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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  Lots of Maintanence Problems - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Dunford - June 1 - 11:10 am

  I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.

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  Middle Aged but Still Rocks - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Kenneth Deyer - May 31 - 7:43 pm

  The car had some problems with the air bag sensor which required to be replaced by the dealership [under warranty]. With a few upgrades, new shocks and struts + some after market 18 inch alloy rims and handling has greatly improved. [~$2500 for entire package]. With a few interior upgrades such a new MP3 compatible stereo and GPS, completes the picture.

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  Second Ridgeline and an Improvement - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Artback - May 31 - 2:14 pm

  Just traded up from an 06 RTL with Navi and many features have been improved. Some complain that we have not yet seen a complete redesign of the RL, yet I couldnt be happier. New Bali Blue color is the best yet. Improved gauges and touch points versus the 06. Integrated fog lights, slight horsepower gain (feels like substantially more), better software, "tweaked" transmission, bluetooth and information center. Interior design improved (toned down those metallic door handles), and carpeted floor mats versus the rubber of old. Im in the business of mechanical devices (I drive a RL to move them), and can attest that several years into a platform enhances reliability.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By waikiki - May 30 - 10:58 am

  At 30,000 miles, heard the brake wear indicator and had to replace the rears. The fronts have several thousand more miles left. The VCM is terrible. The transmission hunts even in cruise control and is jerky and slips often. A danger when you are in heavy traffic. Dealer finds nothing wrong and that Hondas do not have smoothest trans. Both front windows rattle, the road noise is quite noticeable, and rain rolls off the top and right on to the controls. I dont see why people rave about Hondas.

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  Nice for the price but needs improvement - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Peter O - May 29 - 9:38 pm

  Very low depreciation makes lease payments as low as much cheaper entry level vehicles. Build quality is better then other cars under $20k but still needs improvement. The rubber weather strip molding along the roof keep falling off. The body panels seem to be very delicate. Just stare at them and theyll get a ding. I feel like it wont age well. The paint finish is just OK. I noticed several imperfections while waxing it. The interior is nice but again, doesnt seem to be hard wearing. The Auto Stop is annoying and despite the many custom settings in the computer, it cannot be disabled. Steering wheel blocks the view of the digital speedo.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda user - May 29 - 6:00 pm

  This is the second accord (2002 SE 4 Door we owned), after my mom totaled our first one. We got it from a local used car dealership, the transmission started sliding when we hit 82k miles. While it is not worth it to have it replaced anymore, we can only live with it, and expecting jerking while step on the acceleration paddle.

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  Tire Wear, Water Pump Bolts 2X, Brakes - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cathy - May 28 - 1:20 pm

  Have enjoyed driving car. Work done on car includes: towed twice to dealership for defective water pump bolt working into belts. Excessive tire wear. Replaced rear brakes. Droopy sun visors-what a pain-even though replaced once. Other than that regular oil change and tire rotation is all had to do. Get approximately 38 mpg in winter, 30 in summertime in Texas.

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  Emergency Brake - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Dan - May 28 - 12:56 pm

  This is a wonderful car with one major exception. The Emergency brake placement and design in this car runs into my leg. The brake hurts my leg so badly that I am doing everything I can to get into another car in year or less. Please make sure the brake does not bother you before buying this car.

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  Love my new car! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa - May 26 - 2:24 pm

  I have only had this car a few days, but I must say its such a joy to drive. Its also much roomier than I had ever though it could be perfect for me & my two little guys!

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  Good Choice-Switched from VW - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By wadvout - May 25 - 3:57 pm

  The Hondas are cheaper to maintain than VWs. The reliability has been much better than my new VW was too. Like the extra passenger and cargo space. The road noise has not been bad but wish the suspension and MPG were better. If a good suspension and MPG matter more than price than an Outback would be a good choice too.