good everytime I am in. The car acceleration is a little slow but I can accept it for the other good things it offered. Overall This is the different car than I ever had before, I like it, I will put new center arm rest, body side molding, Mud guard, front seat covers.

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  Not like they used to be - 2012 Honda Civic
  By edward1171 - March 5 - 10:57 am

  This has been the gold standard in econ cars for years. Im a bit disappointed at the gas mileage. Even with the "econ" button, ts no better than my 12 year old Sentra. The button takes torque away to such an extent that you need to be on flat land in order for the driving to be consistent. Climate control is pretty good but its nearly impossible to keep the windows clear of fog. Premium audio is almost useless. The auto traction and brakes are decent, if you are hoping to have the car drive for you. However, if you like to control everything its not so favorable.