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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  Winter Performance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By palmdove - January 13 - 8:13 pm

  I have been very happy with my 2008 Civic since I purchased it last fall. It was slightly used as it was the demo car at the dealership. I only started to have a problem when the snow and cold weather arrived last winter. I found that the design of the wheel wells does not leave room to clear away built up snow and ice. I find it gathers there and makes turning difficult at times. It is very hard to clear it away as the area is so tight. On other cars its easy to just tap it away with your foot etc. Ive discovered the only real way of clearing it is with a high pressure hose. I do find this a bit of a design flaw and maybe could be improved!

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  LuvMyAccord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By LuvMyAccord - January 13 - 10:25 am

  I see I have similar issues as some reviewers. ABS pump went bad around 120k. Master brake cylinder went out around 110k. Right front passenger window very slow to roll up. Im constantly warping after-market rotors, I cant stand hub- over-rotor setup. Going to swap out to rotor-over-hub. Had issue yesterday with tach and speedo dropping to zero whilst driving on highway. Noticed ABS light flickering at about time it happened. Will have electricals checked out. Current issues: Leaking main seal O-ring leaking on distributor About to hit 180k miles, will do timing chain and water pump, likely ask for real main seal to be replaced if theyll reduce cost. Original owner!

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  Just What its supposed to be - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Flordia Car - January 13 - 10:16 am

  I bought this one owner car when it was two years old for only ten grand with only 14k miles on it. I wanted a work car that had nothing to break and was lamenting that base models no longer existed when I learned about the VP. I love rolling up and down the windows knowing that there are no motors to fail there or in the seats or door locks. Its an old school econo car with the most reliable combustible gas engine ever made under the hood & no headaches. I am certain to get 200-300k miles. Highly recommended

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  buyer beware of this year and the 97 - 1996 Honda Accord
  By john - January 12 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my 1996 EX 4 cyl from a local dealer in MN with warranty in 1999. Had problems about two months later, the check engine light came on, took it back to the dealer and they replaced all they could, covered under the warranty, but the problem still was there. soon after the car started to fall apart, engine bogged, the Vtech failed, gears slipped, figured out later that it was the EGR(exhaust gas recirculation) sensor that made the check engine light come on. Honda made some bad vehicles, I only bought this Honda Accord because it looked sportier than a Toyota Camry and now I regret it.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RaylynnLois - January 12 - 7:59 pm

  I had a 2005 Ex-L Honda Pilot. I loved it from the beginning. Best vehicle I have owned thus far. I am pretty sure it saved my life, with the safety features it has I am very grateful. I was recently in a head on collision and my honda held up its end, I walked away with minor aches and pains. By the looks of it I should have been much worse! I would buy another in a heart beat.

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  Cant wear it out - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By utmsu - January 12 - 2:35 pm

  I have had my Ridgeline since Jan. of 06 and it now has 135,000 miles on it. Have followed the recommended service of my dealership and it has never failed to do whatever I needed. Never had a more dependable truck in 40 years of driving.

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  Very nice econo ride - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Willie T - January 12 - 11:41 am

  I purchased this auto when gas prices started rising sharply. My other 3 cars have V-8s, so I needed a daily driver that was economical and reliable. It took a while to adjust to the 4 cyl. and how light this car was. No secret these are compromise for the gas mileage. I adjusted quickly when I could fill the tank with 10 gallons and drive 300 to 370 miles. The best mileage I got was 37 MPG running 80 MPH on interstate and worst was 30 MPG locally. I also installed a set of Eibach sway bars that were well worth the cost. Over the past year and a half I have become attached to my little Honda. The seats are a little rough for long rides and it is a bit noisy but remember this is a econo car.

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  Great experience - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PA Vet - January 12 - 8:36 am

  Decided to buy the LX as everyone else was buying the EX model, leaving LXs on the lot. Didnt want the electric doors as I saw that as something that could go wrong. The van has never let us down, gets great mileage, and is comfortable enough. Honda replaced the EGR valve and transmission based on technicians recommendation during normal maintenance. Since the transmissions replacement mileage went up from 24 mpg to 27 mpg on the highway. Otherwise just routine maintenance. Weve kept it simply because of what it can haul, sheets of plywood and more important my kids junk to and from college. Since buying this weve bought 3 more Hondas, but have kept the van for its utility.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Roll Tide - January 11 - 7:27 pm

  I have only had my Accord for about a month. I got a great deal on a pre-owned 2007 Accord with a V6 and I love it so far. It has a ton of power and still gets pretty decent mileage. There were some minor interior problems that came with the car, but nothing you wouldnt expect for a 3 year old used auto, and nothing I couldnt fix with a little superglue. I love the handling and the interior, and I can go on for days about how much I love the V6s power. I dont know if I would have spent the extra $$$ for the V6 if I were purchasing a new one, but this one was only about 300.00 more than similar 4cyl models on the same lot.

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  heaters - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rob - January 10 - 11:28 am

  I love my crv but I wish they had a better heating system in them for the winter months.. I find the higher I set my heater the more it seems to suck the gas gauge down ( fast) maybe I am setting it wrong or something. Also I wish they would put a bigger gas tank on them .. Other than that I love my crv