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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  ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By Chris - February 19 - 4:15 pm

  the only negatives I have found with this car is the choppy ride and it could be a little quieter.

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  My Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By KK - February 18 - 11:16 pm

  Great car, Boring. All I do is change the oil and meet maint. parameters. Strong runner, very reliable. 90k on brakes,, 85k on orig. tires. Looks and runs like new. Currently own 3 accords, 90,98 & 01. all great cars. Would I buy another "YES".

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  Very Reliable Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Kyaw Naing - February 18 - 10:42 pm

  Ive owned Honda Accords for 15 years and Im on my 5th Accord. They all were good cars (except the very 1st 1979). I sold my 2nd Accord at 200K miles. The 98 Accord by far the best car. It has about 120K miles and has been very reliable. Still drives like new. There was no major mechanical problem so far. However, I had occasional check engine warnings mostly from a few bad oxygen sensors. I took those warnings seriously when the car was new. But lately, I just ignored them. To my surprise the warnings just disappeared by themselves. Just hoping that the car will quit on me soon so that Ive an excuse to buy a new one. But seems like, itll be another 10yrs for me to get a new car!

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  Tough act to follow - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Peewee - February 18 - 8:15 pm

  I love my Civic... it super reliable and economical. The gas mileage is great, and the powers not bad for a four cylinder car.

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  Thanks for nothing - 2001 Honda Accord
  By hose_job - February 18 - 7:12 pm

  I was looking for a reliable car for commuting purposes that I could put a decent amount of miles on without having to invest a big chunk of change into some major repairs a few years down the road. I decided to go with supposed "head of the" class when it comes to reliability. Sure enough, less than 4 years and 130K into into my transmission falls apart and they want me to stick another $5000 into a replacement. The jerks tried to blame me because I only changed the fluid once a year at every 40,000 miles, when the truth is the failure was caused by a terrible design that they openly admitted to by extending the warranty to 100K miles. OWN UP TO YOUR MISTAKES HONDA!!

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  Thanks for nothing - 2001 Honda Accord
  By hose_job - February 18 - 7:12 pm

  I was looking for a reliable car for commuting purposes that I could put a decent amount of miles on without having to invest a big chunk of change into some major repairs a few years down the road. I decided to go with supposed "head of the" class when it comes to reliability. Sure enough, less than 4 years and 130K into into my transmission falls apart and they want me to stick another $5000 into a replacement. They tried to blame me because I only changed the fluid once a year at every 40,000 miles, when the truth is the failure was caused by a terrible design that they openly admitted to by extending the warranty to 100K miles.OWN UP TO YOUR MISTAKES HONDA!!

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  Nice vehicle but needs a few adjustments - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By patman - February 18 - 5:03 am

  It is hard to go wrong with a Honda. However, there a few quirks with the 2005 Pilot. While the interior is spacious and the instrument panel well laid out, leg room comfort of the driver is less than desirable. Honda needs to rethink the placement of the emergency brake - it interferes with those of us with moderate and long legs. It is hard to strech out and take advantage of the foot rest with brake pedal where it is. The stiff rear-hatch tension makes it hard to close an open hatch - particluarly while carrying something. Acceleration is often jerky and unrefined - particularly in city driving. The sound systems is OK, but could use improvment - my cd changer was broken at delivery

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  Very Happy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By garrett welch - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Since buying this automobile we have experinced "0" proplems, except rear left window motor broken. Honda will fix with no problems. Dealership is awsome. Car handles well. plently of leg room. Which we never had with our nissans. Gas mileage around 18-20. This is a outstanding vehicle. Our family is vey happy thanks honda.

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  Honda does it again - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Skillz - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for every occasion. Styling could be better, but Im sure Honda will work on that in the future. This vehicle is comfortable, sporty, and luxurious all at once. People cant believe how large it is until they see it up close, or until they get inside. I get nothing but compliments on how good it rides.

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cappy11 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my 2003 Pilot for 10 months. The only problem that I have experienced is a clunking sound when the air conditioner kicks on. Other than that, love it.