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 12061 through 12070 of 31,869.00-
A Nice Reliable Car - 2001 Honda Accord
By Stenodactylus - September 28 - 2:52 amI just took over my moms Accord. Its a pretty nice car. The seats are reasonably comfortable and its got a decent sound system and good gas mileage. I feel very safe in this car, and I use it as my daily driver and commute car. Its pretty fun to drive, but Im coming from driving a mini- van, so I dont suppose my vote means much in that area.
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Transmission rebuild at 80K - 2001 Honda Civic
By arlene - September 27 - 10:03 pmI bought the Civic for its reputation for reliability buying an 01 and getting the first year of a new model turned out to be a bad thing. Got a great price on a cute little red coupe that, honest to God, had only been driven 3K miles in 2 years by a little old man. Couldnt believe my luck, loved my car very much and planned to buy another new Civic someday, until the transmission suddenly mangled up and died for no reason at 80000 miles. Three thousand dollars in repair costs that I cant afford. According to what Ive read online, the 01s tend to do this to people. Thanks a lot, Honda, youve lost a future customer. Toyota and VW look pretty good right now!
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Total Reliability - 2004 Honda Civic
By JB - September 27 - 9:57 pmA pleasure to drive. The definition of dependablity. Fantastic gas mileage. Remember people choose to buy cars w/ poor mileage & pay out the nose. Not me. Its a quick, cute car. I drive a flawless manual. I have bought one set of new tires and change the oil regularly. No maintenance problems to speak of despite hard driving and a lot of travel.
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Tons of Reliability! - 1990 Honda Civic
By Krissie - September 27 - 6:10 pmI purchased this little car in February of 2004, with only 98,000 miles on it! Only fix needed was a new muffler, surprisingly. This car is very warm in the winter (inside heats up fast!) and ice cold a/c in the summer. Excellent fuel economy! I get very close to 35-mpg on highway and easily 30mpg in city! The advantages are super easy to park, gas mileage and most of all, bullet-proof, long-lasting engines. Disadvantages are they say the smaller the car, the un-safer you are! True, but with the excellent reputations these cars have, Ill take the risk and keep her until the wheels fall off! I highly recommended this cute car for anyone seeking reliability and who is on a budget.
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Wonderful Car and Easy Buy! - 2016 Honda Accord
By Jessica Stratton - September 27 - 4:47 pmBest purchase I have ever made. My husband and I just moved to Columbus and were so nervous about buying a car. We did some shopping around at dealers and always came out feeling completely ripped off. Then we tried using Edmunds price promise. Best choice! We selected the car we wanted and then just found a dealer near us. Asked all of the dealers near us for quotes and then went and got it! Saved thousands through Edmunds and we are differentially going to use it when we have to buy our next car. :) As for the car...its a Honda. Great ride, great placement of controls, looks so cool driving :) Also crazy adjustable. I am 5 foot and my husband is over 6 feet and we both are able to fit in the car perfectly! I am completely thrilled with my buy still months later and dont see that changing soon.
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Not sure that this car will last - 2008 Honda Civic
By Mark - September 27 - 3:16 pmThis car replaced a 1993 Subaru Legacy with 175000 miles on it. The Subaru (my third) was reliable and sturdy but the gas mileage wasnt great. The gas mileage on the Honda has been terrific and I like the 5 speed automatic (I spend a lot of time in traffic). However, Im not impressed with the quality of the interior materials. There is a frequent squeaking noise from the dash/windshield junction, as if the windshield was not set in correctly. The dealer can hear the noise but has been unable to locate the source of the problem. After two months the plastic on the door panels and dash already have permanent scratches despite careful handling. I never had this type of problem with a Subaru.
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Our Second CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By atlaw4u - September 27 - 1:14 pmWe decided to replace our 2002 CRV LX 2wd after 65,000 trouble free miles with the 2007 CRV EXL AWD. Our only reason for replacement was a need for all wheel drive. We are long term Honda owners and believe Honda builds the most reliable cars on the road with great build quality. With that said the 2007 CRV is much improved over the old body style but that comes at a price of $7600 more than the origianal price of our 2002 CRV. However, the 07 feels like a much more upscale car and we did opt for the EXL package which includes leather and a sunroof. We are quite happy with our purchase and cant imagine a better SUV value. I wish the mileage was a little better as we are averaging 22mpg.
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My two cents - 2003 Honda Civic
By jen - September 27 - 12:00 pmThis is my first Japanese car and my first manual shift car. I bought it used (31000 miles) from a private party because I was looking for a used 2-door hatch-back gas saver with low mileage and light color (very specific am I?). GTI and Civic Si were my only options. GTI lost out in fuel economy (heavier car) and was mostly sold by dealers. I got lucky to find this babe. 8 months later I can say that I made a great choice! The reasons: 1. fuel economy (not at Prius level but kind enough to my wallet) 2. you dont see many of them on the road, unlike the Civic 4-door sedan 3. smooth and fun to drive 4. hatch-back (why dont they make hatchback anymore?)
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2004S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
By saluki100 - September 27 - 2:00 amNot a practical car for everyday driving. This is a car you buy for the "fun" factor not practicallity.
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Love my 2004 the Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
By RoadDuck2 - September 27 - 2:00 amI have been driving my 2004 Honda Element for a few weeks now and love everything about it. I bought it from Sport Honda in Silver Springs MD. Julius was our saleman. He is just wonderful and sweet. So we have had a great experience with everything.
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