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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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HVA - April 3 - 12:47 pm

  Approaching 50K, so far not disappointed at all. Runs solid, fun to drive, does not feel very big vehicle but roomy inside. Getting better gas mileage on highway with speed between 60-70 mph. Using full synthetic Mobil 1 oil may be helpful. Will write review every 25K.

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  Torn between new tranny or another car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Michelle - April 3 - 10:40 am

  Bought my car used October 2006 with high mileage (106K), but felt comfortable given Honda reputations (friends/family members Hondas average 250K). I should have done more research on car complaints to avoid the tranny issue - would have got the extended warranty (poor decision on my part). I really like the car though, having put 50K+ miles on it already. I love road trip travel often, so I just get the oil checked and go! Ill probably put the $$2200 in to replace the tranny because the body condition is MINT and all other aspects are working properly.

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  Never thought I would consider a brand new car... - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By dj - April 3 - 4:10 am

  Let me start by saying I thought I would never ever own a brand new car. Not because I cant afford it, I just didnt see the value...until Honda released this wonderful gem. I thought it was time for an automatic, and like a few others I was drawn to the design, cargo space and ride of the Mazda CX-5. But I wasnt sure I needed slightly extra height/width and engine power, and I also owned a civic for years so I was drawn to Hondas reliability and headache free maintenance. I do try to hypermile when I can, so when I saw the HRV had a manual it became a reasonable contender. I test drove it, and it shifted like warm butter (thats a good thing). So I started analyzing all other differences between these cars and I decided the Honda had nothing more and nothing less than exactly what I need in an SUV. Both my cars now fit in the garage nicely with plenty of room and I will never have to worry about finding a big enough parking spot. On top of all that the MPG could almost be overlooked, but is definitely a nice bonus that reminds me I made a good choice. If youre coming from a higher/wider vehicle into the HRV you will probably feel cramped at first, but strangely with the cargo versatility (Seats that fold completely flat and magic seats) it feels like the same size as a larger size SUV. Comfort for me was fine, Im not doing cross country trips and if I did it would be in a rental. My wife and I tested that we can both lay down in the back comfortably (59" and shorter), which will come in handy... were taking it to the drive-in this weekend :) Theres not much I dont like, but Ill reserve judgment on the thin cloth on the door uppers. I am concerned about its durability, as I like to put my elbow there when I drive. Other than that, I really wish the call button on the steering wheel triggered Siri like the EX model, but the LX model had almost everything I needed so couldnt justify the upgrade.

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  I like very much - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nicber87 - April 3 - 2:30 am

  My last car was a 98 sunfire gt everything about the si is better. Its one of the most powerful naturally aspirated 4cyl in the world and it still gets me about 28 mpg. She corners on rails. Interior is ergonomic and attractive as well. Ill never buy another 5spd (6 is the only way to go). I have loved driving it, but havent been too lucky. Other than the third gear issue, it needs an alignment and has a nasty skip when cold. Also, i cant get xm radio to work (followed the directions in the manual and also got help from an xm rep). Al in all I definitely recommend this to anyone who doesnt need space for family.

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  Another LEMON amongst many! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By only1harry - April 3 - 12:50 am

  Where do I start? My LX coupe has not tracked straight since the day I bought and after reading other reviews I noticed it seats higher on one side too. Dealer did a wheel alignment - no improvement. 2,300 mi. on the odo. Car is going back to the dealer because its wandering way too much and wants to change lanes by itself if you take your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel for 1/2 sec. Feels like the shocks are bad or the frame is bent. The brakes get mushy when going over bumps or while taking a turn. Steering vibrates under hard acceleration. There is abundant torque steer like a motor mount are broken. Seats are very uncomfortable! This is my 4th Civic and the worst1

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  Awesome on the highway if you drive slow - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hovsolo - April 2 - 11:17 pm

  I bought this car for my 65 mile round trip commute. Its awesome on the highway if I drive at a constant speed. Going 80, Ill get about 42 mpg. 65-70 mph and it will be around 45-48 mpg. Be a pain to everyone else (55-60mph) and get 49-52 mpg. Acceleration is horrible, and so is the throttle response when trying to stomp on the accelerator pedal. Overall, this car does what it is intended to, be a great commuter. In addition, it is easy to drive at the limits because the low rolling resistance tires are always screaming at you.

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  The car/truck - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott Watson - April 2 - 9:10 pm

  I would ignore the previous "hondahater" negative review obviously he made a wrong decision to lease this vehicle. If this is the type of vehicle you are looking for (read not huge trailer towing, 4x4ing,) then it is the right decision. I was looking at a Tacoma to replace my 15 year old Dakota, this Ridgeline is the ticket for me.

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  Takes the Fun out of Functional - 2003 Honda Element
  By green_ghost - April 2 - 6:39 pm

  I love my E for all the features and practicality. Its easy to maintain, easy to clean, and easy to own all around. It runs great with 70,000 miles, and maintenance has been minimal. I really love the waterproof seats and rubber floors. I get sand, mud and water in the car all the time from all the outdoor sports that I do. Its super easy to clean the car and not worry about the mess. I also love the versatility of seating, and cargo space. Its so easy to throw anything I want in the car. The E is Uber functional, just not very fun to drive. Its not fast, not sporty, doesnt handle well at high speed or in corners, but it gets me where I need to go and is reasonably comfortable.

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  The perfect car! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By CivicFlyer - April 2 - 1:39 pm

  Ive had my 97 Civic since 2000 and as long as I keep it tuned up it is getting 40 MPG plus. That is with an hour commute with speeds up to 85 mph. The dealership offered a free warranty tune up once a year. I just had all the bodywork done and a high end paint 2004 Subaru Garnet Black (white and red pearl on black). With a Cold Air Pack you get that piece of junk 70s Honda motorcycle sound (+mpg). I got cool wheels, chrome exhaust tip, mirror tinted back windows... chicks dig it. It looks very similar to a picture I see on the edmunds.com 1997 Honda Civic Styles page. I have run alcohol and hydrogen through it with no problems at all. Very low maintenance and very good power for an economy.

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  Reliability of Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Honda4Life - April 2 - 1:21 pm

  My Honda has been in the family for nine years and counting. It has been on numerous rode trips to Vegas and is very dependable. There have been engine problems but minor fixes is keeping it alive. I love Hondas.