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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  2004 Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By John - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new and used it as my over-the-road salesman car for three years, and have had it for 4 years since I retired in 2006. Ive mostly driven Chevies & Volvos over the past 50 years and this is by far the most dependable and trouble-free car Ive ever owned. I have 144,000 miles on it and the only repairs Ive done outside of routine maintenance has been to replace the rear struts and fix a valve on the a heater hose. The brakes have never been touched! I will pass this along to one of my kids some day. I drove it from Maine to Minn and back and averaged 37 mpg.

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  BAD mpg - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Alex - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought a civic hybrid for the mpg. on the sticker it displayed mpg of 51/49. i thought that would be great. unfortunately i got around 28 hwy. so i traded in for a regular civic

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  A Winner! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Pat - November 28 - 2:00 am

  We just sod a Nissan Maxima and went new with 10 Accord LX. Getting used to the 177 HP vs the Maxima but not regretting with 34 mpg highway. Other reviews are correct,the seats are not comfy at first but they are not a deal breaker. Overall, a great car with great fuel economy..and the fuel savings really adds up vs big V6s. This is our third Honda. Went away for several years and thought we would try Accord. Not disappointed!

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  Excellent Van - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By DM - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Honda Odyssey is fun to drive and can easily accommodate families with 3 or more kids. It shows the power you need when traveling and the security you expect from a family van. Honda Odyssey runs deeply in my family and we all agree that its a much better van than Toyota Sienna.

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  Accord EX-L 4-Cyl. 4-Door - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Accord Owner - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car last Friday because my last Accord had been wrecked and totaled out by the insurance. And so far I absolutely love this car! It is way more nice than my car and it has every option possible! Upgraded sound, leather, auto trans., spoiler, chrome wheels, etc. And is amazing. Has been very well taken care of and I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Good/Bad and Ugly - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Priceclub - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We are a family of 5. The (good) Hondas automatic opening doors were great with the twins when they were in car carrier seats. The room inside is great and the van still had plenty of power when 8 people were inside. The (bad) OEM brakes are not made to handle this vehicle, I swear we have had rotor problems twice, and the transmission had to be fixed. The (ugly) is the tires, 82,000 miles,and just put the fourth set on last Saturday. Have tired Mich, Yoko and Goodyears twice. I have alignments every 6 months and rotate/balance every oil change. At least Sears pro- rated the last set for $300 dollars.

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  Good, but could have been better. - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Michael - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Still too loud. Hate the engineered in road noise just to be louder than an Acura. Quality is very good, beautiful interior. Stereo is great. Seriously though, for $32K it should have a 6-speed auto by now and proximity key/ push-button start like its competitors. Still a huge upgrade from my 2000 Accord though. My wife is very happy I got another Accord though the Sonata 2.0t was a serious contender.

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  Didnt expect to LOVE a minivan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By David - November 25 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive, and extreme functionality. And top it off with our only problem being lost keys!

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  Great Car - However tall drivers beware - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Mac - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2010 LX-S as a replacement for my 2002 LX.I commute 90 miles a day-my 02 was great,not the fanciest car on the road,but went 175K comfortable miles with no issues.With this history I blindly bought the 2010 expecting at least the same as my 02. I went for the obligatory test drive, but it was more a formality-I was buying a new Civic.Dont get me wrong,the 2010 is a great car.It looks great (silver w/alloys) and the MPG is 30-34. My only caution to a potential buyer is the driver cabin is tight. Im 6 2" and the placement of the e- brake causes my leg to go numb.The front leg room is very tight for a big & tall driver. Please keep this in mind on your test drive-I missed it.

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  Avoid this SUV like the plague! - 2004 Honda Element
  By buffalogirl - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable driving always starts even when its -20. Not too aerodynamic because of boxy shape, so when youre driving in high wind, hard to control & you feel it! Rough riding, only fits 4 people because of cup holders between 2 back bucket seats. Terrible MPG we only got about 20m., hwy. Drivers side airbag deployed while it was parked no collision or impact, apparently a common problem in Elements that Honda wont fix! Very costly! Seat also are already splitting at seams on Drivers side. On our 3rd windshield.