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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  Worst Purchase Ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Odyssey EX-L - July 8 - 8:30 am

  This is by far the worst Honda Ive ever had the displeasure of owning. Since I started driving in 1996 I have had several Honda vehicles and NEVER had a problem with them. Then I decided to trade in a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country on this piece of junk. In 3 years of ownership and 36,000 miles I have taken it in to be fixed so many times that I literally have a repair record stack 1" thick. The automatic door on the passenger side has broken 3 times, the brakes have broken, the transmission has needed to be overhauled, the power steering has leaked, and too many more things to list. The final straw is the door breaking after being "repaired" three weeks ago. This will be gone ASAP.

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  Quart of oil every 1,000 miles is OK?! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Gerry M. - July 7 - 7:12 pm

  At 7,000-8,000 miles, the engine light came on & the car ran so rough my wife was afraid to drive it 1/2 mile to our house. After a tow to the dealer, they cant figure out where the oil is going, but replace the oil and the spark plugs (which are fouled). After several 1,000 mile checks on the oil consumption, I am told today that HONDA USA finds the disappearance of one quart of oil per 1,000 miles to be Acceptable, and there is no repair to be made. But they are researching it and will get back to me. Um, yeah, right. I had a 1987 Honda Civic that gave me over 120,000 miles before it was wrecked by another driver. Quite a letdown to know Honda quality has sunk so low today.

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  Better than my Volkswagen - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JDW - July 7 - 7:05 pm

  Very comfortable. Nice quality Leather compared to other comparable cars that offer leather interiors. I hear the road noise more in this car compared to my others. I have had issues with the brakes in this car since the first week I have had it. Drove a 1987 with brake problems as well. Is that a Honda thing? I enjoy the ride in this car, feel its still reliable. I had several problems with the ignitions shorting out on me when I would go to start the car. North American Honda, NOR any dealership I took it too could fix this issue. So its still an issue.

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  Sluggish off the line - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Petro10 - July 7 - 6:58 pm

  Overall car is well made and amenities are great. However, it is extremely sluggish off the line, acceleration is sub par, we knew it would be slow but not this slow. Fuel economy while driving here in DC averages 17 mpg with only 24 on our one highway trip.

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  Great Casual Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By drexadelphia - July 7 - 5:51 pm

  Im sad to see my Ridgeline lease come to an end. Never been in a truck that rode as smooth or quiet. It handled beautifully, too. Interior was spacious in the front and the back, plenty of room for 4 adults, and 5 if necessary. The rear seat swinging up came in handy. The inbed trunk is huge and was great for storing various items, including a golf bag. The only negative I can give this is that I live in Philadelphia and it got a little less than 15 mpg. Its the only reason Im giving it up. When they come out with a hybrid, Ill be back :)

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  Transmission/Brake Problems DO NOT BUY - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gene - July 7 - 4:08 pm

  Horrible transmission shudder. Rotors warped at 28k. I usually get 70k out of brakes. Transmission has been in twice for updates, etc. Still horrible. Huge delay when shifting into park. You sometimes end up doing a neutral drop by accident. Gear hunting at 35-40 mph. Cant make up its mind and just pulses. Did I mention transmission problems? You can take to dealer but there is no "real" fix. Just a bad product. I was a Honda person, through and through. Now, not so much. This cost me 35k and it drives like a 15k automobile. Extremely disappointed. Glad I bought the 7 yr 120k warranty as I think I am going to need it. Pretty sad to say that about a Honda.:- ((

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  Transmission dooms this car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Matthew - July 7 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my 1998 Accord EX V6 new. It is my third accord and I love Hondas. The car is now 11 years old and has 137K miles on it. It still drives like the day I bought it and almost looks it too. So with all that youd think this is a great used car. NO NO NO. This generation Accord has been plagued with faulty transmissions. My first transmission failed at 69K miles and Honda claimed it was not part of the recall. I went to arbitration and got Honda to pay for half of the new transmission. Fast forward to June 2010 and 137K miles and the transmission fails AGAIN nearly 69K after the first. The dealer offered to pay 25% and I still paid $2500. Still did it as the car is otherwise terrific.

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  Hard worker - 2003 Honda Element
  By Raye - July 7 - 2:50 pm

  My 2003 has 200100 miles on it. Still has the same rotors on the front, shock and struts, muffler system, and surprisingly the same spark plugs that have been checked frequently if they need replacement. Yeah, i have the frozen door lock syndrome and the drivers seat is ripped and uncomfortable, and noisy ride, but this little baby has been good to me. I will be replacing struts and brake pads etc. soon to be on the safe side. Best reliable vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Accord is the right car for me - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ron - July 7 - 12:55 pm

  Full disclosure, I still own a 2001 Accord. Went shopping for several months for mid size 4 door sedans and dealt with a lot of car sales people. I drove Mazda, Ford, Nissan, Subaru, Acura, Toyota, Lexus and Hyundai, then went to the Honda dealer and found I wasted a bunch of time. For the money the Accord while not perfect meets my driving needs. 4 cyl 190 hp. is fine and have had no problems. One slight fit and finish problem that is fixed. 4500 miles and expect no problems. Do your homework BEFORE you buy any car. You’ll be much happier with your selection.

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - July 7 - 9:25 am

  I just purchased two weeks ago put over 500 miles on already, it is really a pleasure to drive. The seats are a little stiff, however I have some lower back issues and prefer the harder feel, although my wife does not. I hope that two weeks of driving qualifies me to give a review. I know that I found all of the reviews listed on this site as well as other sites helpful in my decision making. You have to take some of the negative comments with a grain of salt because there is always going to be some that cannot be pleased or some may have a bad experience. Perhaps I should have waited until after we take the car on our vacation to give my review oh well. Thus far I am loving it!