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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  Love It! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Rick D. - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car about 2 months ago, and love it! The fuel economy is better than advertised. Ive been getting 33 mpg on a regular basis. There is slight handling issue at higher speeds in traffic, but overall a great little car. Surprising amount of cargo capacity for its size.

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  Noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By John F - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used just before a 1800 mile round trip. The road noise is terrible unless the road is smooth as glass. Interstate highways that have been resurfaced caused so much noise that conversation or listening to the radio is impossible. Secondary roads very bad too. The car has new Goodyear Integrity tires. Is there any tire that will dampen road noise? The drivers seat is uncomfortable. At idle, the radiator cooling fan creates a rumble that resonates through the car. The AC fan just started creating a pulsing fan noise. Im very dissatisfied and about ready to a loss on the price I paid and dump this car and go back to Ford or GM.

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  Excessive road noise and rattles! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Icky - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed, road noise over even slight imperfections on roads is very loud and distracting. If you were to drive over a penny on the road you would hear it ! @10,000 KM various rattles have developed, in glove box, sun visor, seat belt mechanism. I used to like going for drives, but not anymore since buying this car. My 1999 Civic I traded in put this car to complete shame when it comes to refinement. I will likely never by a Honda product again. Honda quality appears to be a thing of the past. How anyone can recommend a car with this level of road noise and rattles is beyond me. This could have been a great car, if Honda engineers paid some attention to detail. Buyer beware !

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  Good Middle-Age Guy Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Vyker - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the vehicle, so I am in the new-ower phase. My color is Gun- metal gray, with black leather interior. It is an EX-L V-6 Coupe. I test drove the Nissan Altima Coupe (V- 6 and V-4, did not like to buy premium gas), the Kia Forte Coupe, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Ford Mustang, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. All of those were good cars, just that the V-6 Honda Accord Coupe was the one I wanted based on reliability, safety, looks, and performance. Gunn Honda had a special, Got my car for $25,380 (before tax). It was cheaper than a used Honda. go figure.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BluePearl - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Aug 2010. I chose Honda because of my experience with a previous 1999 Honda Accord that I still have and still drives like a dream with very little maintenance. The 2010 Accord is also a great car. I love the VCM feature and unlike what other people said, I found it to be super smooth and I do not feel any issue with it. I love the extra power that the 6 cylinder provides and really love speeding up and merging into traffic. After driving this 6 cylinder, I am never going back to 4 cylinders. I am getting very close to 20 mpg in city driving and get as high as 29 to 20 mpg in highway driving. The level of noise inside the cabin is nothing compared to what I expected.

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  15 mpg! Be warned - 2005 Honda Element
  By crackrock - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My v6 Suzuki grand vitara true 4x4 is getting 17.5 and my 4wd element is getting 14.5. Measured both with a kiwi-mpg obd2 tool, so its accurate. The element really awful to me. Gotta get this off my chest. Low clearance - I already came within a 1/2" of basically ruining my car, the drive shaft guard got all bent up, luckily barely missing the actual drive shaft, this was driving to the grocery store in about 8 inches of snow/ice not true 4x4 - combined with the lack of clearance the real time 4wd is a joke compared to true 4h/4l, the element has to stay up on the road, whereas the gv makes it the whole scary way down to the beach and tears through the sand, downhill in snow? Ha ha

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  Im In Love - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Great Car - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Insight and although I normally buy Fords, I have owned many Hondas as well, but this is my first Hybrid. I only have 500 miles on it but I wanted to write a review about this car. I fueled it for the first time yesterday, I had gone 412 miles and when the pump stopped at 8.5 gallons, I thought something was wrong. When I realized that it was full, I almost fainted. I got an amazing 48 MPG and its not even broke in yet. One thing more, I feel good driving this car knowing Im saving gas and the environment. Great Job Honda!

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Neil - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a year ago, thinking about trading. Drives nice, however there is a vibration under the car while accelerating through the lower gears. Honda recalled it for vibration judder software update - made no difference. Took it back - said they heard the noise and was likely due to poor gas. They actually recommended premium gas to remedy "spark ping". Funny since the car only requires regular gas. American Honda Corp then asked me to take it for a second opinion. When I was at the dealer, I saw a guy bringing his odyssey in for same problem. My 97 Sentra sounds better than this car. The car does drive nice, however cant stand this terrible noise. Wouldnt buy Honda again.

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  A car for the elderly - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Economan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  First car owned since 2003 (havent needed one living in NYC). After 6 months of ownership & 6000 miles I am frustrated by this vehicle. The engine is amazingly weak off the line, the windshield wipers do not clear the windshield of rain, the a/c is weak above 90 degrees, and the suspension is loose and cheap. But the nav, bluetooth, back-up camera work well and it fits our family of 5 reasonably comfy. Definitely not a sports car or a luxury car, or all that enjoyable to drive. Will probably replace it with new X3 next year. Averaging 23 mpg city/highway combined.

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  Best sedan out there - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kytom - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best Accord ever! The drive is amazing, the interior design is very nice not flashy or overwhelming like other brands that are trying to compete with Honda. If you like quality engine and stylish interior yet simple and functional the Accord EX-L is for you.