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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  Junk - 2007 Honda Civic
  By josh510 - August 28 - 10:36 am

  This is my third Civic, which I bought for the looks. What a mistake. Honda cut too many corners. At least they are fixing most issues, but Im tired of taking the car to the shop. Here are my issues so far. Visors - Honda Replaced Control Arms/Tire Wear - Honda Replaced Motor Mounts - I paid for this Paint going bad - Honda will fix the hood and fenders but not the roof. Water Pump Pulley - Honda Replaced Engine Block Crack - Honda Replaced My other two Civics were great, but this one has been terrible. These repairs were made in addition to replacing the terrible Firestone tires and Honda battery (those both have always been bad). Unfortunately this will be my last Civic.

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  Amazingly thrifty on gas - 2013 Honda Civic
  By stringed - August 28 - 8:21 am

  Just bought a 2013 Civic coupe with automatic transmission for my wife last week. On a lark, I wanted to see how much mileage I could squeeze out of this car using the lightest foot possible. I needed to drive to the airport - a nearly 50 mile round trip. On the trip there, I drove with no AC at speeds between 60 and 70. The on board mileage computer registered 53 mpg! There is a minor downhill bias since I live a few hundred feet above sea level and the airport is near sea level. On the trip back, I decided to use the AC. When I arrived home, the MPG computer for the total trip read 43 MPG. Thats close to a hybrids MPG! I am delighted with this car!

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  No odometer - 2012 Honda Civic
  By softailguy - August 27 - 5:48 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Civic LX in July 2012. It now has about 19,000 miles on it. It does well on gas but I think the fuel guage is inaccurate. It supposedly has a 13 gallon tank yet even when Im on E and the range says 9 miles I am never able to put more than 10 gallons in it. And then today I left work and noticed I had no odometer display, no maintenance minder info, no fuel mpg info or range info. It just disappeared from the menu. So now I have no way of knowing what my mileage is or when to change my oil. This is my first Honda after driving Hyundai Elantras for 15 years. I should have stuck with Hyundai. Better car for less money.

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  So disappointed - 2013 Honda Accord
  By wisconsinhonda - August 26 - 6:02 pm

  I am disappointed mostly in the transmission. It is unnerving when you stop and the transmission lurches forward. It makes you feel like you,dont have control. My car is 2 months old and twice the check engine light has come on. The first time the dealer replaced the fuel pressure sensor. The very next day another check engine light. Something with too high voltage, so they reset it by switching a part from a car on the lot and then putting my part back in. The latest is the paint. Buy the paint protection, there is no clear coat on the car. I have owned many cars and never has bird poop marred the paint. It took the thin clear coat right off!

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  An Excellant family vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rporterincincy - August 26 - 2:25 pm

  I really like my 2003 Honda Odyssey. It now has 143,000 miles and runs like its brand new. Very smooth, powerful and dependable. Like any other car it does have some quirks. My Odyssey goes through tires every 35,000 miles (wears evenly, and I rotate them every 3000-6000 miles), and goes through front brakes every 40,000 miles (evenly worn brakes). I just installed top of the line ceramic brakes to see if this would improve the ride. My car has no rust (wax every 3-4 months), no wear on the interior, and I change the oil every 3,000 miles. My dealer is great and I like working with them. The car is very versatile and we enjoy going on trips with it. No major issues yet.

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  DO NOT buy an older model Insight - 2002 Honda Insight
  By trianglemann - August 25 - 6:45 pm

  I owned one for 5 years, servicing every 3 months. In that time: 1. Need to replace cat converter ($1,200). 2. Need to replace IMA ($2,700). 3. Need to replace transmission ($2,200). 4. Need to replace flywheel. 5. Wheels randomly seize up almost causing an accident. Dealer doesnt know why ($100 diagnostic). 6. Need to replace engine ($3,800). 7. Need to replace transmission ($2,200). 8. Need to replace IMA again ($2,800). 9. Need to replace wiring ($550). Used/aftermarket parts are hard or impossible to find. 2 of 3 dealers had extremely poor workmanship (I was a mechanic). Car never lasted more than 3 months w/o something breaking, and every part on it is EXPENSIVE.

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  BMW wannabe - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kaarlo - August 24 - 4:09 pm

  Have 3000 miles on 2013 Honda Sedan, 6 spd trans. 60 years old and this is first Honda Ive ever bought, wouldnt be the last if they build them all like this. Very impressive car. Runs great, smooth firm ride, handles like a BMW. Getting 33 MPG average w/36+ on freeways. Looked at the Jetta but liked the different standard features on the Accord better plus the Accord had a longer wheelbase for the freeway. Had to get the upscale package on the Jetta to get the rear view camera and larger more powerful engine. Wife is mad, thought I was getting the coupe. Says she wont drive a granny 4 door car. Hard to look disappointed when you cant stop smiling.

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  The battery is a disaster! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By loring - August 24 - 2:33 pm

  The IMA Battery on the 2003 Civic Hybrid is/was a flawed product. My first battery failed at 42,000 miles ( at 7 years) and was replaced under warranty. The second battery has failed with less than 27,000 miles ( at 11 years) and the dealer says it will cost me $3,684 to replace it with a rebuilt battery with a 3 year, 36K warranty. So far, Honda and I have spent more on batteries than I have on fuel for this car. With a 3 year warranty on a $3,684 battery, Im planning on $1,000 per year battery cost going forward.

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  do not buy - 2009 Honda Accord
  By txdriver88 - August 24 - 11:17 am

  I only signed up to this site to write this review. This car is a big dissapointment. very noisy on inside eco boost is horrible, you constantly feel it going on and off, felt like car was gonna break down, but mechanic and dealer said its normal to feel that eco boost jerking. Seats are very uncomfortable. you can feel every bump in the road. voice activation/recognition is pretty bad. I bought certified used, went back to the dealership in less then 2 months and traded it in. Yes it was that terrible

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  Not what I thought a Honda would be - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spdy3 - August 24 - 12:13 am

  Bought for my wife used in 2007 with 18k miles. It was a Honda certified. It now has 142k miles. A/C blew up at 60k (absolute dishonesty from Honda on this issue) We complained to dealer and Honda they both played dumb on the issue. I printed off many complaints on this from this site and Honda reluctantly agreed to cover except $800. O2 Sensors went out at 80k. The front strut mounts have gone out several times (we live on a 1/4 long dirt road). Overall decent reliability except the A/C. Honda skimped on everything from the A/C, to the complete lack of sound deadening and suspension travel. Handles well but rides horribly. I didnt see what my wife saw in the test drive.