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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  I Came, I Saw, I Honda(ed) - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By tjs3 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding Vehicle. It is, what it is! An exremely comfortable, well designed mini-van PLUS! And with style, also, ours has the Enhanced Entertainment Center with Concern for the Driver as well as passengers. Excellent performance from upgraded V6, 4 wheel Disc brakes, very good outward vision with the exception of front nose. The Sliding Power doors are very welcome, smooth and not too slow, as some reviewing "experts" have tried to decry. It is a smart purchase for smart shoppers. We(the entire family, 2 adults, 3 children) hartily reccommend it. Overall a fine combination of functionality,high value and Safety. 2nd Place means First LOSER.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By idabyrd - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic EX COupe is one of the most reliable, fun to drive, and good looking cars around for the money. The automatic has a good amount of pick up, but the 5-speed is highly recommended for you driving pleasure. The driver side has an armrest which is nice for long commutes. Finally, this is a perfect car for college kids. I was able to fit an entire one-bedroom apartment from ikea in the trunk with ease thanks to the 60/40 split rear seats. FOr a sportier look, add a spoiler. :)

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  My Test Drive of the 2008 Ridgeline RTS - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim - June 14 - 9:00 am

  This was my first time to drive a Ridgeline. A very nice truck and easy to get in and out of and my wife who is 51" tall had no difficulty stepping up and out of the truck. She said no running boards required for this truck. The truck is very quite and the engine is smooth. Didnt quite have the get up and go as my 2005 Honda Accord which has a 4 cylinder but still adequate power. The fuel economy is rated 15 mph for city and 20 mph for highway. The salesman said the one that he had he averaged about 24 mph highway. Whether that is true or not I dont know. The cornering ability was impressive. Overall I think its a very nice truck and I might just buy one if the price is right.

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  original owner, non smoker - 2000 Honda Insight
  By hnliii - June 14 - 8:22 am

  Ima battery problem, replaced without any hassle. Rear ended in stop and go traffic first day of ownership (ouch), no damage. San Antonio to Las Vegas, 75 mpg, around town 60-65 mpg. Hate to sell it, no choice - lost a leg. Still love the car, miss driving it actually. Was fun fun fun. I liked keeping my money in my pocket!

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  2006 Honda Odyssey worst than any car i have owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Emerson - June 14 - 6:40 am

  Do not buy a 2006 Honda Odyssey. Read the reviews and purchase a different vehicle. We purchased our 2006 EX-L new from our local delership in Dec 2005. THe first few years we enjoyed car with good handling, comfortable, reasonable gas mileage. As the car became 4 or 5 years old we started having reliability problems such as rear motor mount, power door motors, AC compressor and Evaporator, Brake Master cylinder, Power seteering pump. Also from the first set of tire till today, we average about 25k miles per set of tires, regardless of brand, treadwear warranty, having them rotated, and periodically having alignment checked. Fast forward to today at 160k miles and we have replaced the 2nd power steering pump, 1st alternator (not too bad), 2 starteres (the first remanufactured starter failed quickly). During our thanksgiving road trip Nov 2016 our transmission decided it had had enough. The tansmission was taken care of much bettern than most with transmission fluid change by the dealership a every 30k miles. THis service apparently allowd us to drive 168k miles before its days are through (and stuck out of state). Quotes for replacement used transmission and rebuilt transmissions from H&A or Jasper will essentially equal the market value of the odyssey today. Most likely we will be offering it for part....

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  Turned me into a Believer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cory - June 14 - 4:16 am

  All I can say is wow! The transmission is quite possibly the smoothest Ive ever had the pleasure of shifting. Gas mileage has lived up to its name. The worst tank Ive gotten so far is 28 mpg, and that was all stop and go traffic. Average has been 34 mpg with mixed driving. Engine is very quiet, hasnt burned a drop of oil yet. Lots of pickup for a sedan, screaming to red line every once in a while is quite fun. Handling is superb, control layouts are intuitive. Everyone gushes at the deceivingly large interior. Great looks, reliability, performance, never thought Id drive anything but Subaru. Honda changed my whole outlook. Excellent car Ill recommend to anyone in the future!

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  Pilot (Rock Solid) - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Matt182 - June 14 - 3:10 am

  I test drove the RAV4, Highlander, CR- V and Pilot. The Pilot won hands down. The EXL comes standard with everything you need in the package, including XM radio and heated seats. The Pilot drives and handles great. Dont let the "Cons" scare you aware from a test drive. The only time it feels big behind the wheel is when youre trying to park it in a very cramped parking lot. And come on, how many people do you know care about towing capacity? I live in the Midwest and have never towed a thing in my life.

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  Not as good as a 95 Tercel. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Court Owen - June 14 - 12:34 am

  Ive had four new Hondas over the years plus one Prelude I bought used. I thought I could trust Honda to build a good car. Wrong. My wifes car is a (shorter) 95 Tercel 2-DR automatic. The mileage is low on the Fit because the Tercel is more fun to drive for all small-load trips, both grocery- store and X-country. Heres why: Seats too low no lumbar support paddled steering wheel uncomfortable body too wide (turn radius, parking, traffic) ride jittery and steering too quick (needs constant attention on frwy) instruments poor, and disappear in sunlight fast cornering not fun windshield posts too thick (pedestrians) transmission gasps mileage mediocre. The brakes are good.

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  I always love a honda, but. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Dale M. - June 13 - 11:44 pm

  Okay, I have an accord Sport 2013. This post is 2017 January. I have 73,000 miles and drive in Wisconsin. Exterrior is great. Still looks great. Clearcoat and paint are like new. No rust on any panels, hood or underneath. Replacing tires soon. Breaks have been grabby around 40,000. Highway miles Dailey. Drive 38 miles one way a day. Interior materials remain new looking. No creaks or squeaks. I have replaced nothing so far over the 4 years. One major annoyance, and my research shows it is a fault with the Honda engine is the Variable speed. After 30,000, they will begin to rattle at first start up. The oil drain from the compartment over a period of hours and before oil is injected back in the engine sounds like a big rattle for 1 second. It is hardly noticeable inside, but outside sounds poorly. HONDA will not replace or fix this engine fault because it is a nuisance and not a safety problem. The part is $70 dollars in materials and a 4 hour labor. With 90 dollars an hour that is about a $500 fix. Two other detractors are (1) front seats are stiff, material is solid, but are too short in the leg. (2) Bluetooth has much to be desired. Microphone is a problem. Other than that, a great car.

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  Hondas are great - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Chonus - June 13 - 10:50 pm

  This is a great SUV. Very dependable and well built. Get 26 mpg on highway. Roomy and comfortable.