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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  Second Time Arounds the Charm - 2011 Honda Fit
  By cmj9120 - March 30 - 9:00 pm

  I just got my second Fit an upgrade from a 2010 Base to a 2011 Sport w/ Nav. Before that I was a Volvo guy, so... The Fit is reliable, fun, comfortable, versatile, and easy to drive as well as inexpensive to own. The mini-sport-hatchback factor was hard to resist in the 2010. In the upgraded 2011, its spectacular. It is worth noting a Fit bested a Ferrari in a lane-change maneuver at over 70mph. Suffice it to say I look forward to traffic-free exit ramps. I have to say, most of the negative reviews of this car seem to not make any sense. If theyre unhappy with something, didnt they look at/drive/test the car before they bought it? Bizarre. In sum: Fit + Me = Happy Happy, Joy Joy.

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  129,000 miles - never a big problem - 2002 Honda Accord
  By chris082087 - March 29 - 4:04 pm

  I purchased the car used from a dealer in 08 at 93,000 miles. While I owned the car, it was maintained well. I had the oil changed every 3-5k. I had the timing belt and plugs changed at the 120k mark ($900ish). I never had a problem, and I drove the car pretty hard. I ended up getting T-boned around 129k and the car was totaled... Every few months, something would come-up (vibration, check engine light, funny engine sound), but it always turned out to be minor and I dont think I ever spent more than $100 each I took it into the shop for any of those problems.

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  Honda Civic Ex Navi @100k miles.... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bschaffer - March 29 - 3:42 pm

  This is my daily driver, mostly highway (70%) driven. Avg. 36-39mpg in Summer, Winter mileage suffers due to fuel additives in my cold climate (32-35mpg, still great!). Best recorded mileage 42mpg average with a tail wind driving across Iowa at 75-80 mph. Im happy with my car overall but if I didnt have such a comute I would drive something more sporty and/or luxury minded. My biggest complete is road noise followed by ride quality, although its probably better than most "compacts". My co-workers Mazda3 is not nearly as refined! Rear tires tend to wear on the inside due to fixed camber. The Navi is great although the joystick up and left movement quite on me a few months back.

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  Love having a hybrid thats cute and sporty - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By twinsmom2 - March 29 - 2:51 pm

  I love this car! Ive had it a week and have averaged 45mpg just jetting around. I love that its a hybrid but not boring. We are empty nesters so the 2 seater is great for us. The hatch area comfortably fits our 35 lb dog. We are tall but fit very comfortably with plenty of leg and headroom. Great stereo even in the base model, and the silver mesh seats are really nice.

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  2011 CRV Quality but missing a few things - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mview - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  1 month into my new purchase with less than 600 miles I was a bit unsure I did the right thing. However my dealer helped me through resolving my issues. My issue was the rough ride due to a large degree the factory tires (Continental) which rode okay on new smooth roads but not on any others. My dealer worked out a deal with me and I traded out the Contintals for Michelins (required extensive on line research in Honda Forums etc) now and all is good. When purchasing this vehicle I would negotiate a tire upgrade before driving away. I have owned Subarus, Toyotas, and yes now I can add my first Honda to my list of quality cars.

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  Love My Accord Coupe, Just NOT the Bluetooth - 2011 Honda Accord
  By really1 - March 27 - 8:16 pm

  I love the car. The Ride is great because of the excellent double wishbone front suspension (wish it was still in the back also). The 4 cyl needs more torque. The Bluetooth is the worst of the manufacturers systems. My Ford Sync was FAR superior. The Accord is a better drive though. No Satellite radio without leather! Really??

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  Toaster can GO! - 2006 Honda Element
  By toastergirl223 - March 27 - 1:29 pm

  This is my first car and we had it about 3 years prior to it becoming mine, and this is one of the most reliable cars you can get. A couple of years ago we were on a long trip when we were almost out of gas and this car kept going way past empty until we reached a gas station. The only problem is the exterior. I mean, come on, its a toaster.

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  Very Noisy - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondaremote - March 27 - 12:25 am

  I started using this Honda A-2010 Pros: very stable in ice/snow and curves, good control and smooth steer Cons: It sucks because it very noisy, last week i rented a Hyundai and amazingly silent inside the cabin HOnda please change this and if you can tell how to improve I really appreciate

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  Got suckered in - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lexlaser - March 26 - 10:07 pm

  Bought this car used 10 mos ago. Was told we would get about 40 mpg. Boy were we suckered! Averages about 17 mpg in town and the best hwy mileage was about 28. Complained to dealer and was told (after the fact) that Honda only made this hybrid for a couple of years and that it was a disappointment so they quit making it. Wish we were told that before we bought it! Was told if I drove it like a little old lady I would probably get better mileage. I swear they said that! Car tends to vibrate loudly upon deceleration after driving several miles. No more Hondas for us. Dont get suckered....ask questions about mileage! I sure miss my Ford!

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  Best Little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jcihak - March 26 - 2:07 pm

  Ive had my CR-V for six month and driven it through a very snowy Pennsylvania winter. Overall, I love the CR-V and would not hesitate to buy one again. Pros: - Part time AWD was great in snow and icy conditions. Never got stuck even going up icy roads. Got wind-blown into a snow bank and drove right back out - Great MPG for AWD SUV - averaging almost 26 mpg mostly rural (29mpg on the highway) - Leather seats are very very comfortable on long drives - Tons of cargo capacity Cons: - Mine and many other CR-Vs have poor fit and finish. Doors and trim dont line up right. - Jarring over bumps - more like a truck than a car - Nav is primitive and overpriced