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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  Cute SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CODGER - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My first venture into SUV ownership and I must say I am very satisfied. Good, reliable transport. Room enough for 4 good-sized adults or 2 adults and 3 kids. Good ride and no problems in snow. The 4 cylinder engine gets up and goes enough and cruises right along at highway speeds (and slightly above). Would recommend this car to anyone who wants the feel of an SUV, but doesnt expect to do any more off-roading than hitting the grass next to your driveway.

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  young of heart senior - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jackrhoda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT handling,EXCELLENT steering, excellent seating, very good all around quality

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  Just the right size - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By David - August 21 - 11:42 pm

  Since 1985 Ive owned an F-150 and four Silverados. By far the Honda is better built and more versatile. I dont need to tow my house or haul cattle. I park it instead of docking it. It is agile, and rides as well as my wifes Acura. We drove it to Colorado from Houston with another couple and the ladies only complaint about the back seat was the height of the seatbelt anchors.

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  Bought Another Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By melody - August 21 - 7:50 pm

  After owning a Honda Accord EX for 17 years I decided to stick with Honda and purchased a Civic EX for its size for commuting and city parking. Dont really pay attention to the mileage, just fill it up once a week. So far quite pleased. Perfect for a petite person like me. Large and heavy might not be comfortable. Could have a little more pep and drivers seat could be more comfortable. Gauges are well within reach. Nice size trunk. Dont like the headrest, wish it was adjustable.

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  Repair costs is up the roof! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 21 - 9:20 am

  The touring model has pax tires which cost around $750 per tire! I only had my van for a few months then I have a nail stuck to the tire...costs me $350 to fix it! Dealer said the nail damage the tire and they cant patch it and that I need a new tire! Since the tire was only a few months old, they pro- rate the cost from $750 and only cost me $350 instead of $750. I now have my van 4 years with 82,000 miles and all 3 of the motor mounts cracked! Cost me $1500 to fix it... it does not seem right for a vehicle with such a good reputation to break so early in the vehicle life. Called Honda Corp and they said nothing they can do about it. Its a normal wear and tears on all Honda vehicles.

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  Beware cruise control - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dave - August 19 - 7:44 pm

  Never wanted a Honda CRV. Caved into the dealership sales pitch. Took awhile, but really enjoy driving it, very much. Mine has 67,000 miles and will simply keep driving it. Two things, 1.) the CRUISE CONTROL separated from its location in the engine at 57,000 miles. Dealership said "out-of-warranty" and quoted $986.00 to fix, then indicated that this happened to another customer. They said they would supply the part, I pay for the labor. OK. That was a year ago, and even after several phone calls to them, I still have no cruise control. Also, at 17,000 miles the drivers side floor carpet split, Honda said it was due to "usage". No, it was poor installation.

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  2009 Honda CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By R.Kaminski - August 19 - 7:17 am

  Not pleased with overall ride. Gas mileage excellent. Went on a 300 mile highway trip and crv was very bumpy, felt almost every bump on highway. Could hear the tires going over every bump inside the car. Outside noise extremely loud inside crv. Needs more insulation to eliminate noise. Headrest very uncomfortable. Other than that crv is ok. Will wait and see how brakes hold up. Other reviews complain about possible brake pads and rotor replacements sooner than most cars. Would not recommend this crv. Unfortunately daughter bought same car and she also experiences same loud noises.

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  Very Disappointed with Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By john - August 18 - 4:30 pm

  My Accord has more road noise than I expected. The engine is an oil hog. Uses 1 QT every 1800 miles and has since the very beginning. Honda will do nothing about it as they claim 1QT every 1000 miles is ok. Ive never had any other car do this. As far as Im concerned, I would not buy a Honda again nor would I recommend to anyone else!

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jamie - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Needed new struts at the first oil change. Needed new tires and alignment also (though I drive 12 miles daily on a highway with no potholes). The radio stinks. There are cubbyholes and compartments, which would be great, but the hinges are breaking (after opening about four or five times).

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  hot in florida - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ocello - August 18 - 10:00 am

  the hybrid is the future i did have an suv whit about 15 mpg but i have to have a feather foot to avg 40 mpg but still a wonderful idea toyota does not use engine for slow city driving please explain thank you