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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  2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SSimon4916 - August 16 - 5:37 pm

  I now have 90k on my car with only one major repair. The window seal contorted at about 30k and was $200 to replace. I get between 39-42 mpg, depending on driving behavior. I am about to receive the battery update for the car, which should increase the life of the battery. I was told Honda did not replace batteries in hybrids when I bought the car, but now they do, or always have. Driving is smooth for the most part, but any bumps or pits in the road will definitely be felt. Service for the car can get a bit pricy. The smaller steering wheel does take some getting used to and the braking can be annoying when it does a full extra tire rotation when charging.

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  First & Probably Last Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jgreene - August 16 - 1:27 pm

  Bought the Accord thinking I had finally found a car I could stick with for more then 2 years, but not looking promising. Noticed immediately how noisy it is on the highway..cant hear the radio. Rear brakes replaced around 36,000 miles. (From the reviews posted, might not be the last time either) A/C not cooling as before, so probably looking at another repair bill there. Very disappointed in the overall quality. Probably will be the last Honda I own. Guess I should have stuck with GM!

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  Nice, but to long - 2007 Honda Accord
  By JK - August 16 - 2:01 am

  Nice aerodynamic design, but difficult to park. Outside mirrors are small, the rear part of the car not visible. Sunroof makes the inside ceiling to low and I had only 1 inch above my head. Squeaky Windows in street driving, although the car had only 20,000 km. Interior design all in black and plastic releases bad, unhealthy odor not enough air in the cabin, had to open Windows whenever possible. Not enough braking power. Seats to firm, not comfortable for long driving. Very good tilt & telescopic steering wheel and gear-shifter. Excellent and smooth driving on highway. Radio doesnt have good reception. After 3 months I traded it for an SUV.

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  2008 accord Braking Problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mad at honda - August 15 - 7:40 pm

  There is a braking problem on my 2008 Honda Accord. Front brakes have a high pitch sound when you apply brakes and I had the front pads looked at and they are fine. The rear brake pads on the other hand where worn all the way down and I only have (16,000) miles on my Honda. Warranty department just turned their heads. We all know there is a problem so if this happen to your Accord (2008-2010) Please report. There has to be a recall to fix problem.

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  Great For People Doing Lot of Commuting - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Officer Moore - August 15 - 1:01 pm

  This car delivers with its great gas mileage and smart designs. I am getting an average of 38 to 40 mpg/city, and 46 to 48/hwy with combined (my actual daily travel) of 44.8 to 45.7 mpg. Love the ease of use and location of controls. Tons of storage space and love the use of every nook and cranny. Only downside is location 12 v plug and could use move in cockpit area and in hatchback area. Have not found good way to mount my 80 gb creative lab mp3 player. Cup holders locations are one of the worst features. Less road noise would be a plus. Loved this Honda so much, bought a 2007 Ridgeline with 40k miles (certified pre-owned) the next day!

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  Dont believe the hype (dont buy it) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jimmy - August 14 - 11:40 pm

  I was going to buy a Prius or a normal Honda Civic. I decided to split the my decision and go with a low mileage Civic Hybrid. Big Mistake my friends. When I test drove it I was impressed because the car is very smooth and rides nice. It seemed to be everything I wanted. However after two days of driving my new hybrid I noticed I was only getting 33 mpg highway and city. I filled the tank up twice and the car went 400 miles on a 12.3 gallon tank (thats what the size is and it equals 33 mpg). I tried to take it back and trade for another regular Civic but I was told "You signed and now you are stuck with it." All I am told is "You have to drive with a light foot" Prius, Prius, Prius!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Disappointed - August 14 - 2:18 pm

  I really, really loved this car until this morning. I was waxing my car and trying to polish out what I thought was water spots. On closer inspection it was obvious that the paint was chipping in radial patterns all over the hood of my car. Worst paint job ever. Dont buy this car if you have expectations of a paint lasting over three months.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By BertD - August 14 - 8:41 am

  Purchased new 7 years ago, will turn over 180k next week. Better fuel economy now than when new. Not uncommon to hit 25 mpg and it gets DRIVEN, mostly by my wife . Brake life incredible, tire life fantastic! No repairs, only recommended maintenance. If only we could tow it, 4 wheels down, behind our motor home it would be perfect. My wife will cry when she has to give it up. Going to look at a new CR-V today.

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  Aside from the brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Darin - August 13 - 12:02 pm

  At 31,000 miles, my rear brake pads need to be replaced. Most of the miles are the car are highway miles, so this really is unacceptable. The Honda dealer only reluctantly shared the information regarding the class action suit and only after I kept questioning them on why the rear pads were already bad. Aside from this, I really do like the car and enjoy driving it.

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  Its ok - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Larry - August 12 - 3:47 pm

  The mileage is Terrible for a V6 and it is really not very powerful of an engine. The paint is chipping off of mine fairly easily. Luckily I bought the paint plan. I am towing a camper and am already looking to a V8. I like the trunk and bed gate. Stereo is TERRIBLE. Does not even have IPOD jack. Overall it is ok but not thrilled. Every time I go for an oil change they find something to get the cost up to over $100.00 Our dealer outsources the paint dept. which I did not realize until after the purchase.