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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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.

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  Reliable??? - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Dubovy - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Every six months a get a letter from Honda extending my warranty because of poor workmanship or defects in material. I had several minor defects when I picked up my vehicle that were corrected.

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  Better than a Chrysler product by miles! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gfrodo - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The 3.5 V6 is really peppy and xmission shifts smoothly, but drops into overdrive (5th gear) a little too soon. very comfortable - a real pleasure to travel in. A lot of city driving will kill the mileage, as will a lead foot! We get 22-23 with mixed city/hwy and have gotten as much as 27 on pure highway driving. The flat cornering and very short turning radius make driving and handling a pleasure.

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  Be Careful of Manufactures defects - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bob - September 3 - 12:30 am

  I know Honda is a great car, however, I am now on my 3rd replacement of the drives side door panel. There are blemishes and white spots along with over-spray on the bottom of the rear bumper panel. I have 3200 miles on the car and so far I have no complaints as far as any performance issues. I suggest when you buy any car to go over it with a very good eye. The dealership promises you the world before you purchase it as any car salesman would do to get your money. Its a great car however, look over it closely before you buy it for nicks and an body discrepancies.

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  good on power not on handle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By adam - September 1 - 4:26 pm

  Just bought 2006 LX V6 and drove 450 miles. Engine is good and has enough power, Nice quality inside and outside. City/Highway is about 20 mile/gallon. This car is not as solid as our 2003 VW passat on highway. The reason why we bought Accord is its history of reliability. Our 2003 VW Passat has too many problem although it is much more fun to drive than Accord. We almost sent Passat back to repair every three months. Our Acccord has too much road noise. It is a very soft driving car. When you push hard, first thing you feel is the "lag".

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  Vibration-Free 2015 EXL/Nav - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Eugene Bouchard Harrison - September 1 - 12:07 pm

  Ive only put 200 miles on my Honda. So far, I am delighted with my purchase. Also, so far, Ive not noted ANY vibration issues that MANY others have noted in their reviews. I find this to be a comfortable car to drive, both in short urban trips and hour long highway cruising. I like the way the power steering is very light for low speed operations, but it stiffens up at speed, making for a very stable cruising machine. So far, averaging 31 mpg with mostly highway driving at 65 mph. This is my first CVT car. So far, I see no difference in how it operates compared to a conventional automatic transmission.

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  Not a bad van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By groundeffx - September 1 - 11:43 am

  a very nice van and i am happy with it but the fuel ecomomy is far from what it should be and i drive very easy with it and i am only getting 17 mpg in 50/50 city/highway and on a 5 hr. trip on all highway the best i could get with cruise at 70 was 25. i expected better. gas mileage is my biggest problem i have with this van it is rated to be 20/28 the best of any minivan and it is not getting that .

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  Powerful but expectted better mpg - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mball - August 30 - 5:40 am

  Drives nice. A little bit of a jerk on initial acceleration. Roomy and comfortable. Gas mileage much less than expected. Fun to drive.

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  I Love the Pilot, yet got a major lemon. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Sharon Kay Howard - August 27 - 12:46 pm

  I truly Love driving the Pilot. However, its been back to the Dealership at least 8-10 times, for numerous problems. Seven times for the same problem. I worked for Honda as the Finance Director for 15 years,and brought in hundreds of Customers.Im in the process of going directly to the top of Honda for help. The problems I have had,are unbelievable. Ive owned 5 Hondas and Love them, my commuter has 162,000 miles, and I Love the Pilot. However, I will NOT KEEP THIS CAR. Things happen, and WOW, I have had too many problems to write about. They say they cant duplicate the problem? I have 2 major problems, and, Ive had 7- 8 others, they fixed. However,the 2 Major PROBLEMS THEY CANT?

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  CR V FOR ME - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Hastings - August 24 - 9:41 am

  GREAT SOLID CAR