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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  Nice Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Paul B. - September 4 - 8:14 pm

  The car is very reliablee so far although the struts needed replaced as the previous owner had speed bumps all over his apartment complex. Definitely not a race car, but still fun to drive and fun not to bring to the garage! (Very reliable)

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  Suspension problem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By steve - September 3 - 4:19 pm

  The 2006, and 2007 Honda Civics have a rear suspension geometry problem that causes rapid rear tire wear, roaring noise from the rear and vibrations at highway speeds. See Honda Service Bulletin 08-001. Mine has had this problem and working with the dealer and Honda America it still hasnt been resolved. Looking at blogs it seems to be a common problem that has caused a few accidents and worries over possible fatal accident occurring with tire separation.

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  My first suv - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By grandmaelk - September 2 - 9:43 pm

  I loved my Saturn and they went away. I needed a new car, small and up off the ground. All research led to Honda CR-V. I have only had it a few days but love it. My Husband has a Yukon and I am just as comfortable in the CR-V. Visibility is much better than I expected. I like the interior layout. Not too overdone. I have leather interior which helps avoid the cheap look of the fabric interior. I love that the Ipod hook up accepts flash drives. I do not have the Ipod brand (boycotting) and the drive allows me to listen to all my music and not worry about my MP3, But Honda needs to look at Hyundai, they are a close second.

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  Slug - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By NLS - September 2 - 8:03 pm

  Im averaging 24-25 mpg local and 29- 30 mpg highway but the trade off is the sluggishness when trying to merge. It is worse yet when you have to come almost to a stop when a car in front of you is making a turn and then the CR-V really cant get out of its own way. Its scary when cars approaching you from behind think you are going to be able to pick up speed but your accelerator does nothing, even had one pull to the shoulder to avoid me.

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  Disgusted first-time Honda buyer - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Disappointed - September 2 - 11:10 am

  My first Honda and I was thrilled with it - for the first year and a half. Since then all hell has broken loose. Bought 1/07 2 recalls the first year put on 4 new 60K tires 8/08 rear stabilizer bar arms replaced 5/09 (dealer got it covered, but I had to pay for labor). Since then back tires are noisy (due to uneven tread wear from stabilizer bar arms) and back- seat passengers cant hear anything but tires cant rotate. Leaking power steering fluid 8/10 - had to replace rack system ($800) and told all 4 of my tires were shot and wouldnt even pass inspection! Called Honda corporate and they did NOTHING for me. First-time buyer and I will NEVER buy another Honda product!

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  Fit reality check - 2010 Honda Fit
  By fitness - September 1 - 7:46 pm

  The Fit is perfect for city and occasional short trip on the highway. With only 185/55/16 tires and narrow stance it easily gets blown around at highway speeds, the 1.5 liter motor works really hard and noisy just to get up 65 mph highway speeds. It does not like going 75 mph. My sport model lacks a lot of amenities. No floor mats, no door sill protectors, no cargo cover, cheap interior materials, lacks quality materials compared to the civics. Honda really skimp on this bare and basic model car. For the same price, I could have gotten the civic lx 4 door. I really think this sport model with automatic should have an msrp of around 15,000 tops and sold for maybe around 13,000 or so easily

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  Great car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bpuharic - September 1 - 1:26 pm

  I have 203,000 on my CR-V. In that time Ive replaced the shocks, and the timing belt (as recommended.) Usual stuff like tires, etc. Other than that, NO maintenance issues at all. None. It always starts, always runs. I drove it from Dallas to Philly when it had 180,000 on it with no problem. It gets about 25 mpg. Great car, cheap to own.

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  Love the pilot, strange noise from under - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Westover57 - August 31 - 10:49 pm

  Very happy with the pilot, have owned it for 6 months, we have had a strange noise coming from under the vehicle almost sounds like the cooling fans just take off at a very high speed and stop. And the suspension has a issue with hopping sometimes. Have brought back to the dealership 3 times and the truck wont make the noise nor will it act up at all. Thinking about asking for them to take the truck back if they can not find the problem. We really like this vehicle, its a good solid SUV.

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  Great Family Vehicle! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By 1stHonda - August 31 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2007 EX-L on March 07. It is a great vehicle for the family, because its comfortable and nice to drive. The ride is smooth, but there is more road noise than I would like. The seats are comfy, but a bit hard, and its not that thirsty for fuel. Although the exterior is sort of bland and boring, the interior is really luxurious and well designed. Some panels arent fitted very well together, and some of the materials used (plastics) arent very inviting. A great family vehicle, but it needs some adjustments.

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  2 Dr EX Coupe-5spd - 2010 Honda Accord
  By SMKHuskie - August 31 - 1:07 pm

  Last Accord (03 4DR EX-L) was great, after 207K decided to go with a coupe this time. Love the exterior look of the car. If this were my first Accord I would like it more but Honda has gone a bit on the cheap. No interior ambient light, no mud lights on the doors, light in glove box is gone, housing for trunk/fuel latch cheap looking plastic, no lever to fold and slide driver door up. Need to spend another 3K for leather to get an outside temp reading. Road noise and even idle noise is louder than my 2003. Bottom line, I love the look of the car and Im sure Ill get many years of use. Admittedly went cheaper on this model (cloth) but previous EX standard features missing.