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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  2010 Honda Fit Sport - 2010 Honda Fit
  By srb - August 26 - 1:37 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Fit Sport with automatic. Very reliable auto. Great gas mileage (37 MPG). Acceleration not very good but not terrible. Engine tries hard but it is only a 117 HP auto. Holds the road well at 75 MPH. Drivers seat needs more support for comfort. Interior very good and I like the way the back seats fold completely flat.

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  Wish I had never bought it - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mike - August 25 - 8:27 pm

  Bought this car one year ago and within a couple months I began to regret it. First, the build quality is terrible. Within 6 months parts of the dashboard came loose and/or began to rattle, the front windows make strange noises when driving with them down, and in the winter I would hear metallic grinding noises when driving in cold weather. Also, if its been sitting for a few hours and I go to start the car, quite often it cranks for a long time, then doesnt start, regardless of outdoor temperature or how much fuel is in the tank. I bought a Honda so that I could trust it to last a long time and get me to work every day, but so far its failed at both. This was my first, and last Honda.

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  My first SUV-easy to clean and reliable - 2008 Honda Element
  By Jersey Jeff - August 25 - 3:20 pm

  This was our first SUV and having a messy child and a dog in our family, the Element is a breeze to clean and to haul stuff, especially with the rear seats up. The interior is roomier than you think. Ride quality is rather spartan but not unexpected and the engine could use a little more hp. Gas mileage is lousy, Im hoping for a hybrid version. I am 62" and find the drivers seat belt to be very uncomfortable on my neck. We have owned this car for 2 years and it has been the most reliable car we have ever driven. Quality seems to be excellent on our Element!

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  2 Transmissions by 100k? Really Honda?? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Marc - August 25 - 10:24 am

  We purchased this vehicle used with 26k miles. Here have been the problems since: Transmission replaced at 48k by dealer Passenger side window regulator replaced Sliding doors constantly malfunctioning Front drivers seat jammed Annoying rattling coming from unknown source (dealer couldnt locate either) Front and rear lighter outlets dislodged (not from abuse, from poor design) Transmission being replaced FOR 2nd TIME at 105k In case you didnt catch it the transmission is being replaced for the second time!!

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nick Hayes - August 24 - 9:11 pm

  I bought my Civic from a Honda dealership as a certified used car, with around 48k. Now with 90k, I am still surprised at its complete reliability and lack of problems. My civic was hit in a parking lot, and I hit a deer last summer, and not only did it hold up well but it has returned to its original form. Regular oil changes and a set of tires, and this car is easily my best investment. I have the constant itch for a sports car, but know that giving up my civic is the wrong idea.

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  Great car but terrible seats! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Pingwiny - August 24 - 1:57 pm

  I just purchased this car and I love it! My only complaint is the seats- the lumbar support juts into my lower back causing extreme pain even after I get out. Ive placed a small foam pillow on the seat that seems to help a tiny bit but I hope Honda figures out how to fix this issue. It seems to be a problem in other recent Hondas as well. Other than that its a fun car to drive and I really enjoy it.

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  300.000 miles and counting - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Ashley - August 24 - 10:53 am

  I ordered this car from the factory and have driven the wheels off it for 19 years. It just turned 300,000 miles this week and the engine runs very strong still. My mechanic says the engine will go 500,000. Ive replaced many things over the years, cv joints, ball joints, etc. but still on original trans, engine, struts, etc. This car is a total work horse and has been worth every penny and then some. Ive been looking at newer cars and with all the Honda transmission problems of late, I just keep driving my old faithful standby. Its the car at my house that ALWAYS starts.

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  2010 LX-P automatic 4dr - 2010 Honda Accord
  By dick - August 24 - 6:24 am

  So far 31 MPG, mostly highway got rid of my 06 Civic to grandson, "stepped up" to larger Accord. Wish I had something in between. Liked Civic aerospace dash better. Comfortable but some road noise. Should make split rear seat also put trunk lock on exterior. Need manual vertical adjustment for passenger seat. Interior not plush. A bit noisy.

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  rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mikie - August 22 - 10:12 pm

  I now have 59,000 miles and I am on my way back to the dealer for a 2nd set of rear brakes, down to the metal, again. My wife is the main driver to and from work who is a normal driver. I am very disappointed that the pads are gone at 30,000, again! I do have a lot of automotive experience and cannot believe this is happening. I have a 2002 chevy p/u with 178,000 and never touched the brakes until 140,000, so much for technology from Japan. I guess Ill do like the Germans do and just put on another set of pads and not bother turning the rotors until I have to. They also make a harder pad and it will last longer. This is the last Honda I will buy!

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  Great lil SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By bubbadawg - August 22 - 7:51 pm

  This is our fourth Honda, but first CR-V. We were looking for a smaller SUV that got decent mpg, and the CR-V won out. We looked at the RAV-4 (too small for me), Sante Fe (too small for me). Seriously considered the new Jeep Cherokee, but was once told to never fly or drive the "A" model of anything. Plus, there is no comparison in MPG between the Jeep and CR-V. We would like to have a little more room in the cargo area, but we make it work. Averaging over 26 mpg on the highway doing 75 over rolling hills. Not a V-8, but decent pick up for a 4 banger (180 hp). Definitely have to plan ahead to pass on a two- lane road though! My wife loves her new UAV (Urban Attack Vehicle).