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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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jess - July 29 - 12:06 am

  So I bought my car back in January and I loved it until one day I was driving down the road and the sun visor on the passenger side just fell down and wont go back up and its not even covered on my extended warranty and the drivers side is bout to break and come to find out they have this problem with all of their 8th generation civics and they wont recall them. I guess they just expect you to pay to get them replaced every time it gets hot outside and they break because they are made out of cheap plastic. I dont know about anyone else but I dont have 130 dollars to dish out every time they break. This will be last one i buy since they dont feel the need to fix problems with their cars.

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  Great Utility - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chitown - July 28 - 2:12 pm

  We bought this last year and have put 15K miles on it. It has been absolutely trouble free. The engine performance is what youd expect from a 4-banger in a vehicle this size: a little underwhelming. Still, it handles brilliantly for its size, has a crazy-good turn radius and is surprisingly short in length (making parallel parking in the city a snap), and gets solid fuel economy. We average about 25 mpg. Cruising on the expressway at 70, we get up to 31 mpg or so. Cargo space is fantastic. Weve moved furniture boxes in this thing that wed have never suspected could fit. Its not the most exciting vehicle on the planet, but its super reliable and solid. Best car Honda offers for the $.

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  So far so good - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SPG - July 28 - 11:29 am

  Love the car- 60k now, about 34 mpg w/ 60% highway. Peppy and fun to drive. Too much road noise- replaced OEM tires-that helped- worn out @40K anyway. No maintenance except oil change and just did front brake pads. Front seats need to be a little longer and more back support.

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  Bad fuel pump - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chuck - July 28 - 6:22 am

  Honda used to mean qualities and reliabilities. Not anymore, workmanship on the accord is not acceptable. There are big gaps between where strip of foams cannot meet the cabinet. Around 12K, sound of the horn gets so low that I couldnt hear it when Im inside the car. At 34K the gas pump went, and couldnt start the car. Dealership told me there were OLD diesel fuel found in the tank that cause the fuel pump stop working. My question was how does diesel fuel gets into the tank to begin with? and doesnt diesel fuel gets dilute by subsequent gas fuel? Ive been driving for 20 years and know the difference between the two. Traded a BMW 328. Forget about Honda.

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  A great car overall - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TBell - July 27 - 9:49 pm

  We have been very pleased so far with our new pilot. Only complaint is build quality, as I expect perfection when purchasing a new car. Two issues since purchase two months ago. Large gouge on interior door at delivery and now the paint is peeling off bumper. Dealer fixed door, but just noticed the paint problem.

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  Worked for me for 8 years - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By AJA - July 27 - 1:42 pm

  Had this car for 8 years and recently decided to upgrade to a Pilot. Over the course of that time, I only had some minor issues with recalls. Other than that, I changed the oil regularly and kept the tires inflated. Cabin noise was awful, though, especially when it rained. The car was under- powered, which was a shame. Gas mileage was good, which was appreciated when gas prices went through the roof.

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  2011 Pilot: A nice upgrade - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By AJA - July 27 - 12:41 pm

  Had this a month now (EX-L w/NAV) and am enjoying it. Yes, there are a lot of buttons on the dash, but you have a CD changer, iPod connection, XM satellite, & AM/FM radio, so I would expect that. Fortunately, these controls are easily worked with controls on the steering wheel! Built in Bluetooth is a nice feature as is the back-up camera mounted over the lic. plate. Leather seats are comfortable and the 8-way drivers side seat is also nice. There is an issue with the moonroof not closing automatically, but I dont mind holding the button for it to close until they have a fix for it. Gas mileage is not great thus far, but I didnt expect it to be the same as my CR-V. Overall, very happy.

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  The Bionic CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tracey - July 26 - 9:16 pm

  After reading these reviews, I think I have the bionic cr-v. My car just turned over 100,000 while driving it today. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this car. It still looks new. I am JUST now replacing the front brakes after 100,000 miles and replaced the back brakes for the first time less than a year ago. My A/C works better than most cars that are brand new. There is excessive road noise and, true, the gas mileage could be better! My interior and exterior still look new. I dont have children or animals so that may be the reason. I love the inside design with the center tray. I too wish the back door didnt open to the side but thats the least of my desires for a vehicle. I love my car!

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  Worth money and sacrifice - 2010 Honda Insight
  By commentator - July 26 - 3:18 pm

  I bought Insight for short-distance commute to be green and gas economical. Satisfied with gas mileage, style, and general performance. I mistakenly used Ecomode in hot summer, and it turned off the air conditioner. I changed the mode back to normal, and it worked well. Extremely economical and driver- friendly. I used to drive a Ford Explore and really enjoyed it. But Insight is worth sacrificing the road- ego. Insight has higher ground clearance than Toyota Prius. Prius always hits the front bumper when getting on and off the driveway. For the same amenities, I paid $5,000 less than a Prius. Also, Toyota dealers were hard to deal with when Toyota was hot. They played tricks and price games.

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  Will run forever - 1996 Honda Accord
  By mwasilis - July 26 - 3:43 am

  This is my second honda accord. My last accord was a 92 and sold it with 250k on it and nothing was wrong with it! My 96 honda I have put 100k on it in about 5 years and the thing will go another 150k no problem. This car is extremely reliable and would recommend it to anyone.