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 Value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Archie Hayes - August 13 - 12:36 pm

  The only drawback on this vehicle is the road noise but the three Hondas we have owned have never been very quiet. The car drives great and the fuel economy has been surprising. Really good!

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  Reliable car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jose Vargas - August 13 - 11:13 am

  I purchased this car in 03 with about 70K miles on it.It now has 170K miles on it. I kept up with the maintenance on it like oil, spark plugs,air filter etc. I did have to replace the Radiator once at about 140K miles.I get about 400 miles to the tank on a 15 gallon tank (about 27 mpg). The torque converter clutch just went out, may need some transmission work, it just starting to slip once in a while. Im debating on fixing it but I am having the new Honda fever! Overall, I am very very very satisfied with this car. I also have a 2004 Honda Accord lx (wifes car), its even sweeter than the 98

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  Reliable but Cramped Leg Room - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - August 13 - 9:26 am

  My CR-V is a great car for someone who is less than 6 feet tall and doesnt want to go off road very often. I am 6 2" and cannot drive it on long trips because the leg room is cramped. Also, the AWD uses an open transfer case with open axles, meaning you really have one wheel drive. The CR-V is great for urban moms who want a large rear trunk area. Very reliable and good gas mileage, great build quality.

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  Horrible seats & lousy transmission - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Anne - August 13 - 2:16 am

  Bought a new Accord 9 months ago. Would not buy again. I have chronic back pain since driving the accord; didnt have problem with my Odyssey. (doesnt happen to my husband, but it kills me). Took a long time to figure out the cause. Within 15 minutes of sitting in the Accord, my back flares up. Doesnt matter if its the driver side/passenger. Transmission stinks: doesnt shift at the right spots, will tach up to 5 getting on the highway. Feels like I have Fred Flintstone feet under the car. Wish I knew before buying it how disappointing it is.

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  Excellent BUT. . . - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By melissa - August 13 - 1:18 am

  I just bought the 2008 Odyssey EX-L today. Great car, consistently reliable (ive owned several other Hondas over the years) However, could use automatic lights and automatic locks. The outdoor temperature shouldnt be on the dash with mileage it should be on rear view mirror like Chevy. Too new to tell how the gas mileage is. . . hopefully at least 21-22mpg. Well See.

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  My 1st Terrible Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Len - August 13 - 1:16 am

  I had been a Honda owner for many years when I bought this car. I always loved their reliability. This car was an exception. I have needed to replace the steering column, rotors, oxygen sensors, and more, all well before they should have needed it. I am just hoping the transmission holds out for the year when I plan to sell it. Many of these repairs took several visits to different mechanics to fix. The verdict--Honda is great with the basic models, but stay away from the high-end stuff. I think that the Accord infrastructure just wasnt built to handle the weight and power of the V6 EX package.

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  good car - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Victor - August 12 - 8:42 pm

  This car is a nice car we have taken it on lots of road trips and it has not broken down. The car is comfortable, roomy, and quite. I have not had to replace the transmission the only things we had to replace was the fuel line and the battery so far. The cons are that the engine does not provide enough power, leather seating is not available, and all-wheel drive is not an option but everything else is good for the time being we plan to keep it for another year because it is still reliable.

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  In my Element - 2008 Honda Element
  By Lauren - August 12 - 6:08 pm

  My Honda Element has exceeded expectations in nearly every category for affordable transportation. However, if you buy an Element draw on my experience & be sure to leave the windows slightly open during the heat of the day. Two of my windows have exploded due to heat build up in the cabin. Honda will not warrant this condition and frankly, its an expensive item to replace glass. I watched in horror yesterday as the glass literally popped and fell out of the car when the car was parked in my driveway. Sure my insurance carrier will pay, but I owe the deductible and risk higher premiums. I am disappointed that Honda isnt warranting the design flaw. I feel very let down by the warranty

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  Really enjoyed this 2 door EX Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Dean - August 12 - 11:31 am

  I had my Honda Civic for 5 years but just recently sold it so I could get a 4 door (got little kids). The car was very, very reliable and I only had a little over 51,000 miles on it. I never had any mechanical problems with it the whole time (knock on wood). I always changed the oil (myself) every 5,000 miles and made sure to change Air Filter (15,000 miles). I made sure to check the tires monthly as well. I got anywhere from 32-33 mpg around town with some highway driving. For straight highway trips I averaged around 36 on the last one. If you take care of this little baby it will take care of you. If you decide to sell your Civic, sell it out right as the dealerships will hose you.

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  good for the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jennifer - August 12 - 12:00 am

  have had the car for 5 months now, absolutely love it, would recommend for anyone wanting a nice car on a budget!