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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  Its a blast! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the Fit for over three months and 3200 miles. Averaged 38.8 mpg by the computer and my records. It is as much fun as a 60s MG or Triumph. Previous car was a BMW X-3 and this is more fun and Ive discovered I dont need the automatic air, fancy stuff and most of all, high cost. I love the car because it is fun and frugal and since mine is 5- speed and Milano Red, everyone breaks their neck looking at it.

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  Best value for a vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  First car owned where I didnt use the bumper to bumper warranty, and after 6.5 years, and 139K miles, never a broken item, or single adjustment. Replaced tires, brakes, rotors once, air filters, oil change every 3K, and transmission drain and fill every 15K. Still love the way it drives, hoping to get 300K.

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  Poor Gas Mileage, poor acceleration. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ttomaka - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Nicely-designed car but never did better than 40 mpg combined city/highway. I recently received the Honda-directed firmware "update" which has radically altered the hybrid propulsion system. Fuel economy has decreased by 5 mpg, and the car often is incapable of accelerating when you need it. Honda refuses to admit to a problem.

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  Never again - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I had been getting good (>43 MG) mileage before the Honda update to my Hybrid in May of 2010. Prior to that update I had reached 47.8 MPG on a 1,022 mile trip from my sons home in GA to my home in Boston. After the May computer update, I never got better than 38 MPG, even on the highway. Ive had this thing back to the dealer at least 3 times for crappy gas mileage after the May update. One more thing - the resale value on these things is terrible. The Toyota dealer across the driveway from my Honda dealer offered me $9 grand on a trade-in for this $22,000 Hybrid with less than 34,500 miles and less than 24 months driving. I pick up my new 2010 Prius tomorrow.

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  Still love it after 5 yrs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck served my need for a combination of SUV and truck. Nicely appointed and extremely comfortable, Ive had it for 5 years and still love it.

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  Not a cold weather vehicle - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I really like my new Honda Insight. It is really fun to drive & I love the way I feel in the drivers seat. The only issue I have with this vehicle is that I cant get anywhere close to the advertised gas mileage when it is cold outside. The cold engine light comes on & I get about 20 mpg. Cant wait until SPRING!

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  Good mpg and very reliable - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 2007. Never gave us a single problem in the past 3 years. Averaged MPG at 43. In pure highway, can get to 50+. Battery is reprogrammed a few months ago. It feels ok with reduced capacity and power. Some mentioned battery problems in hot places though.

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  Deficiencies in the CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car about a month. The drive is nice, fuel economy is reasonable for a CR-V and the interior space is more than adequate. However I find the Honda information on the CR-V EXL with Navigation deliberately deceptive. Two examples (a) there is no caller ID available on the unit with the Navigation system even though the technology guide that comes with the car says there is. (b) Honda says there are "heated driver and passenger seats". Well that is true but they dont say that the driver side seat has a heated bottom and back where as the passenger side has only a heated butt. Big difference ! Hope theres a law suit so Honda is punished for these deceptive practices.

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  My last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This review is not to bash the Honda, but let people be aware of potential problems with this vehicle. At about 70k km. the power steering pump had to be replaced, no a big deal since it was under warranty. At around 80k km. both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced – under warranty. Once the vehicle was off warranty the following items had to be replaced – all wheel bearings, the whole struts assembly (over $1200), ABS sensor, catalytic converter (over $1000), recently my u-joints “went” but they cannot be replace – the whole drive-shaft has to be replaced (over $1000). Currently some bushings should be replaced but I am putting this off, and seat belt sensor is not working ($300).

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  Bit of a letdown - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  My second Pilot, upgraded from the 2004. Although I love Hondas reliability, the quality of this Pilot is a bit of a disappointment. Driven for almost 2 years now. I have had issues with the windows rattling from the start. Very annoying and they have been unable to fix. Seat fabric in the EX is not easy to clean and can stain. Seats squeak in the back, seat belts rattle on plastic if not straight. Overall doesnt feel as well made as my "04." It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. I love the large size, fits everything. Gas mileage isnt great but I didnt expect it to be. Due to rattles and squeaks, will probably be my last Honda. Need better quality on the inside.