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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  Good car but. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Tom Furlong - July 11 - 8:59 am

  This car has been fine.BUT after having car for one year, accessory port started blowing fuses.I have been to dealer several times and they insist it is due to a verizon cell phone charger.I purchased an adapter per dealership fuses still blowing. Piazza honda in Drexel Hill, PA.GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND. Still trying to get fixed.

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  What a car! - 2010 Honda Element
  By Ed May - July 11 - 1:10 am

  I just traded in my 2003 Element on a 2010 Element. I have owned dozens of cars and trucks before, but the Element is the best. The 2003 Element had 136,000 miles on it, no repairs for the first 130,000 miles.

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  Good Van but some things to be aware of - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Valeriemelman - July 10 - 10:11 pm

  I was considering either Honda or Sienna. Test drove several of both. Sienna interior turned me off, it just seemed so plain, acceleration and handling was adequate but seemed the Honda was better at both. However both are good vans and safe. If you buy the Honda EX-L RES model, you need to replace the DVD to CD control cable for it to work properly with the wireless headphones. There is a service bulletin for this. Also you may get windshield whistle which the dealer was kind enough to replace the molding, it stopped. Other than that its a great vehicle. Husband loves the sunroof and bright headlights. Only thing to worry about is the potential runaway problem.

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  Really nice car but - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SingleSock - July 10 - 9:24 pm

  I had a problems with the transmission almost immediately w/gears sticking. At a light I tried to shift back to 1st and it wouldnt budge. Happened 3x. It stranded me once at a light. Not good. Dealership found nothing but it hasnt happened since. Hmm. Then the stereo and AUX went out. I drove Toyotas for 30 yrs, but after my last one was a dud I switched to Honda and was very happy with my previous Civic. This one... not so much. Doesnt anyone make a truly high quality care anymore like Toyota used to?

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  Love this car! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - July 10 - 6:30 pm

  I traded a 2009 Caliber for this amazing car. I didnt need this car I wanted this car. In my job I drive 50,000 miles a year so I wanted comfort, gas mileage and bling. I got all three. Its a head turner where ever it goes. Love it! Worth every penny. Hands free blue tooth is so easy to use. The sits really fit my body.

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  Pass the gass stations - 2010 Honda Insight
  By tdandkids - July 10 - 5:56 pm

  Love my Insight, running in eco mode I have been averaging 52 Mpg in combination city and highway driving and lose maybe a mile per gallon with the air conditioning on. Car is fun to drive and despite Edmunds comments I do not find the vehicle noisy on the highway. Controls are simple, stereo very nice and the usb connection great for my shuffle. Wont be disappointed with this car - believe me.

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  I felt Regret - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Abell - July 10 - 4:55 pm

  I felt regret and disappointed to get this pilot.I just got for a week and found out the defect. The body connected with a piece of plastic every joint is getting loose.I am wondering how a $40,000 pilot looks like a toy?

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  Neve will I buy another Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Spodie - July 10 - 2:04 pm

  32,000 miles and Im on my second set of rear brakes. Front brakes still look like the day it was drove off the lot. Im starting to think Honda is another Toyota. Lets not do anything about it until people get killed.

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  Perfect Car Except the Seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By STL Bill - July 10 - 10:39 am

  My wife and I owned a 1992 Honda Accord and drove it for 12 years before replacing it with a 2003 Toyota Camry. I loved the Accord and always wanted to go back to one and did. The 2010 EXL Accord we bought is a marvel of engineering and quality. Im 63" and had to make sure I could fit in this car. I did. After buying the car and driving it for more than 15 minutes, it feels like the seats are made of granite. Plus the lumbar support is too low for tall people. I went in to a Relax the Back Store, and they said other customers have the same problem. My wife has no problem. Sadly I will drive our Odyssey: comfy seats! No achy back!

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  Transmission Gremlin - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By BG - July 10 - 9:26 am

  I am short of 100k on my 2000. The original transmission lasted until 60k. The replacement which was free under the extended warranty only lasted 30k. Honda discounted the 3rd transmission to $1600 for the 3rd transmission. I have no faith in these units with the bearing failure. If it werent for the poor economy, I would trade the car in. I also experienced the other issues that that were covered by the extended warranty, like the EGR ports. Otherwise, the car has held up fairly well without other major problems. Its a shame that this handsome nice driving minivan has this transmission reliability issue.