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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  Unreliable in its later years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By _pioneer_ - May 6 - 7:42 pm

  Look at the problems people are having with this generation of Civic at 8thcivic.com forums. My vehicle did not want to start and it was a key mobilizer problem. The sun visors kept falling down and blocking half of my vision and it took Honda years to issue a service bulletin to get it fixed. My driver window fell down inside the door TWICE due to a plastic clip. Now I just had the engine block crack and the dealership tells me a motor mount is broken and my transmission fluid is leaking a bit. Ive had a 1983 & 1999 Civic and currently have a 2000 with 172K miles that has had less problems than this 2006 with 132K miles. Hondas cost cutting has made me buy a Sonata. Honda isnt the same.

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  Great Family Car--Great Value - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By carlosarturo1 - May 6 - 6:36 pm

  After owning this great SUV for the last 3 years I just traded it in because we are downsizing. I actually made some equity in tis car which is unheard of with other cars!! Awesome car for a large family, but the mileage per gallon is very low and this SUV gets very thirsty very quickly. Gets very slippery during the rain--even with new tires.

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  So you want a Hybrid.... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hybridman2012 - May 5 - 7:22 pm

  If you are on your first mission to buy a hybrid, this article will help you! I started my quest to find the "gas mileage" car I needed by going to a Toyota dealer and driving the famous Prius. After being unimpressed with the style, power and certainly the price, I went back to Honda. This would be my third Honda if the 2012 Civic was the one I was looking for.Here are some facts that accually are true to help you make your decision: First - Honda has a Lithium Ion battery back weighing 20lbs. Prius has a NiCad battery weighing 200lbs. The NiCad has a memory and wont last as long as Hondas Lithium Ion with a warranty of 10yrs or 80,000 miles! Last - More power, most quiet, NICE!

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  2004 Honda Element 225,00.00 miles - 2004 Honda Element
  By - May 4 - 5:04 pm

  Hi I drive 30,000 miles a year in the Boston areaI I have just changed my roaters @ 200,00.00 miles best car ever owned- Up to 100,00 just oil change tires etc nothing major a great work horse-- honda please bring back the element its a great work vehicle

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  Seats are awful! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pjshifi1 - May 4 - 3:24 pm

  I just bought this car two weeks ago. The first time I noticed the issue was on a long drive, 5+/- hours with the car. At the end of the drive, my lower back was on fire and I had a hard time moving around for the rest of that weekend. Then the drive home was worse, because my back already was hurting. These seats are AWFUL! I took the car right back to the dealer and told them about the issue, I was told they really couldnt do anything about it and there is nothing wrong with the seat (it wasnt broken). I then call Honda USA, explained my issue and was given a case number. That case ending in Honda USA basically telling me to pound sand! I have said that I was not the only person with these issues, just go and Google it. The Honda rep to me they were un-aware of any issues like this and they dont pay attention to web postings. Now I have an issue, I have a brand new car that I HATE to drive. I ended up pulling my 10 year old Saab 140K mile (which the Accord was supposed to replace) back out of the garage and parked the Accord. Please Honda, get your stuff together and help myself and all other people get this resolved. These are BRAND NEW cars!

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By cycleguy1979 - May 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this car almost 4 years ago, after heavily researching it. It had 120k miles on it when I got it, now it has 208k. It consistently gets 34mpg city/hwy, and 36 all hwy. Get the 5 spd manual, I hear the auto is gutless. The front seat is ok, but for a 63" tall man, im basically in the back seat. The engine purrs and has been 100% trouble free. Kinda loud at 75mph, this is basically a tin can on wheels. Its a great commuter car but as far as road trips forget it. I just took a 3k mile road trip and my wife and I were very uncomfortable. Id buy another one in a second for commuting. Honda cars are the best for reliability and fuel mileage.

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  Uncomfortable driver seat - 2012 Honda Accord
  By junior12 - May 2 - 4:41 pm

  I own a 2012 Honda Accord LX. Drivers side seat just slightly above the lumbar support is hurting my back. Adjusting the seat or adding some padding does not help. Extreme discomfort after 25 minutes of driving time. Very poor seat design. Very disappointed in Honda. Do a "Google" search to read about many others having back pain due to the seat design. I like the 2012 Honda Accords but what good is this car if I cannot drive it without being in severe pain.

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  Still a great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By azsoonerfan - May 2 - 12:20 pm

  Bought my accord new back in July 2008. Currently have about 75,000 miles. This has a been a great car so far. The engine is smooth and has plenty of pull. It is a comfortable car for road trips, we frequenlty make a 5-6 hour drive to California with two small childern in the back, plenty of room for everyone. Still love the design of the car, has the look of a 5 series BMW. We average about 23mpg, mostly city driving. On the hwy, I have gotten up to 29mpg (setting the cruise to about 80mph). Here are the issues with this car. First, the door trim pops loose all the time, a quick push and it is back on, but a little annoying. Second, the rear brakes wear out too quickly.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amirjones78 - May 1 - 5:35 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned. Its also one of the most comfortable vehicles Ive ever driven. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Handling is excellent. I always feel in complete control in any type of weather in my Odyssey. Contrary to some of the reviews Im seeing for this year of Odyssey I dont really have problems with it. The only problem I had was a power steering reservoir that needed to be replaced ($125ish). At one point there was an odd vibration between 25 and 30 mph. Many people replaced the transmission or torque converter with no success. I just had the transmission fluid changed (scheduled maintenance) with Mobile 1 full synthetic. Problem solved!

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  My First Hybrid - 2012 Honda Civic
  By harleybiker - April 30 - 1:49 pm

  With over 7,725 miles experience with this car, I am very pleased with it overall. Highway trip mileage for 2,200 miles was 48.3. Overall mileage with lots of city driving including many traffic lights and 6 months of Chicago winter temperatures has brought the overall average MPG down to 42.8 for over 7,700 miles. Winter driving on snow and ice was not bad with these standard tires. Overall, I am very satisfied with the vehicle and it has somewhat exceeded my expectations.