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:
Showing 1151 through 1160 of 31,869.00-
Unhappy since 2003 - 2003 Honda Pilot
By DLP - January 15 - 10:22 pmLeased my pilot the first year out, and will never do that again. I have been unhappy with this car since the first month I bought it. There are things that you dont realize in your 10- minute test drive. My biggest complaint is the extremely poor design of the driver seat -it leans back instead of supporting your head,it protrudes behind your shoulders, and there is no lower back support. I get back aches whenever I drive more than 20 minutes. Also, very little leg room for us long-legged drivers. Other problems Ive had: struts were replaced after 2 years, shifts roughly going uphill, loud squeaking when backing up,front air-vents wont stay stationary. Cant wait to turn it in!
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A Mixed Bag - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Jondingo - January 14 - 8:20 amIts okay. My wife wanted to upgrade from 2nd gen CR-V, and while it looks slick and new, (she loves it), the vehicle is not as practical or user friendly as the previous model. I find I liked the old swing gate better than the clamshell. The old gate made the vehicle easier to load as you could open the window. There is less storage in the back and the leg room feels more cramped, especially in the back. In front, the giant doorhandles stick out into my leg. I liked the four-spoke steering wheel better on our 04 and while leather abounds, its not especially comfortable. The stick shift was better on the dash as now it just takes up room. The whole thing feels like a mom car.
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Buyer Beware - 2000 Honda Odyssey
By millerjep - January 13 - 6:25 amThree transmission failures in 7 years. Sliding doors can be very finicky. Latest is that we have to replace a sender unit for $300. Be very careful when buying used. Other than those major issues the van is great.
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Got rid of my Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
By NO MORE HONDA - January 13 - 4:33 amI had my Accord for 13 months total, put over 20k miles on it. I could not stand the uncomfortable seats any longer. The headrests bothered me because they would push my head forward no matter which height they were at and the seats were rather hard and the lumbar support did not provide much satisfaction. Honda Customer Service told me that they cannot do anything for me at this time as the seats and headrest are designed to safety regulations and if they have a recall, they would let me know. Last week, I traded it in for a well equipped 2009 S80, which stickered for $42k and I bought it for $32k. The seats are much more comfortable and I no longer have back pain when driving.
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Not my Favorite car purchase - 2011 Honda Accord
By Latasha - January 7 - 7:52 amI purchased the Honda accord after owing a older model Hyundai Xl and although it was a 2011 it didnt run as smoothly as the 2001 Hyundai xl. This Honda is very noisy. The RPM is constantly ramping up once speed increases. Im not sure if this is normal for these cars, but the Hyundai I had got up to 200k before any major problems start occurring. I cant say I would buy another at this point..
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Last Honda?? - 1999 Honda CR-V
By John Anonymoose - January 5 - 5:25 pmPerformance and fuel mileage with the engine/automatic transmission are sub par. At 68,000 miles the cylinder head needs to be replaced, according to the dealer, who will pay for the parts, but refuses to pay for the labor, estimated at over $1200. I have owned Hondas since 1978, but the dealer and American Hondas unwillingness to accept responsibility for this very common problem will terminate this relationship.
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Most uncomfortable to drive ever - 2004 Honda Civic
By hidiho - December 28 - 10:00 amThe car looks and drives well enough, but I never imagined the super-low seats would give me as much uncomfort as they have. Im 54" kicking myself for not thinking to get the EX model that has the dial on the side to raise the seat. Its like sitting in the bottom of a boat-- wouldnt be so bad if the steering wheel could come down farther. Ive owned it for a month and Im trading it in rather than have the seat raised. Im generally unsatisfied with the ergonomics of the whole drivers console area.. seems like it would be fine for a tall person, but just awkward for the shorter folks.
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Lots of problems! - 2001 Honda Accord
By PghOwner - December 20 - 2:00 amAfter 9 months and 17K miles the transmission went. 5 months later brought it back with a squeek in the front end. Didnt find a problem, just lubricated some bushings. In Jan 03 the power steering started squeeling, took it in and the power steering rack was leaking and the whole thing needed replaced. Only had 42K miles on the car. Luckily Honda took care of the problem, or it would have cost $1250 to have it replaced. Took it back yesterday with another squeek in the front, and they said that it is the struts that are noisey. They arent leaking, just noisey. Cost to replace them $450.
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MPG Misrepresented - 2005 Honda Element
By ronimac - December 16 - 8:00 pmI am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I drive an equal mix of city/ highway miles and I average approx 200 miles per tankful. I fell that Honda has misrepresented the stated MPG listed on the vehicle. I have over 25 years of driving experience and I know that the poor gas mileage is not due to my driving habits. According to Consumer Report Oct. 05, one writer stated that he gets 14 MPG with his Element. Ive driven Hondas since 92 and have seen the quality decline. I regret not purchasing a Rav4.
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BAD CAR!!! BAD BRAKES!!! - 2009 Honda Accord
By CNASH - December 14 - 6:23 amI ABSOLUTELY HATE THAT I EVER PURCHASED THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! HORRIBLE!!! I had brake issues after 5 months. The back brakes needed to be replaced, which is uncommon. Then I had more brake issues on the front two months after that. They dealership checked my brakes and told me that everything was ok, but theyre replacing my driveshaft and axles which absolutely makes no since. I will never by another Honda!!!!
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