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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  Nice car poor seats - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Gene - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Except for the seats, the quality is great. The seats are uncomfortable even with the 10 way adjustable power option. I am a big guy, 275, and after a few hours, my butt becomes sore. The seats remind me of coach airline seats. If I had known about the long term comfort made awful with the flimsy seats, I would of not purchased the car. My wife, 110, also could not find a comfortable position. The climate control is first rate and the radio is the best - the performance is ok but at 40 mph, it sounds like the engine is lugging. Alcohol gas content is critical. I purchased 87 gas at loves in Missouri and the gas mileage dropped 6 gpm and the performance deteriorated

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  Rebuilt Transmission at 93K - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Kelly - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Like so many others on this website, last month, I had to rebuild the transmission with only 93K to the tune of $1800. The CPU is also a little fluky. When the trans went, it sent a code that I needed a new Oxygen Sensor ($400 to replace). After a little research, this code is a common problem with the Y2K Accords CPU ($800 to fix). Rebuilt the tran and the code went away. Im so glad I didnt replace that part. I hope it lasts me another 3 years without any more major repairs, but Im not counting on it. Pity Hondas are supposed to be SO reliable.

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  We got a lemon and Honda wont help - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hammond - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Well, its been about 8 months since we purchased the car and sadly, this Honda let us down majorly. At 12K, the check engine light blared and the screen gave us a warning sign that something was wrong with the hybrid system. Took it in and it turned out that the cooling system was shot. After 4 weeks in the shop, we took it and found they didnt fix it right since the car was vibrating when the battery kicked in. Not only that but our average mileage has dropped from 45 MPG to about 37 MPG. So I think we got a lemon but Honda isnt treating us right. We paid a premium for the Hybrid and we expect it. Should have coughed the extra $1500 for the Prius.

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  Besides brakes and paint I love it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Anthony - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The clear coat is starting to peel off on the drivers side. I had to have new rear brake pads and rotors put on at 41000 miles. The dealer said that is not uncommon? Seems like poor material quality to me. I do very little braking during my commute to work.

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  Good, Fun - 2005 Honda Civic
  By good12312 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Well at 90K miles now with only new front brake pads and an oxygen sensor. Car still looks and feels new, no rattles, noting falling off. With the manual I can get all the power I need. Gas mileage is 35 mpg city.

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  Bad Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Doug - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I recently traded in my 08 Ford Fusion for the 2010 Accord Sedan EX. I miss my Fusion. There is too much road noise on the 4 cyl version. the 190 hp doesnt kick in until about 6000 rpm? my Fusion was faster and more fun to drive. I gave up trunk space for the Honda name. Gas mileage is about the same as I was getting with the small v6 on the Fusion. There are a lot of bells and whistles that the Fusion had that the Accord doesnt, that you would think would be standard on a higher level car. I have also owned a 2004 Honda Accord. I preferred that one better than this one. the 160 hp was better than my 190? The best thing about this car is that its a Honda and I only have it for 3 yrs.

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  Love my DX - 1990 Honda Civic
  By HunterXhatch - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Got it earlier this year. I love this little car. I have rebuilt the 1.5L motor and but the B16 head on it so I could wire in VTEC. Have K&N Cool air intake. Love the 5 spd tranny. Repainted the car SI blue and added keyless entry and alarm system. Gets amazing gas mileage, right at 38 highway. Wish that interior had cup holders but thats it. Love the vinyl headliner. Has a a lot of room despite its size. Love how low it sits. Its a real head turner. I would never own anything other than a civic dx hatch again.

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  Dont buy the honda entertainment package - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Jerry - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy my Honda Pilot. I would buy it again, however I would make one change. I would not buy the DVD package. you cannot hear the move playing in the back unless you use the headphones, kids/teenagers do not want to use headphones...

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  First Honda for us - 2010 Honda Civic
  By LakeMichi - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Love the speed hub, sun roof, mileage. Zippy little car for a 1.8. Kind of hard to see when on curves due to blind spots of front window frames. Firm ride, but a bit of road noise inside. Not luxurious, but serviceable. Next time I think well get the CR-V to contend with winter driving conditions. We have yet to drive this in snow, but I feel better sitting up higher in a CR-V and having 4-wheel drive.

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  CRZ in Miami - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By mellow joe - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2007 Ford edge for the 2011 cr-z ex CVT. At first I had to get used to much less room and lower visibility but fun driving and spending 50% less gas money is great and helps to comfort me in other ways.