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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  Transmission? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Jason - June 21 - 5:48 am

  I just found out that the transmission in this van is bad at 110,000 miles. Honda dealer wanted $5500 to repair with a rebuilt transmission. They also told me the front engine mount is collapsed. The total repair bill to fix everything and have the 105,000 mile service done is $7,400! After looking at these other reviews I now see I bought a vehicle that is poor quality. I have owned Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. However, this will be the last.

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  Probably my last Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve - June 20 - 5:08 pm

  Just had the transmission replaced by the dealer at 84,000. Vehicle was purchased new and serviced regularly at local Honda dealer. Even brought in at 50,000 miles due to concerns I had with the transmission but everything "checked out". Unfortunately my vehicle wasnt including under an earlier transmission recall but Honda did cover a chunk of the $4100 trans repair. Steering wheel radio controls dont always work and driver side rear power vent window does not work. When vehicle was in for transmission replacement was also told that motor mounts needed to be replaced for approx $700. Never had motor mount or transmission issues with any other vehicle, including 4 other Hondas

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  Its Honda. Just not the Honda you knew. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By MiddleRoad - June 20 - 3:20 pm

  Driving this car is a positive tactile experience. Good throttle control, smooth drive train, tight suspension, good steering feel. It has a very rigid feeling chassis ala BMW. Thats good. However, several weeks after taking delivery, I noticed little black and orange metal particles stuck to the paint in a few places. Rail dust. Theyre tiny, you have to be looking for them. If successfully removed by dealer, then I would rate this car pretty high. 8.5 to 9 re: meeting expectations. Still take a hit on quality for allowing this in the first place, no free ride.

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  Another evolutionary Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom - June 20 - 2:43 pm

  My wife has now owned 5 Accords, puts about 100K on in 4-5 years and then we get a new one. The Accord continues to improve with each generation, this one being quieter and more luxurious than her 06 LX. Plus, we actually paid less for the 2010 then her 06, some sign of the times for car dealers. I think the exterior design is horrendous but my wife likes it and no one buys an Accord for the "wow" factor. Interior is very well laid out, stereo is decent and any previous Accord owners will immediately know where every control is. Has to be the best 4 dr sedan bargain on the planet from both a price, performance and comfort standpoint.

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  GM convert to Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By mike - June 19 - 3:55 pm

  Retired GM worker just wanting for once a reliable maintenance free car. I owned several GM vehicles, but there are only a handful that I would trust to purchase as a used vehicle. I am surprised as to how a vehicle with over 100K can handle, drive and look so brand new especially the interior. Good job Honda.

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  Is Honda reliable anymore? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gabe - June 19 - 1:42 pm

  I have owned this car since 2007, 24K miles. In the firs three months I the Cd player stopped working, oil moist under oil pan, leaking radiator and bad catalyst converter- Honda fixed it for free because it was under factory warranty. Cost aprox $3,00.00 The transmission shifts rough sometimes. Engine pinging noise- preignition? Power Steering leak! At 72K miles the Crankshaft Pulley is out- need new belt and pulley just the parts $450.00 parts and labor. 74K brake recall. I took the vehicle in and more problems: TPMS sensor out- $150.00, CV axle $350.00, Motor Mounts $500.00. All the maintenance was done on time. I am just wondering where is the Reliability Honda used have?

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  Love affair is over - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By cheryl driscoll - June 19 - 11:49 am

  I was so happy when I first brought home my ridgeline. The problems started when the first sleet and ice storm hit, when I was coming home from work that night at 10: pm I couldnt get the defroster to melt the ice off the windshield and had to pull over several times before I got home to scrape the window. My feet were freezing, mechanic said you can either have warm feet and not much windshield defrost or vise versa. Second problem, steering box under the left front wheel broke at about 7,000 miles. Next, the rear left lens cover let water in the tail light, and now, heat/ac completely gone at 26,000. I didnt realize I would become best friends with my mechanic. Toyota, Im coming back!

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  Transmission Trouble - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - June 19 - 6:42 am

  Transmission goes out about every 50,000 miles, so far 3 in 150,000 miles. Honda replaced, ate the cost the first time. Looking to dump this thing. Power sliding door also quit working a while ago.

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  Rear brake problem - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Barry - June 19 - 6:34 am

  I purchased the car less than a year ago. I had the dealer do an oil change last week and was told that the rear brake pads are close to wearing out. I only have 26K miles, most of it highway driving. After a lot of questioning a mechanic told me that this is a problem with all of the 2008 and 2009 Accords. However when you talk to the so called service advisers they try to shift the blame on the way I drive the vehicle. I have done some research on the Internet and find 100s of similar complaints. Is there some way to force Honda to admit they made an engineering mistake and issue a recall?

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  2009 Honda Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Larry - June 18 - 11:40 pm

  Not real quick but will tow well and is build like a brick **** house. A 17 year old plowed in the back end of my truck and you could barely tell. Her car had to be towed.