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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  S2000 Review - 2001 Honda S2000
  By JOES2K - November 30 - 2:00 am

  A very nice surprise. I bought the 2001 S2000 in March 2003, with 3,900 miles. It is my recreational car and not used for daily commuting. It exceeds my expetation for performance and driving fun. I have owned several sports cars in the past and the S200 ranks on the top of my list for fun, performance and affordability.

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  Dependable, trouble-free transportation - 1997 Honda Accord
  By ivorykeyer - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car used (17K miles) in a hurry when our disaster of a Taurus Wagon had a catastrophic engine problem. Our primary goal was to get a car that wouldnt require monthly visits to the mechanic and in this the Accord has been a rousing success. Other than power window problems (front windows becoming progressively slower as time goes on) the car has performed absolutely flawlessly. I use it for a long daily commute (100 miles/day) and it is very comfortable with decent gas mileage (23-25 MPG). While not exciting visually or performance-wise, it has lots of room and has been a great and extremely reliable car for our basic transportation needs.

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  Not so good - 1999 Honda Accord
  By ace1 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has horrible brakes. Third set of pads in 65,000 miles. Soft pedal. Mater cyclinder replaced twice. Still soft. Electrical system with lots of problems. Bought this car because of Honda reputation. This will be my last Honda.

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mhous - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Have had for approx 6,000 miles with no major probs. Front passenger speaker went bad and black plactic piece that fits across lower part of outside front window was coming off. Previous owner of 94 Dodge Grand Caravan LX. Will never go back after this Honda.

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  2003 Odyssey EX-Leather-RES - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bbison - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, only a couple of warranty bugs in 800+ miles/week.

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  VIBRATIONS??? - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Terry - November 29 - 8:16 am

  I recently purchased this LX-S and when I test drove it, I experienced a mild vibration from the car at about 50 MPH. I asked the sales rep about it and he explained that flat spot on the tires may be to blame. This sounded logical and in his explanation I agreed with him that this could possibly work out with the tired being inflated and brought up to operation temp. However, now 1500 miles later, I still have a vibration at 50-60 MPH. This is most severe first thing in the A.M. when the vehicle is cold. I have the vehicle in the shop today for the issue today for the second time. I am being told now that there is a service bulletin for this.

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  Not scared of suvs anymore - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BETTE - November 29 - 7:06 am

  I had 3 honda civics in a row and i loved them. I decided to go a little bigger because i was too intimidated by the large suvs on the road and the awful way their drivers drove. Now that im in a bigger car, im a much happier camper. Im also pleased with the ride, look and (hopefully) reliability (its still pretty new) of the accord. It feels like a luxury car for me. Im happy i stepped up a notch.

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  Great Economical Car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By utahdriver - November 29 - 7:00 am

  I took a look at a 2007 Prius, but it didnt feel like a traditional car like this one. The styling, handling, and overall driving experience is great on the Insight. I did have to get used to the fraction of a second hesitation when you start from a full stop. And there is a very small shudder as the engine turns off when you stop. But these have only been minor annoyances that I dont even notice anymore. I am going to the gas station a lot less these days, and the price is well within the range of your average new compact car.

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  In Love with My Crosstour! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By AFuller - November 29 - 4:43 am

  Moved into this car from a Mercedes. Have been driving MB for about 15 years and was concerned about making the change. Must say, I have never been happier with a new car! The Crosstour is loaded, fun to drive and gets me lots of attention! I was shocked to read reviews on the net where folks thought it was not visually appealing. I think she is gorgeous! Really a bad --- car! So much fun. Cant wait to get up in the am and take her for a drive, even if it is work! I love this car!

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  No Title - 1994 Honda Accord
  By dpcrlsn - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Reasonable car to own. Fair value overall. Disappointed with the front drivers seat - poor back support. Fair performance for a 4 cyl. Adequate gas milage (22 - 25 on average). Terrible rust spot developed on the passenger-side rear, just above and slightly in front of the wheel-well (sp?).