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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  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Reliable and thats about it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By LLBytes - December 1 - 1:13 am

  If you are looking for a car that is very reliable and you dont want to worry about break-downs then this is the car for you! I never had any issues with the car other than the breaks which is a known issue. Every year I had to purchase new pads and/or rotors. Thank God I found a trust-worthy repair shop near my house that only charged me $300 to replace the pads and rotors! The engine otherwise was solid. It drove the same and performed the same no matter the weather conditions. I owned this car for 7 years and at year 5 I replaced the battery, which is expected. I had 4 main personal issues with the car. First, the ergonomics were horrible. The head rests were not adjustable and very uncomfortable. The seats were really, really hard and it took too long to find a decent driving position. My back would hurt after driving for 30 minutes. The rear seats in my opinion were a lot more comfortable. Second, the car was too big and it sits really low, which made it hard to parallel park. Its size lead to my third issues which was the performances. This is a large car and it really felt like it. The engine always seemed to struggle and highway passing and merging was a bit tricky. The steering was accurate but very heavy at slow speeds. Everything felt labored with the car and driving took a lot of effort. Lastly, the suspension was too stiff. I like a great handling car just as much as everyone else but this particular model was just too stiff. You can and will feel every bump in the road! Forget about rough roads. I felt like I needed a helmet regularly. The prior model and the subsequent model were light years better than this particular Accord. I like the Accord but due to my very bad experience with this one, I will be very caution about buying another Honda Accord.

• 

  Impression After 2 weeks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DJ - November 30 - 5:56 pm

  Ive only had the car for a couple weeks now, but have come up with some initial impressions. Pros include a quiet engine, nice exterior stying, and nice layout of controls. Cons include the following, the car is not smooth riding, you feel each bump, windshield rattles, and seats are uncomfortable. As the previous owner of a 2003 Camry the Toyota is far superior in ride and comfort.

• 

  Let the snow come! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By new-englander - November 30 - 4:03 pm

  Accepting the fact that this is not a BMW in exterior design, a luxury car in sophistication, or a true off road suv, the Pilot comes very close to ideal. It has a smooth and powerful enough engine to manage tough and icy mountain slopes, maneuvers responsively through winding mountain roads or congested city streets. It handles great in inclement New England weather and it has an unbeatable safety record. Its only a little bit noisy (tire noise) but the engine is barely audible. Oh, and its handsome enough for the country club and a lot cheaper than that MDX!

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  FITastic! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Hilary - November 30 - 6:06 am

  I have had this car for only a mere 2 weeks now, but am absolutely in love. It handles like a dream and has enough get-up-and-go to excite most people (in spite of having a mere 109 horsies under the hood). Fabulous purchase for the the money--I was able to purchase an economy car without feeling like I was sacrificing. My boyfriend and I also own a Toyota RAV4 and have actually been quibbling about who gets to drive the Fit. Its suprisingly spacious. My boyfriend is 62" and has plenty of space, driving or otherwise.

• 

  Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Naveen - November 29 - 11:43 pm

  Purchased 2008 CR-V in the month of May. We are very disappointed with the quality. It vibrates a lot and we can feel it in the steering wheel and seats. As soon the drive stick is put in drive position the whole cabin starts to vibrate. Also, while driving it drifts towards one side. Dealer had taken the vehicle four times for repair but there is no improvement. Filed case with Honda too but they never responded. Honda is known for quality but at least we cant say that after this purchase.

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  Dont!!!!! Just run the other way! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Ralph666 - November 29 - 1:14 pm

  Like everyone else here, the doors stuck, the seats were uncomfortable, the rear washer quit working and finally the transmission went out. We bought it new. It had 76,000 miles when the transmission went. The second transmission lasted less than two months. The third is starting to go. I will be leaving Honda soon. I wont be back.

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  Exceeding Expectations - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steelerfan - November 28 - 6:10 am

  I was able to drive 2 of the 1st Ridgelines received by my dealer and purchased my truck the next day. I had a CRV for 5 yrs and feel Honda has developed another winner. The ride and overall performance is not like any truck on the road today. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. Everyone continues to ask me at work about the truck and I now have more friends wanting me to drive to lunch. The interior and sound system makes driving exciting. My wife loves driving it more than her Explorer! Overall storage capacity is very good.

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  I will never buy a Honda Odyssey again - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ive had it! - November 27 - 11:16 pm

  Ive had my Odyssey for almost three years now and I regret I ever bought it. My wife wanted the Chrysler Town and Country and I convinced her that Chrysler had a bad reputation of making unreliable vehicles. But after all the problems we had with this Odyssey, I think we should have gotten the Chrysler instead – it might have been the same headaches but it would have been far cheaper after the rebates. Weve had so many problems, from a failing transmission to recalls after recalls tranny, pcm, etc. In addition, weve had so many noises and other problems that it not even funny -- trust me, we tried to laugh about it!