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:
Showing 371 through 380 of 31,869.00-
Its an okay car - 2001 Honda Passport
By holdem185 - December 15 - 6:36 pmThis car has made me so mad on numerous occasions. On 2 different times it randomly shut off while I was making a turn. I had to get the transmission fixed because it was leaking fluid. The suv doesnt use oil properly. This thing has just left a bad taste in my mouth and Im so glad I just sold it, hopefully i get my reliable toyota 4runner for Christmas.
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Good except for the engine - 2012 Honda Odyssey
By rookie79 - December 5 - 1:48 pmWe bought the Odyssey right before Thanksgiving to accomodate a growing family. Everything went well for the first 10 days. It drove well and our daughter loved it. Unfortunately on day 10 of ownership, one of the rocker plates broke and got sucked into the intake and destroyed the engine. So now I dont have a car for the next week or two while it gets a new engine. Less then 700 miles with an engine going bad is a tad ridiculous. Wish I could go back on the decision to buy this and go with the Chrysler which I ironically did not buy due to concerns with reliability and resale. Go figure.
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Honda CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
By openroad4 - December 5 - 8:31 amTook delivery on my 2011 EX-L two weeks ago and its a tidy, nimble little package . However the drivers seat is proving so uncomfortable that I cant drive it more than a few minutes at a time. The seat is too small, rock-hard, lumpy, badly contoured , unsupportive (thighs) and doesnt go back far enough. Honda needs to take a serious look at this issue...
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Bad MechanicaL Design & Poor reliability - 2003 Honda Accord
By newstripes - December 2 - 10:42 amMy experience with this car has been far from the perception og Hondas go forever, are reliable and great quality. We are experiencing the well known problems of excess oil consumption & timing chain issues. It seems the design of the engine & car makes it very dificult & costly to repair this requiring about 14hours of Labor according to our Honda Dealer. This car usues the most oil of any car i ever owned (3L per 5K) and has cost the most to maintain this year at so far $2000! Now This $2000+!!! all at 80,000 miles (130K Km).
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Look around - 2011 Honda Civic
By flgirl23 - November 21 - 1:47 pmI bought a new Civic about a year ago. It has been to the shop 4 times already. Once for a stuck window, once for a door that wouldnt close, and once for a grinding engine noise. The car was brought in today due to peeling door covers. The dealer has been very difficult in fixing these issues. The quality of the paint, and over all materials are poor. If a leaf falls on it, the car will scratch. The placement of the speedometer makes it very difficult to see and the light coloring stains easily. I am looking at trading mine in and getting another make of car. They just arent what they used to be.
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V6 Oil Consumption - 2010 Honda Accord
By thechiefusaf - November 7 - 8:30 amThis vehicle from day one used oil --The break in oil, used by Honda had to be drained and changed in less than 2000 miles Honda attempted several fixes then says its normal to burn one quart every 1000 miles!! My lawnmower does better than that. My old Toyota with almost 200,000 does not burn oil--It will rust out first. The maintance reminder is a joke as it is suppose to get to 15% before oil changes it never gets below 50% and there is no oil reading on stick. I have checked this on line and its a big problem with Honda as reflected by many many other owners. My plan is to use the Lemon Law and possibly use Chapter 93A in Massachusetts against American Honda.
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3rd Transmission about to go! - 2001 Honda Accord
By flred - November 1 - 3:54 pmI have owned this car for nearly 5 years, I bought it from a family friend and dealership owner. The car itself is a good automobile except we have replaced the transmission 3 times with used ones and yet again- this one is slipping REALLY bad. I called Honda to express my concerns but they have yet to recall these darn transmissions after numerous complaints. If you feel like your are the only person fighting the 2001 Accord Transmission problem, your not alone. My husband also a mechanic has several friends to rebuild it but literally our cost is $2500. If he were to do it himself, its around $2000. I had hoped in the mass recall would include this Accord but it didnt. FIGHT FIGHT!
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Cracked engine block - 2002 Honda Accord
By exhondafan2 - October 23 - 1:14 amFor the past 15 years, IÂ’ve been a fan of Honda. In 2001, I bought a brand new Honda Accord and took meticulous care of the car. While there were moments of spirited driving, there was never any abuse of the engine. After just 103,000 miles, the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked engine block. Honda initially refused to participate in any repairs. However, after extensive discussions with Honda, they offered 1,500 in a 7,000 repair. Needless to say, for a car thatÂ’s supposedly legendary in terms of reliability, IÂ’m disappointed in the quality of the car and HondaÂ’s response. Given the poor quality of the product and the lack of customer service, I will never buy a Honda again.
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DisappointedJim - 2007 Honda Civic
By jamminjim - October 20 - 12:07 pmBefore you purchase an 07 Civic, I highly recommend looking up the TSBs on this model. I know, I know. The car is dazzling, but do your research! Defective rear control arms will cause the car to destroy tires. A defective motor mount will give out on you causing severe engine vibration. Visors have to be replaced every summer due to falling apart. Engine block develops a crack after 50k miles. Brake fluid leaks into hub bearings causing it to fail. The plastic interior scratches and breaks easily. Steering wheels foam/rubber falls apart. Car dents very easily as well. Some serious problems with this model. I call shenanigans this car is a lemon (a very pretty lemon).
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Not what I was hoping for out of Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
By fuzz_nut98 - October 14 - 8:41 pmThis car has been ok but I am glad we leased it. First it is white and when I got it the door color was different then the rest of the body. Honda paid for the whole car to be repainted but wouldnt let me trade it for one without paint issues even though it only had 15 miles on it. The car is a dog (hybrid) but it does handles pretty well. The interior has good fit and finish and is laid out well. I like some of the extras the Hybrid has but I really wish I bought a standard civic. At 30,000 miles the hybrid battery failed ($3000 Battery), but it has 80.000 mile of warranty. not impressive. Dealer said they replace 2-3 a month. Gas mileage says 40-45 mpg, I get 35-36 with normal driving.
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