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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  I mean it, dont buy this SUV! - 2001 Honda Passport
  By dont buy this SUV! - June 8 - 4:04 pm

  I owned this SUV for almost four years, and for the first 3 years, it ran well, had no problems. Once I hit about 90K miles, the problems came. First, the oil leak around the front transfer casing (almost $1K), a replaced gasket ($500), then a blown computer chip which immobilized the SUV ($2000). Then, a second blown computer chip, (free, due to warranty of first chip), fuel tank sensor ($150) and last but not least, a short in the main engine wire housing which relays all the sensors to the computer (to diagnose the problem $500, to actually fix, $2.5 K). After diagnosing the wire housing problem, which took two dealerships 6 weeks and no loaner car, I washed my hands of this lemon.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberly - June 8 - 2:39 pm

  I love my CR-V! I feel safe behind it which for me is the most important thing! My complaints are minor though I will say the gas mileage isnt so great. But I love how it handles. This is the largest car Ive owned and parking it is a breeze.

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  Great engineering and design - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Hoosier Grandpa - June 8 - 1:09 pm

  Bought used with 50,000 miles. Driven a lot of cars in my life, enjoyed most. This one is well designed and well made. No, its not an expensive luxury nor full bore sports car - but very well appointed and suspension, steering, high revving engine definitely provide sports car feel when pushed hard! Mileage on highway at 80 mph is fabulous at 40-42 mpg, in town 33-36 depending on traffic stopngo (tip, be sure to use good fuel injector cleaner every 4000 miles)

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  Month One and a half - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Buy another Honda? - June 7 - 10:07 pm

  Questions about build problems have been elevated after I took the car to the dealer for a "once over" - Note: I have been very happy with this dealer, the issue that I have is with the CR-V - produced in Mexico - I am a fan of Mexican manufacturing but not here. I have discovered missing parts, misaligned body panels, strange noises, and after a overnight loaner of a 09 CR-V, I am convinced that my 3000 mile old car has some very serious issues. My wife and son both asked me if the loaner had a v-6 (of course Honda doesnt offer a v-6) the difference in the way the car ran was that noticable. Make sure you look over your CR-V carefully before driving away.

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  Needs some recalls - 2008 Honda Accord
  By McDewbie - June 7 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Accord new off the lot with 2 miles on it. Have had it 2 1/2 years. Im seeing very similar reviews to my own, only it seems my car has had the symptoms from each of the other reviews. It seems to burn 1-2 quarts of oil between oil changes( and the oil light does not come on to alert me of this), road noise including power steering is obnoxious, its had to be in the shop for 2 weeks due to some issue with the piston timing within 35,000 miles of owning, brakes are about to need to be changed for the 2nd time. Transmission appears hang in a gear too long when climbing or descending hills. Overall, I bought it for look and reliable name of Honda, but so far Im unimpressed.

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  Second civic and maybe my last. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By joeiscool - June 7 - 7:28 pm

  I previously owned a 2003 civic. 170,000 miles and no problems. So when it came time for a newer vehicle civic was at the top of my list. I cant believe how much this car rattles. Rear seat passenger side constantly rattles. Also driver side door has noise issues. After a little getting used to the dash board is ok. The AC is not even close to being as cold as my 03 civic. I am not bashing Honda but they need to take their time on the next redesign and get it right. Otherwise I will try something else.

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  Small Sport car feel - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Archie Gunter - June 7 - 7:02 pm

  I just made a 600 mile trip and found it quite comfortable on the highway. I was disappointed in the gas mileage at 31.9 mpg. It handled very good in wind and passing trucks. I was surprise also as to how little power was left after 60 mph. Passing cars can be very stressful when you need the power. For an engine with this lack of power it should deliver much higher gas mileage. I would think it needs at least 20 more hp. The rear cargo area is great for a car this size. One of the selling points for me. I dont care much for the black interior as it does catch lint and shows to bad.. Plenty of head room for such a small car and seats are very comfortable for me at 5-10.

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  60 MPG Except for hills of course - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Phil - June 7 - 5:01 pm

  So far so good! The vehicle was made for A to B commute on level ground. Much more affordable vs Prius! The best is 63 mpg driving from Anh. to Santa Monica for work. You need to follow the path of the ground on the highway, coast up hills, lightly accelerate down hills. Freeways tend to do this with the grading for water run off. I have been really surprised how reviewers dont figure this out and report it in the review. Who else is getting 60 mpg for 19k. NOBODY! The only con is big hills, the Insight dies real quick with limited power. After stopping, and going again up hill it goes to charge mode, then kicks into help mode. Why? But, remember its not for climbing hills.

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  Nice car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Joe D - June 7 - 12:30 pm

  Rides nice, not noisy as other reviews indicated. Good price and interest rate.

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  5 yr old CR-V with no issues - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By flgramma - June 7 - 12:04 pm

  Ive had my CR-V since new in 2005. Just went over 87,000 miles. Bought one set of tires and change the oil every 8000 miles. Still runs great. I dont know the problems that others are having, but you can always get one bad vehicle out of thousands made. Dont judge this car by a few bad ones.