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 - 2003 Honda Element
  By RIBEAV6 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent versatility Comfortable with a seat removed. I sleep in it .Get the CABANA its beautiful for $190.00

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  Good decision - 2003 Honda Civic
  By egobop - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever and have been rear ended once (by another Civic no less). The bumper had a scrape which has since been fixed. I only mention this because I have seen bumpers fall off of other cars from less. The fuel mileage is excellent. I average approx. 25 mpg. I have always been a die hard buy American guy. I became sick of working on my cars constantly and decided that my first new car would have to be foreign. When American companies learn to make reliable cars I may actually go back to them.

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  Saving a Ton on Gas - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Steven - July 23 - 6:43 am

  I purchased my civic a few months ago in order to find a reliable replacement for my truck, which was on its last leg. Over time, Ive come to appreciate the civic more and more. With only 2000 miles on the odometer, Im averaging around 28 mpg in the city and nearly 38 on the highway. I purchased the EXL model in dark red with tan leather. The car feels solid and looks beautiful. Our family previously owned a 2002 civic and this model is a great improvement! The car was tuned for fuel economy and not performance, so it tends to buck a bit if I accelerate hard from a dead stop. However, Im saving nearly $30 a week in gas, so I have no complaints.

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  Good but could be great. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By william edgar - July 22 - 7:29 am

  Overall, Im satisfied. My only real gripe is the weak stereo. Really brings down the otherwise outstanding Honda!

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  Everything but the seat - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By KenC - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Compared all small SUBs,and felt CRV superior in all aspects including price. Every three months I am very pleased with it overall, but do have a major concern. I cannot get comfortable in drivers seat. I am only 58" but no matter how I tilt back I am uncomfortable within a few minutes. It may be the lumbar (I would like to be able to turn it off) or the the contour of the seat. I have tried a variety of seat cushions but none of them have signicantly helped. As much as I like how it handles and drives, I am concerned about my level of comfort on a long trip.

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  Lack of Features - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Debra - July 20 - 1:13 pm

  I just purchased the Pilot. I went in looking for a 2007, but the 2006 was substantially less expensive. Compared to my last SUV, I am disappointed in the lack of exterior and interior features. Such as no top of roof racks. Also there is no exterier rim for protection against other car doors ramming yours.le probably doored mine. The interior in this model also has a lack of features such as a small beverage holder that only fits the average size drink rather that a beverage holder that can fit wider beverages as well. The backseat fabric shows every stain. Some good stuff: I love the size and roominess. The ride is smooth and the Pilot is easy to manipulate.

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  Third Accord -- Love Em! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By KAL - July 18 - 9:13 am

  This is a well appointed vehicle, given the price point. I hadnt planned to purchase a different car for about 2 years, and I didnt intend to purchase a new vehicle (had planned to buy a certified used Honda). But, given the feature set, the reliability, and the cost, I decided to take the plunge, and purchase a new one. I dont regret it.

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  Boo Boos - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By charliep2 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Deler forgot to put the antenna on the car. The tripmeter broke the first time it was reset. Gear shift lever is in an awkward place.

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  Problems, problems, problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jessica - July 17 - 7:40 pm

  Quick review of my problems: 1. Transmission went totally out. Honda did replace this under the recall and made me very happy. 2. Drivers side window switch problems. It clicks all the time and the switch stays stuck in the up position and I am unable to get the window down. About 50% of the time I cannot roll my drivers side window down. 3. Interior light near the rear view mirror stopped working, but it is not a bulb. Occasionally it comes on when Im driving down the road. 4. Now, much to my enjoyment, My mid- dash lights (stereo, time, temp, etc) are totally out. Night time, Day time... I cant see anything. To sum it up... I made a big mistake by purchasing this car.

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  My Honda Wagon - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ora rollins - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost one year now and it has never given me any problems. It is very roomy and is great for loading and unloading my kids. The Honda Accord station Wagon is a good vehicle to use for travel it has a very high gas milage and is very spacious. I havent had to do any work to my honda since I have had it except for normal car wear and tair. They are very dependable and trustworthy cars.