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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  My first Honda Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Carr - December 25 - 11:08 am

  Without a doubt my Ridgeline was the best truck I could find. I had owed six Preludes and one Passport but I love my Ridgeline too. Youll want one of these...

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  About perfect - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Matthew - December 25 - 11:05 am

  Unless you intend to off-road, the Ridgeline is pretty much perfect. The ride is smooth, quiet, and refined. The engine wont kill you with acceleration, but its better than adequate. Inside materials and design are amazing. Safety features abound. Perfect for long road trips, daily commuting, and everything in between. Gas mileage is better than expected-- 18 in mixed city/freeway, up to 22 or 23 on road trips. Only complaint is that the exterior is very susceptible to dings-- the paint/body hardware could probably use some reinforcement. People who review this automobile poorly probably have never been in one.

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  Overall good midsized truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Nash58 - December 25 - 12:49 am

  So far the Ridgeline has been a joy to drive and work out of. I am a contractor and my 5 x 8 trailer loaded with tools and material is no problem for this truck to haul. It has power to spare. I live in a part of the country that gets its share of snow and the trucks smart AWD system has no problems negotiating unplowed roads. The jury is still out as far as fuel mileage is concerned. With out the trailer, Im lucky to get 15 - 16 mpg in town, but that is a far cry better than the 8 mpg I was getting with my full sized Dodge Ram.

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  Great Car- Great Features - Great MPG - 2013 Honda Accord
  By exosp123 - December 24 - 4:00 pm

  This is my 1st Honda. I traded a Cadillac STS on a 13 EX-L and couldnt be more satisfied. On my 1st tank, (395 miles with 121 miles before emty), I average 29.1 on the dash display, and on the actual fuel use (395.7 mi div by 12.27 gal) I got 32.24 MPG. Great for the 1st tank on about 80/20 % Highway / City. At 60 MPH on a flat road, the RPM is 1700 and shows 40 MPG on the dash. Im still finding out features this car has and there are many.. Dont lose your owners manual, as most require various steps to control. The 3 cameras are my favorite but it goes on and on. The radio is equal to the Bose in my old car. Its unfortunate other owners on here are not getting my results.

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  Hybrid w/ real ooooph - very pleased - 2006 Honda Accord
  By w grant - December 24 - 12:20 pm

  This Hybrid is much quicker than I expected - in fact feels like our Acura TL - Type S. Great for passing on too narrow roads. Chicago to Atlanta and return - averaged 38 mpg - w/ average highway speed of about 70 mph Fully recommend this car as is - And its both good for the environment - and in a few years (depending on $ of gas) our bottom line total car cost.

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  Ridgeline vs. Sport Trac - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Scott - December 24 - 11:42 am

  After debating between the 2007 Ridgeline and the 2007 Ford Sport Trac, I went with the Ridgeline and am glad that I did. The Ridgeline is a wonderful, tough truck and drives like a dream. I am not a truck person per se but need an open truck bed for Home Depot runs and hauling two large dogs around town and this truck fills that need and more. The in-bed trunk is the best as it is located at the tail gate, the Sport Tracs large in- bed trunk is located behind the rear window so you would have to get up into the bed just to put something in the trunk. For the first 1,500 miles, I have been averaging 18 mpg in the City. Not bad for truck this size. The V6 engine offers plenty of power.

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  2004 SI - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Parker - December 24 - 11:03 am

  Overall, I absolutely love this car. My only major complaint is that theres occasionally excessive cabin noise from the brakes. I also wish that the gear ratio between first and second was a little closer. Aside from that, I get better than posted mileage (I average 31 mpg mixed, 34 if Im only driving highway), the seats are extremely comfortable, the handling is close to perfect, the design is original and attractive.

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  Amazing first car, but I was impatient - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Viper38616 - December 24 - 4:56 am

  When I bought this car I new that the new model would be coming out in November, but I needed the car right then and there so I bought it. I love it to death it is my child, however I wish I could have waited for the new 6-speed 197 hp 2006 Si. None the less this car is quick, even with its 160 hp engine for the first month I had it I peeled out almost everytime off the line. Overall I love this car and I dont think I will ever get anything but a Civic Si, unless VW comes out with a new R32. Man I love those hatchbacks.

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  Honda Succeeds - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By snark - December 24 - 12:30 am

  The redesigned model is excellent. I owned an 03, and find this superior in virtually every respect. Rear visibility is improved; gas mileage is excellent; seats offer solid lumbar support and are comfortable; handling is better than previous, although turning radius is not. Interior is complemented wonderfully by updated materials and thoughtful design, no longer utilitarian. Shifter moved below controls. Space in rear is smaller than previous model. A pleasure for commuting any distance. Undercarriage is also improved with greater ground clearance. The ride is secure with little sway when pushed in tight turns at good speed. Acceleration is good, but needs increased power to be flawless.

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  Bluetooth disaster - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Levi - December 24 - 12:25 am

  Everytime i place a call with either my Iphone 7plus / Iphone 6 Plus / Samsung Galaxy Note 5 / Google Pixel the phone connects to bluetooth and immediately switches to private mode unless you force it manually back to bluetooth. on some of the phones it never even connects. I went to 2 separate dealers and no help. They tried telling me its a issue with my phone / phones and or my carrier. This issue is on all EX-L and above models. None of these phones have a issue with my 2016 Honda Civic touring or any other car. This issue is known to 2016 Pilots and the new pickup truck which is based on a pilot chasis. I called Honda link and no help other then telling me that i should call once every 6 months to see if there is a update.