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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  Accord ex sedan 6 cls - 2006 Honda Accord
  By marcko24 - June 24 - 12:08 am

  Best car I ever had,I trade it for a cc passat and just ne month needed to be regret ,my cc is in the workshop , u want no problems? Buy accord

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  Honda Accord Reliability - 2010 Honda Accord
  By gimpus - June 22 - 10:03 am

  2010 Accord is nothing but trouble. In t.5 years, Ive experienced all the problems mentioned in the past blogs....oil consumption of 1 qt per 1000 miles is "normal". I purchased an Accord to do the exact opposite of what I am doing now--checking oil levels, spending time at the dealership letting mechanics tell me everything is within "parameters". Now I had to change brakes, deal with AC not getting cool, flashing check engine lights, wheel alignment problems all in 2.5 years. I am a careful driver and 80% of the mileage was on highways. Avoid this car.

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  Excellent commuter car... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By freddys555 - June 21 - 8:40 pm

  Living in Chicago and having a hellish daily commute, I decided to take my younger brothers Honda Accord with 156,000 miles. The reliability is simply amazing. There has been no mechanical/electronic problems since purchase in 2001. The VTEC engine loves to rev and performs very well for a family type sedan. The double wishbone suspension is solid and gives back exactly what you put into it. There has been some minor interior issues but nothing abnormal. The transmission, in which Hondas quality suffered between 1999-2003, is starting to feel jerky. The headlamps made by Stanley are showing its age. Overall, this has been an impressive sedan with impeccable reliability.

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  Wheres the quality? - 1994 Honda Accord
  By hondoman45 - June 21 - 1:33 am

  Almost six years ago I wrote a review here that was pretty positive about the Accord. Now, with years of ownership, I can state this isnt a car that can compare with Toyota. It is far inferior as my Accord has needed a head gasket repair, numerous suspension repairs, frequent alignments, electrical gremlins that have plagued it, and it still has issues every couple of months that are costly to fix. I keep thinking it will stop having problems but it just continues on...My four Celicas combined have not had the issues of my one Accord. I take great care of my cars and now question the quality of Honda. This car gets a failing grade.

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  New Hybrid runs well but head restraints are a pain - 2013 Honda Civic
  By new2bie - June 20 - 9:21 pm

  I just purchased a new 2013 Civic Hybrid. The vehicle only has 500 miles on it so far, so there isnt much to tell yet. Averaging 44.5 mpg, which is a little less than my 2003 model, but definitely acceptable. Color is supposed to be green opal metallic, but it just looks blue to me. Im a little unsure of all the electronics on the new model. In general, our electronic gadgets only last a couple of years, and I expect to drive this car for much longer than that. Im concerned that Electronic components in a vehicle can be VERY expensive to replace.

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  BEST CAR!! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By gvnnpd - June 19 - 8:25 pm

  I bought mine with 60k, i now have 120k. Ive only done oil changes along with once a year wax. It looks new and runs great! Ive only needed to do the a/c compressor, which was only $300 what a steal! when my friends same year Saab was 1,200. Boy did he have a Saab story! This car takes you anywhere and everywhere! Ive taken it to Colorado in the mountains, to the beaches of california, never has it ever broken down on me. At times ive though of getting a new car but then i remember that NOTHING compares to the gas and reliability this car has. Its a gold mine, thats why its been rated the #1 stolen in America! crooks know where theres gold mines.

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  Honda CRV Door Lock Problem - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gcan3 - June 19 - 6:45 pm

  Recently I have began to experience malfunctioning door locks. I have read many similar complaints where the door locks spontaneously unlock while driving and relocate the remaining doors after opened. This is a major safety concern and I am shocked that Honda has not dealt with this safety issue. I see a class action law suit has been initiated in the US. Shame on Honda, I thought you were better then that. so far customer service at Honda Canada has been less then hospitable! Keep the documentation coming.

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  Locked inside car once security system engages - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dmc812 - June 19 - 3:07 pm

  I have a complaint with the security system Honda uses. I have been inadvertently locked inside my 09 Accord and unable to get out. Apparently, once the anti-theft system engages after 30 seconds, there is no way to manually unlock the car doors nor will using the key fob "unlock" button work from the inside of the car. The car can only be unlocked from someone on the outside or by starting the engine, which disengages the security system. I find this to be a huge safety issue for people that are inside the car and are accidentally locked inside w/o a key to start the engine. I have complained to Honda with no resolution to this safety concern.

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  Buy one for reliability - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carterpuma - June 18 - 8:40 pm

  I struggled with constant repairs on domestic cars for years before purchasing this car. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Bought at 47K miles in 2007 and now have 120K. In that time only ONE thing has ever gone wrong and that was a sensor that only cost $150. It just blows my mind how reliable this thing is. This car is such a smart choice and can be found for under $5K atm. Will be one of the best vehicle investments you ever make.

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  LX Sport Check your tires - 2013 Honda Accord
  By manning4 - June 18 - 6:34 pm

  After several months of searching, researching and test driving everything from a Subaru Impreza to the Lexus IS, I came across the Accord Sport almost by accident while at a Honda Dealer having another car serviced. I was amazed! The base LX was light years ahead of my 2002 model, and the sport version was equipped with just the right options, and not thousands of dollars worth of fragile high tech nonsense. An extensive test drive over more different roads than the salesman was used to confirmed my initial impression. While no one will mistake the Sport for a 3 series, the handling was precise and nimble, far superior to your average family sedan.