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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  Like it a lot - 2010 Honda Accord
  By skhusky - July 22 - 3:15 pm

  Traded in my 03 4Dr Accord for a 2010 Blue Coupe. I love the way this car looks, it is actually longer than my 03 4dr. Did not get the leather and miss some of the gadgets that come with it (outside temp, auto headlights, dual climate zone, etc). For a coupe, it is almost inexcusable not to have a drop-down drivers seat (leather does)? Interior build is awesome and looks great but could have been better. No chrome accents at all, ambient light gone, no glove box light, no door mud lights gone and housing for fuel release is very cheap looking. Car rides great and Im sure I will get at least 7 years out of it. Great car for me but Honda seems to have cut a few corners

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  Will be selling soon - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By honda*not for me - July 22 - 1:24 pm

  I have owned this car for 3 months. I am disappointed in the gas mileage. The car has rattles all over the place that we cant pinpoint. Seats are not very comfortable for long trips. I noticed yesterday how many chips are showing up in the paint--just from normal driving conditions. I sold a Buick Rendezvous for this vehicle and I wish I had kept my Buick.

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  2010 Honda Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By AGF - July 22 - 12:17 pm

  So far after 750 miles this minivan is great for my growing family. Car seats fit perfectly in the second row and the sliding doors make life so much easier. Since the minivan is low it allows my 2 yr old to climb in no problem. Bluetooth has come in handy and the hands free phone is great. The van doesnt accelerate like my BMW 3 Series used to, but itll do. Handling surprisingly is pretty good and holds a corner quite tight.

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  I call my 2005 red Element "Flame" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Adrian in Dallas - July 22 - 11:43 am

  The only color I wanted when I saw it in the Honda Element palette selection was what they call "Rallye Red." Its a beautiful, clear, bright red thats a knockout. The drab orange and the even more drab olive color that you see all over are not for me. (This review is sounding like a "Click & Clack" radio show where the first question they ask those with car problems is "What color is it?") IN ANY EVENT: This car is the best thing Ive ever owned. I was born in Detroit and just turned 65, so thats saying something! Its solid as the brick it looks like, actually FUN to drive, has great head room and is E-Z to get in to and out of. I ordered it with every bell & whistle Honda offered.

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  Loss of features over 2000 honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ms. mimi - July 21 - 8:47 pm

  How I miss my Honda 2000!! The interior of my 2009 is crap. Stains on the upholstery, mostly from water and it looks worse than my trade in which was ten years old. Also, they took away the seat pockets on back seats, made the under passenger seat drawer so small it cant be used and took away two of the cup holders. I have to use one cup holder for storage of personal items. I also do not like the outside design. Loved my other one with the wheel on back. I needed a new car and went with Honda but do not like this car because of interior features mostly and outside design.

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  Needs bigger gas tank/better tires - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By roadhog - July 21 - 8:41 pm

  Nice vehicle, second Honda, poor quality tires, small gas tank, otherwise a good vehicle. Tires made 30K, NOT GOOD. 22-32 mpg comfortable ride.

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  A solid buy - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Apollo - July 21 - 4:49 pm

  I purchased the Civic LX-S. The ride is solid, fuel great, and all those who complain about the engine noise must be mashing on the gas pedal at high speed. I only get load engine noise when hitting passing gear at high speeds on the highway. Better backseat room than an 07 325i BMW I tested and the passing gear in that gave loud engine noise too. All in all, Ill take the Honda. A great car for the price.

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  Glad that I leased it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Vernon - July 21 - 3:16 pm

  I leased the 2007 Odyssey EX-L due to the transmission issues that Ive read in forums. Van was quiet for the first year, but on the 2 and 3rd year, I hear creaking noise when moving from a stopped position. Dealer fixed with silicon lubricant on doors, but it returned after 6 months. Steering pump reservoir had to be replaced, paid out of pocket as it was out of warranty. TMPS light up occasionally, steering wheel vibrations at 110-115 km/h. Honda says road force balancing, but no guarantee. Even with my snow tires its the same. No transmission issues but was part of the recall for two sw updates on the transmission. Brake rotors were warped at 30k, replaced with after market.

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  212k, still going, but not cheap - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Racerxmachv3000 - July 21 - 1:54 pm

  I bought the car new to commute 80 miles a day. Overall its been a good car, but over the course of the last year, Ive spend at least the value of the car in repairs to keep it on the road. Its needed a new manifold (cracked at 70k), radiator, shocks, springs, bushings, end links, manual transmission, on top of the maintenance items like brakes and tires. Ive also had a recurring problem with the spark plug coils that blow fairly regularly, however my mechanic has been able to replace this under his warranty. The motor still runs like new or close to it so Ive continued pouring into the car since I have a hard time justifying a new car with such a long commute.

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  2nd Review: Just a Solid Sports Coupe - 2010 Honda Accord
  By shaymasdaddy - July 21 - 12:04 pm

  After 2600 miles, this Accord coupe loves to run. The steering is weighted very well which helps you enjoy the way it handles. I love the auxiliary port that allows me to listen to Pandora from my blackberry. The seats have great support and the A/C has been awesome while battling the Texas heat. I have experienced ok mileage due to my spirited driving, but otherwise it is very good compared to other sport coupes on the market. I did have a rattle in the roof above the passenger sun visor which was fixed after the second time, but other than that it has been a blase to drive.