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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  3000 mile review. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Owner - October 3 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good. The CR-V definitely leads the small SUV class in terms of refinement and build quality. No question there. As noted elsewhere (everywhere?), the low-end power (torque) is lacking on the CR-V however, once youre at cruising speed the power is adequate for normal, safe, efficient driving maneuvers. The only thing that would have made me second guess the purchase is if I lived in a hilly or mountainous region--those are the times when you can really feel/hear the 4 cylinder working hard to propel the vehicles substantial weight. Otherwise, the CR-V is a pleasure to drive. It feels nimble, reliable, and inspires a feeling of safety on the road.

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  Suspension issues - 2006 Honda Civic
  By halfahawk - October 1 - 2:00 am

  New in 05. Great mileage around 40 mpg on the highway when i wasnt a lead foot. I had the same suspension problems as everyone else. Dealership replaced the control arms free of charge. I am now on my 4th set of tires at 70k. I was ready to get rid of it but I thought id replace the suspension and perhaps address partly the issue that causes the tire wear (rear tires toe in when under load). So i put new eibach springs and sway bars and tokico shocks. WOW! Its a whole different animal. It handles amazing now. No more squirmy rear end in the rain, doesnt feel like the rear end is going to fall off when i hit a bump. guess Ill keep it for a while longer now.

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  Could be better - 2009 Honda Fit
  By britlad - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I wanted the Insight but the Fit was roomier and cheaper. I had to pay the extra for the sport of course as the base didnt have cruise or keyless entry. I like the styling, roominess and the magic seat. Reviewers have said the mpg calculator is optimistic to the tune of 2 or 3 mpg, yikes! that means Im only getting 26 mpg around town and I dont even have a lead foot so I cant really praise the fuel economy in my case. The thing that bugs me most about it is the low front clearance, my son pulled out of the drive and pulled out the front body panel. I was able to push most of it back in but it has popped back out several times since, when theres a dip in the road and now its all scraped

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  Great Handling w/ Good Fuel Economy - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By GAAlleycat - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle replaced a domestic sedan that was not large enough for four traveling adults with luggage. The seats are very comfortable with great lumbar support. We live in a very hilly area, so find that the frequent transmission shifts and changes by the variable cylinder management result in some lack of smoothness in the driveline. A six speed transmission would likely help alleviate this issue. Fuel mileage is outstanding for the vehicle size and weight, averaging just over 20 mpg local and 26 mpg on the open road running the speed limit with AC on.

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  Nice little Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Honda owner - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded in 07 RAV-4 base model, wife has 07 CRV-EX I think RAV had more passenger cabin space. MPG is good- we use BP 5% cash back card, I get 27-29 in summer, 24-26 in winter at 25-35 mph back roads/city and 55-65 mph divided highway to/from/for work. Concur re other interior comments- stains easily. Good in snow, easy to park, hauls stuff for picnics/parks, but a little crowded. With 2 car seats in back theres not enough room for adult in middle for comfort. Mine was made in USA, hers in Japan- mine showed rust on rear wheel hub(?) and hatch lift rods from purchase, not hers. Mine has squeak in steering/front shock. Continental 4x4 OEM tires bad-37K new Cooper CS4s on hers ok at 12k.

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  Honda CR-V 2010 Good and Bad - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By New to Honda CRV - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I just bought an EX-L and drove it home last night. I really hate the driver side arm rest. It is not comfortable, too short and narrow. My arm kept falling off. I also noticed that the center console in the back seat fold down for drinks and an arm rest but it folds down at an angle. the drinks would spill. It is slanted down about 25 degrees. Also, the bright beam head lights seem to point up at the trees and not at the street. The lower beam lights are pointed at the street correctly but actually illuminate the road much better than the bright beams!! I am taking it back to the dealer next week to see if they can do anything. They may have to replace the drink holder in the back seat.

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  First and last Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mastermind - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 95 Camry for this brand new 08 Civic. Never owned a Honda product, but thought I had nothing to lose, given all the hype about Honda quality. Boy was that a mistake! Lousy gas mileage (never better than 25 mpg, but my much bigger Camry got 23), mechanical problems - worn out strut mounts, A/C quit working, 3 out of 4 electric door locks went bad, and the list goes on. Rented a Nissan Sentra last time my Civic was in the shop, and was astonished at how quiet it was on the highway compared to my Civic. This is my first AND LAST Honda product. Trading it in ASAP for a Toyota.

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  Easy to own - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Big Al - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I like the car, it is fast and low slung. Brakes seem good and the ride is decent. The radio is very good. Only two problems so far the brake discs are pitted from road salt, and the seats are not smooth when moving back and forth. The brakes work well and the seats still work its just not something I like. I am not getting anywhere near 30mpg more like 20mpg BUT it is only driven in the metropolis of DC. Anyway it is a great car the V6 is good too I love it when I push the loud button and it lifts the front end, real old school feel. I can put a car seat in the middle of the back seat and my other two kids on either side. It works great, not something for long family road trip but it works

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  Cheap - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Bernie - September 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a follow up from my review of one month ago. I have since downgraded the build quality from a 9 to a 4 and the comfort from an 8 to a 7. Im not sure how I missed it on my road test or first week or so of driving but this car is NOISY, especially road noise. The AC is a joke. If you are driving for any period of time (for me 20-30 minutes) your leg may fall asleep as the seat does not go back very far which can cause you to arch your foot. I am 6 ft. even. I wish I had read the reviews more closely. Shame on me.

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  Paint - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By slmoody - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with paint chipping around the headlights, is anyone else experiencing this problem? Honda has already attempted 3 times to fix now for the 4th time paint is peeling off in the exact same spots.