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 Car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By john - July 19 - 10:49 pm

  I have had this vehicle since it was new. I now have 65K miles on it and it is excellent. Still runs like new. No major repairs, only two repair and one adjustment and both were covered under warranty. The maintenance cost on the vehicle is really low, especially compared to a my old Dodge mini-van.

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  Super Reliability - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ibjcus - July 19 - 8:12 pm

  Bought this 5 years ago and have had very few problems. The cheap tires that came with it had to be replaced after one year. We have also replaced the backup light switch and a relay for the blower motor. We just replaced the rear brakes at 105,000 miles but the front still had some life left. Gas mileage isnt great at 23-26 mpg. Great in the snow once the original tires were replaced. This car wont win any races and if it does the gas mileage will really be poor. However the engine is still pretty powerful up in the mountains with a full load, and you can pass confidently on the highway. Super maneuverable in parking lots and tight spaces. Very noisy on the highway.

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  Test drive at night time! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DANGEROUS LIGHTS! - July 19 - 6:50 pm

  I am really disappointed in my vehicle. The outside is gorgeous, but that isnt what matters. The blinking headlights at night are extremely dangerous. It causes my eyes to get out of focus for a moment and get strained. It happens around every 20 seconds. It brings on my migraines because the lights flash so frequently. Many times people have flashed their brights on me because they think Im flashing mine at them. At first the Gas mileage was very poor but has really improved. The road noise is terrible. The car feels like it is shifting to often and jerks the car in an annoying way off and on. Not worth the money. Really take some time and dont rush into purchasing this car.

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  Getting used to my new car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By specialfind1 - July 19 - 5:26 pm

  I have had this car for a week now. Am sure I will get used to this vehicle soon, which is why I wanted to write before getting too accustomed to it. Was driving a Chrysler Sebring Convertible before this (a great guy magnet) but owned many Hondas previous to that, including the Accord, Odyssey and a CRV. Seats are very uncomfortable. Back seat was exceptionally uncomfortable for three passengers. Hondas used to have nearly flawless, logical interior design but the company just went too cheap on this model. Sun visor cannot even be quickly pulled down because roof indentation is on right-hand side of visor. Car is noisy too, including whistling windshield noise of unidentifiable origin.

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  My 3rd Cr-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed from KC - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  Although this SUV is considered small, it is surprisingly large inside with great access and lots of space for stuff.Better pick-up than the older models plus a sunroof really makes it fun to Drive, adding a passenger side armrest pleased my wife as that was a complaint of hers on our other 2 It is easy to get into as I am 57". The heated seats are great and you sit high enough in the vehicle to get a great view of the road, Its easy to park and the gas mileage is good, I know 2 people who rode in mine and bought one and I said less to them than I have in this review so....

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  Soccer Moms May Love It-I Sure Dont - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By AUSeminole - July 19 - 4:10 pm

  Had it for 3 weeks, bought it brand new. Front end has a vibration right at 70 MPH which the dealer has so far been unable to correct. Check engine light came on after 2 weeks, and its in the shop for the 2nd straight day. It takes about 10 minutes to fill up the gas tank. At highway speeds, a little accelerator pressure results in constant downshifts and hunting for the right gear. Theres hesitation when slowing down and then hitting the gas. After having a Grand Cherokee V-8 for 8 years, this is a disappointing vehicle. Maybe it is a good soccer mom car to cruise around town in, but Im used to a traditional SUV, and this isnt traditional.

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  Buyer beware - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jakesdog1 - July 19 - 2:00 pm

  I had owned Hondas before and had no problems with them. The element I bought seemed like a perfect choice for reliable and functional little SUV. It has been to the dealership six times for the same sputtering under acceleration. The Honda of America rep assured he he would fix it or buy it back. Since then it has sat at the dealership for nearly a month waiting on answers. I have been patient yet they question my urgency in resolving the issue. Imagine car payments on a car you can not use. That is my element. Honda needs to stand behind the product when there is a problem. We all make mistakes. But you lose face hiding behind voice mails.

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  Unusual noises - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - July 19 - 1:18 pm

  It makes loud brake noises, especially at low speeds. In addition, I hear the chip noises go on and off every time I accelerate the car. I dont think my next car is a Honda again.

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  Great Truck at a Great Price - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By mc7 - July 19 - 7:50 am

  Im a truck guy, and I was dead set on buying a tundra or f-150 until gas crept up to $4/gallon. So I went to the Toyota dealership set on buying a Tacoma. But the dealership was rude and was not interested in negotiating. That was the best thing that ever happened because the ridge blows the taco away. Its everything I need in a truck plus more. It has the comfort and features of a nice SUV which is great for 90% percent of the driving I do, and the utility of a truck for the 10% of the time when I need it. Definite buy, I got it at the dealers cost -4500 Honda incentive. (almost 10k off sticker price)

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  The Mercedes Benz of Minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Marvinator - July 19 - 5:10 am

  I test drove the Sienna and the Odyssey extensively. In terms of cost, Sienna is less expensive but the unappealling exterior looks and the uneven drive led me to purchase the ODYSSEY. The exterior look is just sharp and smooth. The drive is amazing. So far so good.