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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  Faithful Fiji Chariot - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 96xlsnoble - November 13 - 11:26 pm

  Coming from a 2008 S2000, The SI sedan has its cousins genes (vtec/i-vtec feel and sound, 8000rpm redline, electro speedometer).Of course the AP2 has better seats.My Si has a few mods that enhances its looks and performance and I love this car.It handles predictably and never complains for being FWD.It inspires confidence to push even harder.Cant argue that at this price point.Its no EVO, STI or 370Z Nismo, but its still fun to drive.

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  love car, hate headlights - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By dj1937 - November 13 - 5:18 pm

  When driving with low beams on the visibility is terrible. it looks like a dark shade is pulled down 2/3s of the way on the windshield. On a hilly, curvy road you can see the posts , but not the sign on top of it.. I think it is dangerous. I have written Honda and have talked to the BB for Auto and filled out a kit they supplied. Honda in Calif. says there is nothing wrong with the headlights. . I am sure I will hear from the Better Business for Autos.

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  17K Miles later... - 2011 Honda Insight
  By nickdapit - November 13 - 4:25 pm

  So far I couldnt ask for much more from the car, I bought the car specificlly for my job as I drive large stretches of the country. My latest trip took me from Los Angeles to Denver then Denver to Seattle then Seattle back to Los Angeles. I have had no problems with the car and average the EPA estimate for driving. (42 mpg) The only thing that dissappoints me is the rear seat area, a six foot man cannot fit even with a 5 foot driver in the front seat. Headroom is almost ridiculous to the point where Honda should have just made an inch or two higher for the rear seats even if that cost the vehicle 2 mpgs overall! The leg room is very tight in the rear. Dont buy if family is large.

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  Best Car for the Value - 2012 Honda Accord
  By gooddriver - November 12 - 5:05 pm

  After careful consideration, I ended up with an 2012 Accord SE. I had a 2006 SE which I hand it to my teenager. The new SE is even better and with more standard options, like heated leather seats and power seat. I compared this car to 2012 Camry, and Acura TL., okay TL is not in the same class, but there is nothing less that SE offers for substantially less price, and you dont have to worry about a timing belt that the TL (and all 6 cyl. Hondas have). The new SE has plenty of power, nice tight ride, beautiful and logically layout dash, and controls. I just finished the first tank of gas, and got about 30 MPG, in combined driving, same as my 2006. So, the SE is the best choice I say.

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  Little things bug me - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By dukmadgin - November 12 - 3:41 pm

  We got this a few years old for the safety factor. The mileage is not great, but it is a big heavy (hopefully safe) vehicle. The cloth seats are TERRIBLE!! They stain with just water on them and NOTHING cleans them. The idle has a vibration sound that just about hurts my head at stop signs, and if you open a rear window on the freeway, it WILL hurt your ears. It is just okay in my book

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  Excellent car! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By cruncherblock - November 10 - 6:27 pm

  Honda has become what Volvo used to be. A solid dependable, long lasting car. The Edmunds review is totally off base when it says that the Altima is more fun to drive. I had a 2008 prior to this and it handled awefully. The dash board looked like a used tire, and it felt like you were sitting in the bottom of an aluminum boat. There was nothing sporty about the way the car performed other than acceleration (just dont try to drive it in the rain, no traction due to the CVT transaxle) This car might not be stocked with options like the Hyundais and Kias, but what it lacks in options, it makes up in a ride and driving experience that the knock-off Kia and Hyundai cars will never know.

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  Bad Paint/Clearcoat - 2004 Honda Accord
  By donthebiker - November 10 - 1:48 pm

  I have owned this car since new. And the paint/clear coat has deteriorated down to bare metal along much of the top surfaces of the car and is showing signs of surface rust. I have taken this issue to Hondas Regional Manager and they are refusing to even pay for part of the repair, let alone all of it. So now I have to decide if I want to spend $4500 (the cost of a new engine, or 10 timing belts) on a car thats worth over $10,500 (with good paint) or not. This is my 6th Honda and may very well be my last, as I am not buying from a Manufacturer that skimps on their paint and clear coat. This problem has been expressed by 100s and possibly 1000s of Honda owners around the world.

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  Nice SUV - smooth drive - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By ma75 - November 9 - 10:02 pm

  First ever SUV, Best SUV in this price range

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  Back on top - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By a1addict - November 9 - 1:43 pm

  For 2012 Honda addressed many of my issues with the previous iteration. Front end looks way better, the interior looks and feels better, and the mileage has been improved. We were close to getting an Explorer XLT but then I gave the 12 Pilot a run. While they both have strengths and weaknesses, the Pilot just hits more marks, misses less and for the most part just feels more upscale. Its not fast, its not fun (what is in this class/price), but its very capable, spacious and look for it to be very reliable and trade-in-able where the Ford worried me. The HR would have been to give it 30 more hp and lb-ft and the six speed but Id say Honda has a stand up double with this refresh.

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  Transmission Failed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mykidsmom1 - November 9 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased 2003 Odyssey new from the dealer (had to preorder because they were in such demand?) NHTSA tranny recall @ dealer 8/2004 w/39,000 miles. Last week, with 164,000 highway miles (never TOWED) slipping btween 2nd & 3rd gears & lock up 2x on busy highway. Extremely scary could have been hit and killed. Dealer diagnosed "internal transmission failure". American Honda is useless & tried blaming us. Dealer agreed to discount AFTER we asked, they never offered. Inherent well-documented serious tranny problem. Shame on Honda. Just traded our 93 Ford Aerostar w/just 157K miles & never had tranny problem. Wonder why Hyundai is Americas #1 Car Dealer....No more Hondas for us!!!