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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  Pretty Decent - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Adam - June 16 - 8:56 am

  I have owned my Passport for 5 years now and it has been great in the Colorado snow with upgraded tires. Only problems are the fuel pump, gas mileage, and the mysterious oil draining to never-never land. I also like how roomy it is - I am 66". Other than that it is great has decent power.

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  Very safe - 2nd one - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By ColoradoMom - June 15 - 4:09 pm

  I originally had a 05, but got t-boned at 50 mph and came out without a scratch. Needless to say, excellent in the safety category. I purchased a new 08 and really its pretty similar. Love all the room, can haul a lot of large teenage boys and baseball equipment around. Cons are you cant have your windows down due to the vibrating noise road noise could be better and have a squeak in my dash when the road not perfect. Had it in several times to fix it, they keep telling me they found a pen in the dash. How many can they find in there. Not from me. Would like a iPod jack.

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  Not Honda Quality - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By RiggZola - June 12 - 11:57 am

  Bought this van from my sister who bought it new but after a serious side- impact accident the van held up well. I got a deal. Engine seems underpowered and handling is ok. Ive had constant issues with the van. Worn front tires, front brakes need replacing almost yearly. Replaced the tranny @ 90K but now at 115K its gone bad again. Sliding door problems and EGR/cat converter issues also plague my van. I have an Acura TL and am just hoping it doesnt have the same issues. Im selling for a different brand if I can get out from under these repair costs. I wouldnt buy it again and have definitely taken Honda off the top of my shopping list.

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  First and Last Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Laurie - June 11 - 10:45 pm

  Very disappointed in Honda quality, noisy power steering, paint defect, poor quality sound system, too much road noise, vibration in steering or tires when accelerating and most recently an intermittent starting problem. Im so tired of going to service dept and being told its not happening! This is what $45,000 buys you? never again!

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  4th Honda, Seems Just Average Now - 2010 Honda Accord
  By avgjoe - June 11 - 10:05 am

  My 4th Honda. Still a good car but not much better than fusion, malibu, sonata. Road noise IS noticeable. Less so with v6 b/c of extra sound insulation on v6 models but still too loud. I paid $500 for an aftermarket sound proof kit for the trunk. Big difference. VCM is not transparent but not intrusive, just drive the car and forget it. Seats are comfy in leather, not so much in cloth. Buttons on dash, not a problem. Isnt that part of the fun of a new car? Learning where everything is? Averaging 22-23 mpg in mixed driving. Handling is great, visibility is good.

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  Rent one first for a good test drive. - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Erik - June 9 - 9:16 pm

  Had this car for 11 months and traded it in for a civic,more seat space and better mpg and still fun to drive. My complain is that the car could use some more power and lesser rpm at cruise speed, a 6 gear would be nice and better for overall mpg. Im 62 and the seat cant go far enough back to get comfortable. Ok the versatile seats are handy but therefor we still have a Mazda5 who drives very good! Maybe the hybrid version will get some more owners with at least 50 mpg, get 42 average with my civic coupe, with use of ac in summer.would be nice if you can rent one for a day and make a good test drive instead of around the car lot, saves you a lot of headache and money.

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  Issues with civic design - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Randy - June 9 - 1:55 pm

  Have had our Civic Hybrid about a year. The ignition key is way too large. It is awkward to carry in my pants pocket. It is also very expensive to replace/duplicate. Emergency brake handle poorly positioned. It is right were the driver may rest his/her knee against the center console. Dash instrument layout seems silly.

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  3rd CRV very dissappointing - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By jano - June 9 - 8:10 am

  This is our 3rd CR-V loved the first two dislike this one. Very unhappy with the design and the gas mileage. The new shift design leaves no floor room and long legs hit their knees. Also, the outlet is way under the bumped out shift column. I miss the tire mount on the rear, the ability to lift the back window alone you have to latch the seats when down or they fall back and the interior color choices were all light which stain easily. Only getting 22 on the highway. Usually keep 3-4 yrs, will be trading this one soon

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  Second civic and maybe my last. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By joeiscool - June 7 - 7:28 pm

  I previously owned a 2003 civic. 170,000 miles and no problems. So when it came time for a newer vehicle civic was at the top of my list. I cant believe how much this car rattles. Rear seat passenger side constantly rattles. Also driver side door has noise issues. After a little getting used to the dash board is ok. The AC is not even close to being as cold as my 03 civic. I am not bashing Honda but they need to take their time on the next redesign and get it right. Otherwise I will try something else.

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  Reliable workhorse - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Driver - June 7 - 6:53 am

  For a large vehicle it performs superbly. Accelerates and powers up hills well, handles cornering nimbly, performs braking well. Parking is easy, visibility through windows and mirrors is excellent for a wide, long vehicle. Fold down seats creates enormous capacity for transporting items. Seats are comfortable. Controls are within acceptable reach. Excellent sized, solid family car.