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 Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - June 9 - 10:16 pm

  After driving my 1999 V6 accord for 11 years it was time for a new one. The new design is appealing. Good features for the money but I expected much more. ROAD NOISE is pretty bad on the fwy and you will feel the road. Looks great inside and out, much like a BMW. powerful and handles well. poor gas millage, my ave is 20mpg and this is a 4cyl. the information display and console has a very poor design. The Acura series has a much better design. you would imagine for a 2010 completely redesign car they wouldnt use so many buttons and scattered and multi colored display. It took me such a long time to adjust the seats and they are still not very comfortable.

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  My First SUV - Lovin It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chrissy - June 9 - 1:23 pm

  Its very different going from a Nissan Altima to SUV but I have to say I love it. I like being higher from the ground and your proliferal vision is so much better. I researched the RAV4, Forrester, Escape, etc. but thought the CR-V had much more to offer. The interior room is spacious especially in second row compared to SUVs in the same class. The ride is smooth and it handles great in the snow - no slipping and stopped when I wanted to stop. The SE package is reasonable priced with so many features - great options available - auto start/back-up sensors. My insurance was actually cheaper than the Altima because of all the safety features.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By steeltalo - June 9 - 2:00 am

  One dealer would sell MSRP, but order to take 6 months. St. Johns Honda, Portland, Oregon. Nice dealership. Like the way they do business. Actually acquired from different dealer. Got options at dealer cost which brought cost back down (approx. to MSRP) and got car immediately.

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  CRV SE edition is nice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV2005 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I got a new 2005 CRV SE in Pewter Pearl color with black leather seat inside. I have been waiting for the SE edition. The new color looks really nice, especially with the front and rear bumpers painted. I traded in my 2003 silver Pilot. The Pilot is nice but kind of big for me. The car is very fun, easy, and peppy to drive. Power is also good enough for me, better than 2001 CRV. Not a road burner but good enough for everyday use. The Pilot has more power but feel heavier when drive and so the CRV feels more peppy to drive. Noise is also very acceptable for me. It has been improved much better than my previous 2001 CRV but not as good as the 2003 Pilot.

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  NEw Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By easy-e - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Traded in an 03 Pilot for the 04 Accord. GREAT gas mileage and nice quiet ride. Enough room for the family of 4. Seems very european in the exterior design. Love the dash and the gauges. Stereo could use more power. The driver seat in the cloth LX is kinda lumpy and not very comfortable, Iam 6ft 220lbs. Still is one of the best near luxo cars for the money. Next car might be the EX-V6 w/ leather

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  Has its good points.... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kurtis M - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The car feels very solid and engine performance is EXCELLENT!! This is our second Honda but unfortunately our last. I was quite hesitant on purchasing it as it was manufactured in OHIO. The overall quality is below average. I replace the brakes approximately every 10k miles and Honda states this isnt their problem yet there are several accords always in for brakes daily. Side airbags deployed when a rock flew under the vehicle (several NHTSA complaints on this) Window fell in the door. When started cold, I sometimes get a rough idle and it shuts off and I have to restart it. I think Honda is going downhill pretty quickly!

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  Clunky transmission - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rob Lang - June 7 - 2:06 am

  Good acceleration, steering, and suspension for a minivan. Minor creaking and body flex noise when starting from a stop. Also, when stopping, transmission is clunky and feels like it is "pushing" you forward. Overall, by far the best reliable performance for the money. Was surprised about the clunky transmission for a Honda. Highway mileage so far 24.5 (at 75-80 mph)-not bad for a 5200lb. vehicle (loaded) with a V-6. Rear DVD is worth its weight in gold for kids. Radio signal reception is poor. More road noise than I expected.

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  Peppy 4-cyl, like the design - 2009 Honda Accord
  By volvowner - June 6 - 1:20 pm

  Ive owned a few Accords, and this one is the most fun to drive. The 4-cyl engine has plenty of power for everyday driving, with surprising acceleration off the line. Honda is not typically known for its attractive designs -- usually you had to go to Acura for that -- but the coupe is pretty sharp looking. So far the car has been everything I expected and more. The coupe has some compromises in back seat room, and its unfortunate that Honda doesnt offer a fully adjustable drivers seat unless you get the leather package. Road noise is always an issue with Hondas, and this ones no exception even though it has the noise canceling feature (great idea, cant hear much effect).

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  VCM ruins a great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe Collier - June 6 - 12:00 am

  Enjoy the way the car handles especially the power of the V-6. I think Honda made a big improvement in the design of the car. The Vcm systems totally ruins the car. What a big disappointment. I had rather not have it and sacrifice the mileage....

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  Good little car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By JP - June 3 - 7:35 pm

  I have owned a 2010 CR-V and a 2010 Fit and find the 2016 HR-V to be somewhere in the middle. Gas mileage has been fantastic, around town I get 35mpg and on commutes where I stay near 50mph, I routinely get 40 mpg. With great gas mileage comes some tradeoffs - the car is made out of lighter materials that you have take care not to abuse. The ride and handling are above average but I do notice a rougher ride than my CR-V. I miss the elevated driving position that I had with my CR-V but am getting used to the HR-V. I have not found a problem with the seats - they are comfortable and have not experienced any back problems. The entertainment system works well but I have had problems with Blue Tooth and my iPhone. I have had to reset the entertainment system to its factory setting to keep the car from randomly dialing numbers on my phone. The reason I keep buying Hondas (this is my 8th Honda in 20 years) is that they are extremely reliable (under 100,000 miles) and I have not had any major repairs to any of my vehicles. The only minor complaint I have is the noise coming from the engine compartment when I travel around 45mph (~1500 RPM). I hear a noise that results from a vibration or resonance that may come from the thin sheet metal shields around the exhaust system or firewall. It sounds like a bunch of bees are in the engine compartment. You get used to it over time but it is still a minor nuisance. I was also wondering if this was related to road noise coming from the tires. I had tire road noise with the factory tires on my CR-V and when I changed them the noise went away. In retrospect if I had to choose all over again between a CR-V and HR-V, I think I would go with the CR-V due to its larger cargo capacity and smoother ride.