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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  A/C system unsatisfactory - 2008 Honda Civic
  By leggo - April 11 - 12:43 am

  Test drove two different Honda Civics today. In both, the A/C cooling dropped to 50% of normal when idling at a light. Only cool when moving. On takeoff, hot air blows through vents because sensor apparently shuts A/C off during hard acceleration. The A/C and cooling fans in this car are unsatisfactory. Dealer said theyve had alot of complaints about it. Cant believe Honda let this one out the door. Ill pass on the Civic and Accord. Accord didnt handle/ride very well. Nice car but overrated.

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  1993 Honda Civic LX - 1993 Honda Civic
  By DMF - April 10 - 6:34 pm

  My 93 Civic LX has >130K miles, and STILL gets >30 MPG! DOHC engine still very quick and reliable -- cruise very comfortably at fast speeds (would NEVER do with other older-mileage vehicles). Mechanically excellent, but some of the interior components starting to deteriorate after 13 years (LED on stereo, speakers, plastic door handle snapped, spring clip for wipers). Recently test-drove 2003 Civic EX -- difference in performance between 2 was negligible -- I was quite surprised! (Or maybe I couldnt really "test" it because salesperson was sitting next to me). Best car Ive owned yet!

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  Best value/gas economy of AWD - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element Owner 5M - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Looking for an AWD to handle any road/weather, but cant stand typical SUV mileage? Nothing beats the Element for this, and living with it offers continued pleasant surprises. 5sp Manual offers incredible torque and merging power, but the chasis still wins the show. Suicide doors and clamshell tailgate hatch with flat floor back and "hangable"/removable seats makes this the hauling vehicle. Still it seats four comfortably in style. The jeep-like stubby looks adds to my appeal of it and the ease of keeping clean is another bonus. Best for price, performance and features (AWD, anti-lock, side airbags, 24/28mpg. Plus its Honda quality & made in USA.

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  dang honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By yellowstoneman - April 10 - 10:00 am

  beautiful car but it rattles more than my 83 dodge pickup. the body is way to easy to ding. Dealer fixed most of the rattles but they keep coming back. test drove a 04 accord right off the lot it rattled. only get 32 to 38 MPG at 65 try 80 and it drops to 28. the thing is so noisy on long drives i leave it home and take my van. my wife loves this car but it will be my last honda. not near as fast as my 93 accord in streight line or around corners. I wish i had bought a toyota. at 56k miles it has a great resale value but it leaves me cold.

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  Nice car but a bit pricey for a compact - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hercdriver - April 10 - 10:00 am

  We really like the car, but think that we paid more for the Honda name than what its worth. We also just had a problem with the transmission. Apparently the 03s had a bulletin for transmission problems. We plan on driving the car for some time and now wish we had more than a 3 year warranty.

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  The best car I have ever had ! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Neal - April 10 - 8:45 am

  We got this car over a year age and its been a great car, Lots of headroom and legroom and really fun to own and drive. Everybody that looks at it wants to testdrive one and asks lots of questions. It has plenty of power and great looks too. We own a Pilot and the Element and love them both. I would never buy anything else but Honda.

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  Sweet 6MT! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tim - April 10 - 7:56 am

  I purchased this car in June of 05 and have had nothing but good experiences with it. The 6MT is a real pleasure to drive. The shifting is quick and precise (could be better with a shorter shifter). The V6 is quiet but has a nice growl when the rpms climb above 4k. 1st and 2nd Gears are my favorite - pulls with great intensity. Overall, the interior is nice to look at, the ride is smooth, and it gets fantastic gas mileage.

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  My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Sandm - April 10 - 6:36 am

  I traded in a 8 year old Explorer for the Pilot. It was the only SUV in this class I liked better than Explorer and I am very happy with it. A smooth, comfortable ride with better gas mileage than most SUVs. It lives up to the Honda name.

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  Another Honda, another great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wronskain - April 10 - 6:30 am

  This is my 5th Honda and my second Accord. My previous Accord was a 2004 6cyl coupe and I loved it. Traded it for a new 2006 Civic sedan (as we had our firrst child) with navigation and I enjoyed that car as well. I love the new size and the body shape of the 08. The interior is well thought out (like all Hondas) and the new non-touchscreen nav took a couple of days to get the hang of (the Civic had touch screen interface) but now I prefer it. Audio system is fantastic (get the subwoofer). VCM is completely transparent. I never hesitate recommending a Honda.

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  CW4JSOCFBNCs Accord Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By CW4JSOCFBNC - April 10 - 5:56 am

  We purchased a CPO 2009 Honda Accord EX-L with Navigation about two weeks earlier. We also wanted an AWD vehicle without the AWD size and prices. After researching the market we purchased the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L w/ Navigation March 2010. The vehicle is aggressive looking. The interior seating is comfortable. The dashboard console offers exceptional features comparable to the Acura product line. The driving experience is great and smooth both in the city and on the highway. In my opinion the Honda Accord and Honda Accord Crosstour are the new Acura luxury automobile/SUV for conservative smart economic people who want to maintain common sense in this environment. Thank you