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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  Honda is definitely overrated - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Brendan - November 28 - 12:05 pm

  I bought this car used from an elderly woman in Conneticut. She had replaced the rack & pinion before I had picked it up and she had a problem with the gas door not opening once closed. Instead of fixing this I would simply latch it from the trunk behind the carpet to keep it sealed while driving, its tedious but saves me a fortune than going to dealer to have it taken care of. I originally bought it with 132000 miles and got an amazing deal at $1100 but then it had frozen calipers so replaced both by myself for $200 in parts and three hours in a driveway. After that I resurfaced the drums and replaced the shoes and the front brake pads, the rotors are still original and holding up fine. The car seems incapable of holding any speed over 65 without shimmying back and forth and yet it isnt the tie rods (theyre brand new) alignment was also just done along with two matching new tires, so the problem is still unsolved. I great great gas mileage however since I commute 102 miles a day round trip and I average 31-34 mpg not bad for an automatic. Even being the EX model she seems very basic for features and nothing special, the special edition wheels bent immediately upon arrival to upstate New York since the roads are unforgiving so she has four newer steel wheels on her. Just learned she needs a new catalytic converter ($300) new windshield ($250) new bushings and control arms front and back ($500) and new front struts ($200) since I do enjoy the reliability I guess I will repair her but next tax season going to go out and buy either a GMC or a Toyota since believe it or not GMCs have been more reliable than the civic with minimal repairs, the repairs are cheap for Honda I guess thats a benefit? But seem to need more in frequency and just dont enjoy it. Good basic commuter car, its not a race car guys, sick of seeing them with loud exhausts they arent meant for street racing, 127 hp is not substantial enough except if youre racing a prius even then its almost anyones race haha.

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  Best econo-box for the money! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brian - November 28 - 5:10 am

  I bought this car with economics in mind. I have a long communte (70 mi) round trip. I have been getting 32mpg on average. I recently took this on a long trip, and I did get 34 mpg. Quiet, plenty of power, great mpg, never have gotten under 30!!! Its not a thrill to drive, its still a 4cyl economy 4 door, but it does handle well, and is very smooth and quiet. If you are looking for a greaet daily driver, with enough room for a car seat and stroller, this is the car for you!

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Vilma Aceron - November 27 - 11:42 pm

  Its an awesome car and I am very happy with it

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  after 3 months of excessive road noise - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By one time crv owner - November 27 - 5:16 pm

  Purchased this 2006 crv lx 2wd in february of 2006 and hated the excessive road noise since the day I brought it home, after only 2000 miles of use, I decided to trade it in for a new 06 civic ex 4 door. I regretted trading in my 05 accord 4 door for the crv it was so much better in build and better mpg and with better insulating materials. Gas mileage was aweful as well. I did all of my california driving on the highway, with little traffic and still averaged only 20 mpg, considering epa is 23 city and 27 highway(what a joke). I have always owned many hondas and will always be loyal to the product but skip the crv if you expect a quiet ride and good gas mileage for a 4 cyl.

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  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MaryD - November 27 - 1:33 pm

  I drive my honda over 100 miles a day, and it has never let me down. It is a very fun car to drive.

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  Not surprised - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Julie Hazelton - November 27 - 1:13 pm

  I test drove the Ford 500, Altima & Camry and EX was by far the best. Smooth ride, quiet, good sound system (this could be improved), handles great, peppy for a 4-cyl. However, I am disappointed in the gas mileage so far but the car is really not broken in yet. Could have a few more bells and whistles like seat position memory, in- dash indicators of fuel and mileage. All in all, I LOVE THE CAR. Leather interior is soft and does not really hold the heat and here in Alabama, that is a consideration. Stop thinking, just buy one! Note to car manufacturers: please think of something to hold a womans purse!

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  Moneys Worth...almost - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Braindead - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Good value for money but perfomrance not upto expectations. I had a 90 Maxima before which had more comfortable seats and felt like it accelerated faster. Hondas controls are better placed though and it has better resale value for sure. Honda makes better cars - Nissan makes better engines

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  Still Quality After Eight Years - 1994 Honda Accord
  By apitch - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in Jan. 2002. I was hesitant about buying the eight year old car from a private seller. But to my surprise, the ride of the car is smooth (even though it is a four cylinder) and has given me no problems. What helped is that the prior owner routinely kept up the maintenance. The look of the Honda is a classic--sleek and smooth and still can compete with the modern cars of today. In addition, I really like the gas mileage.

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  Great Package - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By J1bodden - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is a great package, everything you could ask for in a SUV and at a reasonable price. Id highly recommend it.

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  Great car, but . . . - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gilda Dickstein - November 27 - 8:10 am

  This car fits me like a glove. Its easy to handle, and is very responsive. Visibility is good for me because of its size. Im a woman and although my husband and I have an 03 Honda Accord, which I love, I found the visibility poor for me and it was just too big for me to handle. The Civic is the perfect size for me. Theres only one thing I find not to my liking: On a sunny day, theres a distracting reflection and glare on the windshield from the dashboard, maybe because the interior is a light color (ivory). I have the same problem on the back window. I wish I had been able to pick a different (darker) color for the interior, but I had no idea the light color would be a problem.