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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  good car, does what it suppose to do wel - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By njswamplands - June 25 - 10:00 am

  great minivan. handles very well for its heft. ready to kill these awful power doors / key fob

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By CJ2miller - June 25 - 10:00 am

  We have owned a number of honda cars over the years (even have a honda lawnmower)but the Odyssey has been a disappointment. At first it was wonderful, a dream to drive and ride in. But problems have developed. Ours has problems with the autodoor buzzer going off when we make a tight turn. The engine is not running well, it "chuggs" at about 1500 RPM, and it is out of alingment already. On top of that a freind who recommended it to us has a 2000 model with 50000+ miles and the transmission is going. This could be a great vehicle, but these problems keep us from enjoying it.

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  Awesome - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chrisopher Roberts - June 25 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! I have driven almost 100 miles and have barely used any gas! Not to mention the IMA (Integrated Motor Assistant) and the Eco score systems. The eco assist feature really helps drivers to know how "well" youre driving and the longer you drive well the more trophies you earn. The car is surprisingly roomy and comfortable, with more storage room than it seems from the outside. I enjoy the smooth transition between electric and gas motor, and that you dont use gas while stopped. I would recommend this car for anyone looking in the $20k range, or for a hybrid: I drove 15 different cars before buying this one, and absolutely feel I made the right decision.

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  Beautiful Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gwyson - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I work on the road all day. Had a Forester that had multiple mechanical problems and a very cheap interior. This car is SO much more comfortable and well built. Roomy but comfortable for a short person like me.

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  Beats the Camry SE or XLE Hands down - 2004 Honda Accord
  By stap123 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought 2004 EX with side curtain airbags (N/A on the 2003 Accord EX with cloth seats) for $22,999 out the door with all fees included. We also looked at a Camry SE and XLE, Hyundai Sonata. The Camry was closest, the Sonata is just a different class. The extra real life 7-8mpg, the 60% after 5 years resale value of the Honda sealed the deal. If you are looking at a 2003, look carefully at an ‘04. You get a new model year for a small bump in price and for us, the side curtain airbags (plus regular side airbags) were key. Ride is smooth and a bit more connected to the road than Camry.

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  Wont buy again - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Disappointed Honda Owner - June 25 - 8:27 am

  The car has had nothing but issues since I purchased it. First, the text message read option in the display doesnt work. Ive tried with both Android phone and iPhones. Secondly, bluetooth and Pandora dont always connect and it takes several tries to it to pair. Sometimes the radio display even freezes to the point where you need to actually turn off the car to reset it (turning off the radio doesnt fix the issue). Then theres the cheapness of the undercarriage in which the splash guard has fallen off during normal highway driving conditions twice now.

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  Comfortable Commuter Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mansfied Owner - June 25 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car used at 20K miles. I didnt bother getting the extended warranty and 25K miles later I have not needed it. his car provides a great balance between comfort,performance and economy. Only maint necessary before 101K miles is oil chg, tire rotation & brake pad replacement as needed. Dealership maint is affordable and has been a pleasant experience. I love the 7,500 mile interval between oil changes (only on the V6 though). The engine is smooth on acceleration and provides great hwy passing power. Avgs 22-24 mpg in mixed hwy & city driving. Overall, this is a great common sense car and is comparable to most entry level luxury cars.

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  Good experience with my first Honda. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By RedGeminiPA - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a reliable, fun-to- drive, inexpensive car that would still give me some luxary. Ive had many expensive brand cars (BMW, Cadillac, Aurora, Lincoln) that had me spoiled by comfort and convenience features, but lacked something thats very important right now -- ECONOMY. I just purchased this car on 6-19-03 from a local used car dealer. My Accord has 149,000 miles that were driven by the original owners. For the age and miles, Id have to say this is probably the best car Ive had overall. Its comfortable, fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. Why is this my first Accord???

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  honda accord EX sedan - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ffchopin - June 25 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission seems to be the biggest worry in this accord. When the accords, I owned three of them, get above 100K, the transmission shifts abruptly and sometimes there is slippage before it pops into gear, especially in the first two gears. The is also vibrations in the steering wheel when car is stopped, but in gear.

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  Ok, but not great - 2016 Honda Civic
  By KC - June 24 - 9:42 am

  THE BAD: no classic volume control knob; ugly 90s style dashboard back light control stick that doesnt work during the day anyway; climate options slow response up to few seconds; you cant access on-screen controls (audio, climate, etc) once you are on driving Reserve or have right turn signal on (this should be available to override); terrible mirrors - feels like you are drunk when you look at them - pick interiors reflections easily which adds extra distractions, curved left edge on drivers mirror adds more confusion than help; plays mp3 from USB flash drive but only if USB port between seats is used, from one give you error message about music files being invalid format; no control over the way mp3 folders are listed (looks like they are listed by date created rather than alphabetically), also random in folder function doesnt work correctly (occasionally jumps to other folders too - very annoying); no option to create playlist or fav list; interface not exactly intuitive, no theme preview etc.; mirror and rear cameras quality not good as expected (early 00s quality); super ugly and oversized passenger airbag status light; not much space under the radio/display console; plenty of space between; transmissions shifts weird when try to accelerate quickly; some weird bumps on the floor (driver and passenger, looks like something, but designed that way) THE GOOD: very quiet comparing to previous editions; nice seats; sticks to the road pretty good; nice rims; remote engine start option; occasionally feels like you drive hybrid; good overall, probably best buy for such budget