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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  Shes Been Great to Me - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ReviewGUY2010 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car Used had about 50K miles. Been great since. Its fun. Gets Good miles. Easy to fix. and shes running great. had her for over 5 Years and havent spent much on fixing anything. just Brakes. Wipers. Headlights. small stuff. Overall GREAT BUY!

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  New shoes for the kid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By joet - October 26 - 2:00 am

  This is not a luxury car. It gets great mpg. Suspension is pretty stiff. Tires awful. I drive curvey roads and wore tires out in 20k. I got new shoes for the kid, they are new Continental ProContact with EcoPlus tires. They are awesome. I went with one size taller tire (185). 2.5% larger circumference. At 80 mph really doing 82.5 mph. Very satisfied with handling now. Motor assist is not as seamless as they advertise. My wife hates it. Car looks sharp. AC or heat works fine on average days. On very cold or very hot days you need to dress accordingly. Heating and ac is fine in any condition if you are traveling more then 10 miles. Overall I enjoy my toy. Good value

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  The first month - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By rjka800 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. We traded our 02 Odyssey EX-L for the upgraded 2011. We wanted rear entertainment and navigation so we had to get the Touring model, which we enjoy. The fact that we couldnt get an EX- L with both of these features was a bit annoying, as you can get either or, but not both (Honda may be getting a little too high-brow). It drives great and handles well, and is noticeably quieter than our 02 version. The rear folding seats stow easily, so the fact that they are not powered is un-noticed. Overall is is a vastly improved version (02 to 11 anyway) of a great mini-van.

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  Not So Mini! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Shan - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Extremely impressed so far. You have to check the inside out to believe it. They have really nailed this one. We traded a GMC Yukon SLT and it feels just as large.

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  Peeling Paint on Hood of Brand New CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Reggie - October 26 - 2:00 am

  As with some of the other reviewers this is my very FIRST new car ever. I had a 1998 SAAB prior. The CR-V is slow to accelerate in a pinch, does have multiple blind spots and now, peeling paint on hood which the Honda rep (brought in by the dealer) said was caused by BIRD POOP, that this happens all the time! They are fixing it as a "courtesy" since I first noticed it when the car was only 2.5 months old but, really, bird poop? There wasnt even bird poop on the car where it was peeling! Oh yeah, the other possible culprit was allegedly "tree sap" No noticeable tree sap in this area either. I have never, ever had a car with this problem, never mind a brand new car!! Seems totally crazy.

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  2 1/2 year review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By markhamaccord - October 26 - 2:00 am

  My 2nd Accord, but probably my last. Fuel economy better than I expected city 24 mpg and hwy 34 mpg. But the overall build quality of the car appears inferior to my previous 1998 Accord EXL (especially paint and leather). Currently have 60,000 miles on it. Also noticing rear brake issue and flickering headlights while a/c on. Despite having 10 speakers, still not the best sounding system. I dont think the car will last as long as my previous accord did and is still doing!

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  Still Reliable - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Sephronia - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 157,000 miles and the car is still very reliable. Only a couple of very minor repairs over its lifetime. Transmission still going strong (except for a pressure switch < $150 that needed to be replaced). Burns no oil. Great acceleration. Better gas mileage than most. Sliding doors are a poor design and stick often.

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  Misleading - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lgrussel - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. Comfortable, good-looking, fast and smooth. Great all around and it still beats so many newer cars. However it is deceiving because this 2003 Accord is notorious for transmission failures and I was just one of several thousands to just find out. Do your research and youll be shocked at the mess that is still happening. Honda has known about these awful transmissions since the cars inception. So buyer beware if youre thinking of buying one now. It will cost you half if not more of its value today in 2010 to get this manufacturer failure fixed by you. Honda American wont help although the car has much value left.

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  Nothings perfect - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By grandma of 5 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My choice was between a Mercedes R Class & a 2011 Odyssey. Interior features & sliding doors beat out the R Class, but after less than 2 weeks, Im having doubts. There is no way to sugar coat the lack of quality in this vehicle. The tinted windows are streaked & hazy & cannot be cleaned. The carpet is ridiculously thin and poorly installed. The flimsy fabric on the seat backs will surely deteriorate & rip out. The plastic interior finishes do not connect & the exterior panels do not line up. There is a surprising amount of wind noise on the highway. I am worried how Ill feel in 11 months if this is how I feel in 11 days. I regret not buying the R Class.

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  Great car but overpriced - 2007 Honda Civic
  By martin - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Car gave me no problems which was important to me. A lot of recalls since i purchased the car. Interior cloth seats are cheap and wear uneven with regular use. The stereo knobs are backwards.climate controls are on the bottom and radio is above it, making it uncomfortable.Still not use to it after 4 yrs. I paid 18,500 which is a lot considering could have a GM compatible car for 5,000 less and kept the profits in good old USA. Would definitely buy American car next time.