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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  Wonderful car, but... - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Durer - November 26 - 11:50 am

  The Honda Civic EX Special Edition Coupe is a really terrific sporty little car, but its missing just one thing... oomph! I mean, it zips around just fine, vroom, vroom, and all that, but when you put your foot down, and I mean really put your foot down, it just doesnt respond like you want it to. I, personally, think a little sport coupe like this should throw you back in your seat and take off like a bat out of hell when you punch it, but the Civic just doesnt. Other than that, though, its a totally terrific vehicle, thumbs up and 4-stars all the way

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  just ok - 2002 Honda Accord
  By finl0474 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th honda since 1988, and my fourth accord. I also had a 2000 civic si. hondas are not reliable. the 88 never had any unexpected mechanical or electrical failures. my 94 and 2000 accords were mechanical and electrical nightmares within the first year. 2002 v6 ex coupe is already experiencing electrical problems and gas mileage is below the estimate, it only has 16000 miles on it. the v6 is not as powerful as it should be. but the automatic transmission is less than an adequate performer. I would rather have this car in a 5 or 6 speed manual, which was impossible to find. there are also a number of blind spots in the car.

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  Honda 2006 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By BUGEATER - November 26 - 3:10 am

  Have had my honda 2006 for 10 months. I have had to replace front brakes at 10,000 miles and the gas pedal had to also be replaced due to rattling and rubbing noises (metal against metal). They said it is the first time they have ever seen this. All in all we have really enjoyed this van. We upgraded from the 2003 because we were pleased with the quality of the first van.Road noise is still a problem and when the middle row windows are rolled down it sounds like a train going by at full speed. Hopefully, no other problems.

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  02 CRV still going strong - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Walker - November 25 - 1:31 pm

  I got it brand new in 2002. First new car I ever bought. Ive had it now for 14 years. Here are the repairs I have done: 1) A/C system was completely replaced under warranty after 2 years. 2) Throttle body was replaced under warranty in year 4. 3) Passenger side door actuator (lock mechanism) failed. Replaced all 4. 4) Struts replaced at 70,000 miles 5) A/C compressor replaced in 2015 Other than that it has just been batteries, tires and brake pads. The A/C systems in these vehicles can be problematic. The door actuators were a cheap design and tend to fail but are relatively cheap to replace. The engine, transmission, electrical system, AWD system, and audio are absolutely bullet proof in my experience. The paint finish still looks like new. The seats could be more comfortable but the material has held up well. When it is just me in the CRV the engine has a fair amount of pep. When you load it up with people and stuff - not so much. But it does get a consistent 25 MPG in mixed driving so Im not complaining. Very easy to park and great visibility all around. The stereo system is reliable but the sound is pretty crummy by modern standards. It is extremely versitile. It serves just as well as a daily commuter as it does a grocery hauler. Currently Ive got about 125,000 miles on it and it runs like a swiss watch. The only real complaint has been the A/C system. Other than that, its been a very reliable and economical vehicle. I should be able to get 250,000 miles out of it if I continue to take care of it. Highly recommended.

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  The red car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By tom palenchar - November 25 - 1:03 pm

  This is a very reliable car for us. The performance is quite good and the gas mileage is excellent, especially considering the current price of gas

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  Reliable Economy Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jkwcivil - November 24 - 10:42 pm

  My father-in-law purchased this car for my wife while we were still dating. That was about 6 years ago when it had approximately 40,000 miles. The car now has over 155,000 and is still running strong. We have the oil changed every 3,000 miles and do the other maintenance that is recommended by the manufacturer. The car has proven to be a hassel free daily driver and I expect that will continue well into the future.

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  Great car, sad its getting old... - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Esseppi - November 23 - 7:37 pm

  I boght this car knowing very little about the reputation of the Accord. Loved it from the first second of driving. Extremely reliable, only had to replace radiator once and battery another time. Extremely fuel efficient.

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  08 Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jkondra - November 23 - 1:20 pm

  Great car so far. With the exception of the rear brakes going out at 20k.. something should be done.. My Yukon XL has 90,000 miles on it with the original brakes on the rear... 20k and need new brakes????? come on Honda... u are losing your touch

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  Passport - 1995 Honda Passport
  By ben_k240 - November 23 - 11:40 am

  Ive had my Passport for over 4 years and it has always been as good to me as I have been to it. I bought it with 86K on it and have only had to make repairs typical of its age. No major engine or transmission problems yet at over 120K. Compared to other SUVs of its age and class level, Id say it is average to good. Things to watch for are alternators (tend to start chirping or squealing), power steering pumps (can start to hum loudly), and be mindful of CV joints because if they wear out from maintenance neglect theyre expensive to fix on this vehicle. Overall I would describe this vehicle as rugged, reliable, and durable. The mileage to power ratio is terrible though.

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  Wonderful Automobile - 2000 Honda Accord
  By okwey - November 21 - 11:53 pm

  This is my first Honda. Impressed w/reliability. Short of routine maintenance and replacing the timing belt, its hassle-free. Drives the same as we bought it 5 years ago. Im truly impressed w/Japanese cars, and would buy another again in the future. Low emission, and best value!