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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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Marcie - June 29 - 8:58 pm

  Very disappointed in my minivan. I love the power sliding doors and roomy interior. Trans has had problems from day one. It acts like it doesnt know what to do, go up or down. Taken it in several times, they said had to replace torque converter then another recall. All that messing w/trans has caused motor mounts that need to be replaced and last week the ac went out. They said compressor is bad. Very sad customer.

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  Seats not comfortable - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By sl - June 29 - 6:07 pm

  Took a 3 hour trip and the seats are very uncomfortable. Around town is fine but for the long haul, no way.

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  Good, except for transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By FLDriver - June 29 - 5:34 pm

  Transmission problems! Transmission replaced at 110,000 miles and again at 165,000 miles. I have done the regularly scheduled maintenance on this car. I dont think its my driving style either. For example, I usually get at least 60,000 miles from a set of tires (on third set). Honda replaced first transmission for me without any charge (or any explanation). Second one cost me $2k. Family has owned hondas since 1981. I have enjoyed owning this one for 9 years. Not sure if I will buy another Accord. I have not seen shining reviews of the 07 - 09 models.

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  Poor quality by HONDA - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RTH - June 29 - 4:18 pm

  This my third Accord. The first two wonderful. This has been a dog! Today both keys and door latch [left side] need to be replaced. I have complained about this for a year and not that the car is out of warranty suddenly it can be repaired. Over 3 bills. Both seats in front are black there color is that tarp [light brown] I took to an auto seat person and he said take to Honda they are worn out. I did today and was told “they are dirty.” Make a buck any way HONDA this my last one.

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  Bad Brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bad Brakes..... - June 28 - 8:14 pm

  American Honda need to own up to the brakes issues they have. At least Toyota did the right thing and made it right. We are now in the process of trading in our 2009 Accord on a Toyota.

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  2009 Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - June 28 - 7:56 pm

  We purchased two 2009 Accords, one for my wife and one for my daughter. Both are now having rear brake issues. Not sure why American Honda wont stand up and do the right thing like a recall. They waited until the American public filed suite.

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  Servicable car if you like the Seat - 2009 Honda Accord
  By EnvENGineer - June 28 - 3:22 pm

  I have a long commute every day to work (85 miles one way) and have spent a great deal of time in this car. After only approx. 11+ months of ownership I am thinking about selling this vehicle. The lumbar support/active head restraint systems have created a seat that becomes extremely uncomfortable after a nominal drive, to the point of back pain. The gas mileage has been better than advertised (I get 27-28 vs 25). The aux jack is not in a great location (center console). The car always feels heavy and loses momentum quickly. The steering is crisp and the cabin is spacious. Exterior wont win any beauty contests and the dash is not pretty but overall a workhorse type car.

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  Back at Home in an Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By House of 4 - June 28 - 2:02 pm

  After having had a 2005 Odyssey, followed by a 2007 Odyssey, we decided to try a Ford Expedition EL. While the Expedition was a nice vehicle, it was not as functional as the Odyssey had been. With 4 young children, the Odyssey was hands down the better vehicle for us. We learned by experience that the big SUVs arent always better. We waited to see photos of the 2011 Odyssey but were not impressed. Since we were familiar with the 2010 Odyssey style and features, we decided to take advantage of the last model year reliability and good incentives. Are we ever excited to be back in our Odyssey! Its an EX-L with RES, dark cherry pearl color. We feel like we are back at home!

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  So far it Good - 2010 Honda Accord
  By scp91b - June 28 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Lexus IS300 for EX- L V6 Navi. I am still getting used of the not a tight handling and much bigger size. The v-6 has a lot of pull and I would never hesitate merging onto the hi-way. The shifting of the transmission is not smooth and going in and out ECO mode feels like the transmission is trying to find the gear to be in. All in all I feel I made the right decision

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  Not again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bksa - June 28 - 11:54 am

  This is the first Honda we have owned, and our last. We bought the car because of the "name" that Honda has and the reliability. Well, the rattle in the dash, road noise, and brake pad issues, now I am looking to trade. If Honda knows about the brake problems why are they not recalling them and fixing them? Our dealership told us about the class action law suit, which we knew about already, and told us they could fix it and we could pay and then send the receipt to them for a refund of $150! Why dont they just fix it? Very aggravating!