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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  Fun Fun Fun - 2000 Honda Accord
  By love my honda - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my first honda before starting a Travel job. 2 weeks after I bought it I drove from Alabama to Denver. What a pleasure. It is extremely comfortable. I have the 2000 SE. Fuel economy is excellent. other than routine maintence I have had no problems. Some of the Dealerships I have had to deal with have been problematic, but not even that can turn me off to my car!!! I have since driven it from Denver, to Miami, and had the smoothest ride. Go HONDA!

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  Honda Civic = Acura 1.7EL Problems - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Acuradriver - August 28 - 2:00 am

  The new generation Civic and Acura 1.7EL (in Canada) are not worth the extra money you have to pay, for the car and for the insurance. Side airbag sensors went out at 15000 km (costed Honda $750 for replacement and me 3 trips to the dealer). There is no protective shroud in the front wheel well; that means the engine bay is exposed to the salt and dirt from the wheel well. Various rattles and noises; car does not feel as solid. Front shocks went out at 25000 km. Huge gap in assembly of plastic trim pieces. Handbrake button cracked at 9000km. Nice design and good packaging of neat features, but poor assembly and cheap North American autoparts.

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  What a Great First Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By TheWeatherman - August 28 - 2:00 am

  What else can I say about this car that hasnt been already said by Edmunds and other auto. publications. Ive owned the car since January 2003 and have loved every minute of it. The styling takes a little bit of time to get used to, but the interior is well done. Typical Honda fit and finish, supportive leather heated seats and the glowing instrumentation. Last but not least, the engine. 240hp! Smooth, with just a little hint of a muted growl when you get on it.

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  Just love it - 2010 Honda Accord
  By fatoldpig - August 27 - 4:56 pm

  Just love this car. After I recked my previous car (1997 Honda Prelude, bought brand new, recked at 200K miles, so sad..), I was looking for a similar car since Honda discontinued Prelude (dont know why, it was such a great, very very reliable car. Dear Honda, please bring back Prelude). Test drove Accura TSX, Infinity G37S etc until I saw and test drove Accord V6 coupe and immediately fell in love with the car. Since I only wanted a black manual shift version, I couldnt find one to test drive the manual version. Luckily one dealer found one nearby and I was so happy. Though I still miss my Prelude, Im very happy with this car. Hope to keep it for a long time.

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  I Love the Pilot, yet got a major lemon. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Sharon Kay Howard - August 27 - 12:46 pm

  I truly Love driving the Pilot. However, its been back to the Dealership at least 8-10 times, for numerous problems. Seven times for the same problem. I worked for Honda as the Finance Director for 15 years,and brought in hundreds of Customers.Im in the process of going directly to the top of Honda for help. The problems I have had,are unbelievable. Ive owned 5 Hondas and Love them, my commuter has 162,000 miles, and I Love the Pilot. However, I will NOT KEEP THIS CAR. Things happen, and WOW, I have had too many problems to write about. They say they cant duplicate the problem? I have 2 major problems, and, Ive had 7- 8 others, they fixed. However,the 2 Major PROBLEMS THEY CANT?

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  Still rocking the fit. - 2012 Honda Fit
  By Steveheff - August 27 - 1:07 am

  Im the 66" guy who still drives his fit. I continue to really like the car, although now I have a child seat to place in back, which I didnt before. All of the good things are still good and decent about the car, however an average sized person cannot sit in the passenger seat with the car seat behind. This is the only reason why I am looking for a larger vehicle. Otherwise if it was just my wife and myself, I would drive the car until the tires fell off. It regularly is getting 35+ mpg, mixed driving. Best Ive done is 41 and the absolute worst (just one time) I got 32.1 mpg.

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  CVT vibration problem with most cars! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By shelbyy - August 26 - 11:05 pm

  I love my CRV and dont blame Honda.For who has a vibration issue heres why its your CVT transmission causing the problem, most not all cars have this vibration issue its just the way the CVT is and will always be. Continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs)—often considered the uninspiring alternatives—keep the engine in its sweet spot for acceleration (or fuel-efficiency) but often to the detriment of noise and vibrations, leading to complaints of a disconnected, motorboating feeling when accelerating—in which the note of the engine isnt connected to a sensation of speed. At their worst, CVT transmissions can feel sluggish, or as if something is uncertain or slipping.

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  I love this car !!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tikoy - August 26 - 10:16 pm

  I would recommend this sedan to anyonewho is looking for an excellent one. No regrets at all in buying this car. Very quite ride I am really impressed with this car. Even on snow and rain it rides like an SUV if you are careful. Maybe its because of its michelin tires.

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  We are now a Honda Family - 2006 Honda Accord
  By GoCards - August 26 - 7:26 am

  We ended up purchasing the 2006 Accord after comparing it to the Mazda6, Camry, Jetta, and Altima. After looking at the build quality and enjoyment of driving, we narrowed it down to the 6 and the Accord. Since we already own a 2003 Honda Pilot, we know the quality of the Pilot. I was concerned about some of the 6 quality and didnt like the painted accents. So far, I do not regret it one bit. Who knew a 4 cyl. could have this much pickup and to go from a Pilot and a Jeep Cherokee, 30mpg has been a very welcome surprise.

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  just right - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By laura - August 26 - 2:33 am

  MY CRV IS JUST THE PERFECT CAR .... NOT A GAS GUZZLER, BUT YET SUBSTANTIAL ENOUGH TO PROTECT ME IN 3 CAR ACCIDENTS AND NOT RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. ALSO IT IS EASY TO GET IN AND OUT OF.