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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  The Car that refunds money at the pomp - 2010 Honda Insight
  By walt - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 40,000 miles on the car now and drive 2000 to 7000 miles on trips. I would like a seat that is not so uncomfortable. But the 42 lo in town and 54 (as Hi as 57 hi) on the road is better than expected. On road trips it is always over 52 mpg. So, is it worth it? YES but comfort could improve. Also, a turbo or some additional power is needed.

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  Nice van, Poor quality on Motor. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kathy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The problem keeps coming back. My brother took his van for the recall, "got fixed". A week ago his van broke and he will fixed the transmission for the 3 time. My husband got me an Odyssey a month ago and I didnt want to exchange it because of the bad reputation it has. I was happy with my Nissan Quest it never gave me any problem for the 6 yrs that I own it. I keep the Odyssey because of the 4 doors, it has giving me some problems when I drive it, it loses power and one of the motor lights is now on. Its not a surprise, the mechanic says the transmission needs to be fixed. Ill not be surprise to hear their is a class action against Honda. Im selling mine, and wont be buying Hondas.

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  Great Commuter - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rb - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Fiesta and ended up with the Fit. The main factor in favor of the Fit was that it feels like a much bigger car on the inside. The Fiesta hatchback is claustrophobic and is tough to see out the back window. The Fiesta is quieter and has more bells and whistles (Sync). But the Fit has a much more flexible interior. I drive 50/50 highway/city and so far am averaging about 36 mpg. Mostly use to commute but can also fit my (2) kids and all their soccer gear. With one rear seat folded down I fit 4, 6ft soccer goals inside. Manual Shifter is great, and IPod/USB integration is nice. Also I was able to buy it used at a great price while the Fiesta is still new.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By peorob - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We decided to try Honda after hearing for years about the wonderful driving experience and quality. That has not been our experience. The transmission in our 2006 Odyssey needs to be replaced at slightly more than 60,000 miles. Luckily, we purchased the extended warranty for this vehicle! Other complaints: the road noise is too loud, the steering pump is loud, the CD player has never worked properly, and the handling on wet or snow covered roads is absolutely horrible. Some features that we have enjoyed include the entertainment system, fold down rear seats, and maintenance minder system.

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  WARNING: Honda IMA Reprogram Recall - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BLC - September 27 - 2:00 am

  My Civic hybrid performed flawlessly and still regulary returns 43 mpg per tank in mixed city/hwy driving. Per notice from Honda I took recall notice in and was told the computer reflash would only affect the battery recharge rate - would NOT affect the driving characteristics of the car. However, since reflashed, the battery is quicker to discharge in city driving. If it falls below 4 bars of power THE IMA POWER BOOST DOES NOT ENGAGE. I am trying to accelerate with only the 1.3L gas engine until I recharge above 5 bars Dealer sent computer test sample to Honda Tech Dept who acknowledge "many" such instances, but insist the new computer program is operating as designed-NO FIX.

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  The best - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By General Biology Fall - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Its the best car Honda makes the best SUV and that the seats are good good price at $40,395 and i love the navy in it Honda make it beater soon

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  Honda Accord impressions to date - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Greg Rasa - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2003 Accord for a 2010. An Accord is a great balance of things: Great horsepower, yet excellent fuel economy. (New car is getting 22 mpg in town, and it looks like it will get 30 on the highway. On several occasions, I got 34 mpg from my 2003 V-6.) Interior thats nice enough. Exterior that looks good, at least from most angles. Bulletproof reliability. And a big car that is roomy enough in front/back/trunk, but still handles nimbly. Plus, the navigation with voice commands that is one of the best in the business. All of this for $28K out the door. You simply cant beat it, not for the price.

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  Nice car, but consumes oil - 2010 Honda Accord
  By slc - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I had Honda Accord EX 4cyl 1998 for 12 years. It was a great car. I put 182000 miles on it. The car started to show some signs of wear and tear, but it never consumed/burn any oil. But it was time for update. Because my positive experience with my old Honda I just decided to go with new Honda Accord EX V6, I read positive reviews on Edmunds site and purchased one. Well I am very disappointed in the quality Honda delivered in this car. Engine consumes/burns oil. It consumes about 1 qt of oil every 4000 miles. Just to give you an idea 1 qt it is when oil is below lowest mark on orange dipstick. It looks like I am not alone, a lot of people who have Accords 2008, 2009, 2010 seeing this problem.

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  2006 Honda Accord LX Leather - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mary OKeefe - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Special order of a LX-L Desert Mist. Came fully equipped with no extras except tinted windows. Never use the sun roof. Car has been very reliable and gets 25 mph in the city. Only complaints are two: (1) road noise on Texas non-skid surfaced roads is so loud as unable to converse except by shouting at highway speeds. Have been told by dealer that this is a common complaint that cannot be fixed by undercoating, etc. and (2) front passenger comfort is poor as feel every bump hence, this has been turned into a town driving only vehicle. Otherwise, it has been one of the best vehicles weve owned and the 25 mph local mileage is a real plus.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new as my Christmas present, but within 1,000 miles I started to notice noises coming from the drivers side front suspension. In the beginning the sound was intermittent and the first time I took it back to the dealer, they said they couldnt replicate the problem. The second time I brought it in, the service manger went on a test drive with me and heard the noise himself. When I went to pick up the car, they told me that they didnt find anything wrong with it. To make a long story short, I brought the car back at least 4 times and they replaced the strut at least twice, however, the problem still remains.