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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  Good car except for some rust - 1998 Honda Civic
  By pwang - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car to drive. However, I discovered rust around the feuling neck. I showed it to the dealer when it was still under warranty. The dealer told me that there was rust but, it was fine. Now, my car is over the warranty period, it is getting worse. They are saying since it does not rust through. Honda wont do anything about it. I had a 1983 Honda and it had the same problem. It contaiminated the feuling system... I dont see why Honda wont do anything about it. Do I have to wait until they issue a recall and have they repay the cost to clean the system? (They did last time...)

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  Not Much - 2007 Honda Accord
  By lzainster - June 3 - 4:56 pm

  I just purchased a new 2007 Honda Accord. I really didnt like the power of the engine. It could have more torque and horsepower. But overall I really like the 2007 Honda accord. I like to drive it but still dont feel the power. The smooth ride will give some a headache.

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  Solid car for a decent price - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Shem - June 3 - 2:44 am

  I have the 2016 Accord LX. I bought it used with about 3000 miles on it from my local MN dealer. It was to replace my 2000 Honda Civic coupe that I had owned for around 13 years and it had 235,000 miles on it. Needless to say I am a Honda loyalist, but not one who is blind to Hondas faults. I test drove a CR-V and a Camry and this car and settled for Honda because I still like the feel of the Accord better. The car is still mostly Honda in how it drives and sounds. The CVT takes a little getting used to but is not bad overall. It gets excellent gas mileage, I average around 32-34 mpg in mostly highway driving with some city driving mixed in there. The power is excellent for a four cylinder but you will not be drag racing anyone out there, buy a different car for that. I love the exterior styling and I think it is one of the better looking Accords in recent years. Generally, I am happy with the car. That is all the good stuff. Now for the bad. This car is neither quiet nor particularly compliant in the NVH department. I am ok with that because having owned Honda cars for a long time I know they arent always the best at NVH. I will trade the noisiness for the benefits in the handling department. There is, however, in my car a particularly annoying wind noise at the B pillar, right at ear level, when the car is at highway speeds. This is on both the driver and passenger sides. I will have the dealership look at this and update the review based on what they do. Road noise varies depending on the surface and can become obtrusive at times. There is a vibration that this car has at idle and it might have something to do with accessories like AC/climate control cycling on and off. More troubling is a slight vibration that can be felt in the steering and gas pedal during acceleration and at certain speeds on the highway. Time will tell how this resolves itself. Could be anything as simple as an out of balance wheel to as complicated as a CVT issue. Will update when I know more. The brakes are good and I can stop this car easily without jerking my passengers around. There is also a fair amount of body lean in the LX model when cornering at anything close to aggressive speeds. With all these flaws I still love this car and I hope it lasts longer than my faithful old Civic.

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  Surprised - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ralph - June 2 - 2:40 am

  This car is a real dissapointment in the ride on a road with any bumps. It lets you feel every small crack in the road. It it a worse ride than a Chevy truck we own. The other least favorite item is the Automatic temperature control system. The only thing automatic is what you tell the system that you want. Getting it to setpoint is all up to you after that.

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  Little less than expected - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By cvb - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Had a Civic. Ran for 250,000 carefree miles. Odyssey is comfortable and roomy. Problems: ~ Has constant knock. Dealer says Honda only wants us to use Chevron gas per internal memo. ~ Sliding door seals had to be replaced due to sticking. ~ Needed front brakes at 30,000 miles likely due to vehicle weight. Numerous brake sensor errors. ~ Various trim flaws requiring trips to dealer. ~ Pulls to the right but dealer swears it is due to the crown in the road. Uneven tire wear. ~ Rough shifting in certain situations. ~ Radio controls blocked by gear shift column.

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  Great, but a few minor things - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By fugetabadit - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Hasnt let me down yet... but, Gas mileage isnt as high as Id hoped and radio is so far away.

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  customer loyalty? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wouldbuy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Test drove and like it a lot. But, the dealers are simply too arrogant with pricing and not willing to find the vehicle I want. Charging $900 for Lojack and $3000+ for packages with paint sealer, wheel locks, mud flaps and cross bars? That is simply not a fair deal when I am someone that as bought 3 Hondas before. I may have bought my last. Too many other SUVs at better deals with same or better functions, etc. Will not buy a Pilot unless the Honda attitude changes. This exlpains why they are not in the top 10 with buying process satisfaction.

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  Civic LX Coupe - Not perfect - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rafy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the Civic Coupe LX is a solid buy. I am dissapointed, however, with the build quality. While my Civic has been solid since I purchased it in May 02, noises, particularly a loud clicking, have developed. I have been to the dealer three times, and they have not been able to fix the problem. The Civic should definitely be on your shopping list, just dont automatically rely on the Honda brand.

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  CRV- 2004 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By B. Shoup - May 27 - 11:13 pm

  CRV has plenty of power for an SUV of its size.It is very comfortable. It does have a below average ride, though. you cannot talk over the noise when on rough roads. Also, the CRV is a little bit noisy in the front-end when manuevering in a close area such as in a parking lot. Also, noisey windows when lowering or raising.

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  You will love this car!! - 2017 Honda HR-V
  By Ben - May 26 - 3:07 am

  Where to start - I have never liked the CRV s look - so i was in between the HRV and the Civic. The HRV has all wheel drive where the civic does not, and its higher up which i like. I LOVE this car...everything i could want. Hopefully Honda puts in electric hatch and apple play but besides that: perfect!! Acceleration is not the greatest. This is the best car i have ever owned, and dont go for the lower grades....spend the extra money for comfy HEATED leather seats. YOu wont be sorry if you get this CROSSOVER / SUV.