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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  Not a bad vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jeff - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle but seats are very firm and uncomfortable for long drives. No real creature comforts or nooks and crannies for your stuff. Nice as a plain Jane grocery getter but not a family car or executive sedan. Brakes dust and are questionable quality after 500 miles. MPG is 25.5 with mostly hwy driving at 75 mph

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  Watch Out For That Tranny - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Adam - November 10 - 2:00 am

  We take good care of our car. We put low miles on it every year. At 65,000 miles the transmission should not fail. To make it worse, Honda has no interest in making it right. Be very cautious when buying this car. There may not be many complaints about the 03 transmission now, but theyre about to come of age. Do a search for 01 transmission problems and start saving for the impending rainy day. Dont say you werent warned.

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  Great to get around in! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jeannine - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This 5 speed was my best friend! It was my go-to, do anything car. I drive a lot for work and through the wind, rain, and snow, my Honda got me to the far corners of south jersey in incredible time even in its later days of 115,000 miles. GREAT ON GAS!! Especially if youre good at stick shift. VERY RELIABLE! Only work I had done was the timing belt at 90,000 miles (which is recommended) and the normal oil changes, air filters, tires, etc. Make sure you dont burn it up too much racing, that synthetic oil will go quick as the pick up in this baby. All in all it was a load of fun and great memories, with no tragic ones.

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  Reliable - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By ol rassler - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Owned the Pilot now for 2 years. No problems! Mileage is 20 mpg, wish it was higher but it is a 4wd vehicle. Leather seats are comfortable, (511" driver). Some small paint chipping around front of rear wheels where body flairs out a little. Installed running boards and that stopped stones from hitting side. Exterior styling adopted from a school bus design studio. Overall like the vehicle and would probably buy another. No problems with hatch/roof.

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  Im really liking it! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dm - November 9 - 2:00 am

  So far so good, bought second hand, very zippy, very comfortable seats, huge windshield. Interior plastic gouges/scratches very very easy, didnt like the rims it came with, has a blind spot on either left or right of the windshield, likely do to the thickness of where they put the side airbags. Overall, I really enjoy this car, wish it had another plug in thing for cell phone/gps etc. Fairly noisy from road noise

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  Gotta Love it - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By HLLS - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this with 56k miles on it. it has 199k now. This has been the most dependable car we have ever owned. I bought wife a Mazda van and parked it for 18 months till daughter was old enough to drive. Started right up, took it to mechanic who had to clean the nox valves to get it to pass emissions and charged the AC and it was back in perfect condition till the daughter totaled it. Airbags allowed to teenagers to walk away from almost head on collision. Right now I am pondering another 95 Odyssey with a blown transmission to put this tranny in because in 18 months I have another kid ready to drive!

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  Honda Marriage on the Rocks! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - November 8 - 2:00 am

  It was love at first sight, but after 26,000 mi, Im close to filing for divorce on my 2008 Odyssey! "How do I unlove thee? Let me count the Defects!" 1. Rattles and window whistles from day one. 2. Mushy brakes: Recalled 3. Shutter and maddening erratic shifting: Re- programmed Transmission. 4. Loud Power Steering noises: Replaced plugged Power Steering Reservoir. 5. And, finally, failed Torque Converter: Replaced. I really what to love her, but shes making it awfully difficult. I guess, like some beautiful women, shes great to look at but shes nothing but trouble on the inside! I hope Honda doesnt run out of parts before the warranty expires!

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  Worst Honda I have owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By clay58 - November 7 - 1:00 am

  I have owned 3 trouble free Honda Accords prior to buying this 2004. I cannot recommend the 2004 Accord but I am well pleased with Honda service. Bought this certified used Honda with 13,000 miles on it. Came with a 7/100,000 mile power-train warranty. The radio went out in Feb 2010. Honda replaced it free of charge. The brake master cylinder failed at 75,000 miles and I replaced it myself. Then last month Oct, 2010 the transmission failed with 77,000 miles on the odometer. The cost to replace the transmission was $3,500 at the dealer. Warranty ran out 5 weeks prior to the trans failing. After a call to Honda they agreed to pay $2,500 on this repair even though it was out of warranty. Great!

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  Good quality too much cabin noise - 2010 Honda Accord
  By James Brunskill - November 7 - 1:00 am

  We are happy with the quality of the car and the color combinations that are available over previously owned Camrys. A bit more sportier. Very disappointed with road noise in the cabin of the vehicle and squealing brake noise on occasion. Will look back to Camry next time and include a look at Sonata and Ford Fusion before buying.

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  Not quite the Accord it used to be - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom H - November 7 - 1:00 am

  This my 4th, and worst, Accord (I had a 98, 02, and 07). The Accord has never been quiet, but this one seems loud at all speeds, with an ever-present booming sound in the cabin (ANC?). The ride has improved, but its still quite firm. It handles fine, but the steering feels dull and spongy on-center which is unusual for an Accord. Power from the I4/5AT is mediocre. Its fine at part-throttle, but always feels flat-footed when you push it. The interior is big and well-arranged, with a large, comfy back seat. The front seats are the worst of any Accord yet (the 07 had the best) because the headrest pushes my head forward uncomfortably. Terrible sound system, even my 02 sounded better.