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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  Lots of Maintanence Problems - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Dunford - June 1 - 11:10 am

  I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.

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  Honda convert - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Johnnycyberpunk - June 1 - 5:33 am

  Second Honda we bought in 4 years, after decade+ of buying Ford/Dodge - Ill still with Honda. Both buying experiences were hassle-free, price and financing were straight forward, got the deal as promised. Dealership was clean and comfortable, didnt mind being there for a few hours. Love almost everything about the Pilot, spent PLENTY of time comparing to other mid-size SUV, best value for me overall. Contenders were Jeep GC Lim., Ford Explorer EB, Toyota 4R Lim, Nissan Pathfinder Plt. Honda just seemed to do everything better, for a better price and as always peace of mind in resale value and reliability.

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  Happy Honda owners so far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mitchell salyers - May 31 - 10:08 pm

  We are very happy w/ our CRV EX-L AWD the styling reminds me of the more expensive acura or lexus. the performance is very nice and fuel mileage is 26+ everyday driving. this is one 4x4 that my wife says is very easy to drive and get in and out of both for her and her mother. smooth ride, great performance, no blind spots, outstanding sound system. there are only 2 things that i wish Honda would have done, for the price of one of these, fog lights should be included on the EX-L at least, but i will have some installed. the other problem will not be so easy to fix which is the splash guards need to be a little longer to keep road debris off of the vehicle. We love our Honda

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  Best Van Out There - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Kurt - May 31 - 9:25 pm

  Leased a 2007 EXL in late 2006. Loved it and just traded for a new 2010. The seat configuration is perfect for our family. Slide over the second row captains chair to enter third row from side - makes entry and exit so nice for kids. Electric doors are great. Folding third row is easy. Mechanically superb with no issues over 3 years and 45K miles. Engine power is more than adequate, shifting is smooth. Ride is very nice. My wife still hates the idea of driving a minivan, but agrees this van was the best overall vehicle we ever owned. Dont know how you can rate this "fun to drive" after owning high performance cars, but certainly is great for the family.

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  Passport to Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Les - May 31 - 8:49 pm

  In 2001 I purchased a Certified Used 1998 Honda Passport, I love that car but it was getting older and I figured I best get something new before the Passport starting showing signs of its age. In April I purchased a 2011 Honda Pilot (Pilots replaced the Passport) and could not be happier. The gas mileage isnt great but other than that I love it. The only complaint I have is that Honda should make Bluetooth standard equipment in all their cars. Took it out for its first long road trip yesterday and it was a joy to drive. Still have my Passport too!

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  Middle Aged but Still Rocks - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Kenneth Deyer - May 31 - 7:43 pm

  The car had some problems with the air bag sensor which required to be replaced by the dealership [under warranty]. With a few upgrades, new shocks and struts + some after market 18 inch alloy rims and handling has greatly improved. [~$2500 for entire package]. With a few interior upgrades such a new MP3 compatible stereo and GPS, completes the picture.

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  Honda EX-L 4 Cylinder - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda EX-L 4Cylinder - May 31 - 7:38 pm

  I bought the car brand new and have been driving it for the past 18 months. The following is what my experience has been with this car: The car is noisy. The road noise is so loud and bothersome that it soon make you tired of driving the car. Also, makes you feel unsafe driving on busy highway. The leather seats are not comfortable at all. It feels like not enough springs are used for comfort because of toughness of the leather. The engine suffers when A/C is on. Even though I have driven the car 12,500 Miles and the engine is broken in, the MPG stands around 20 in town. This is my first Honda and with the current experience, I would reconsider purchasing it.

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  good car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Twee - May 31 - 4:16 pm

  I got mine for 2 months already. Love the fuel economy. I was able to do avg of 50 mpg, compare to my previous rav4, I do average of 60-70 miles daily to work. I should save $1000 per year on gas, nice small vacation trip with that saving. The car is good as transportation to work, but dont expect to do any racing with it, since the horse power on this car is very small. Love the car.

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  Second Ridgeline and an Improvement - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Artback - May 31 - 2:14 pm

  Just traded up from an 06 RTL with Navi and many features have been improved. Some complain that we have not yet seen a complete redesign of the RL, yet I couldnt be happier. New Bali Blue color is the best yet. Improved gauges and touch points versus the 06. Integrated fog lights, slight horsepower gain (feels like substantially more), better software, "tweaked" transmission, bluetooth and information center. Interior design improved (toned down those metallic door handles), and carpeted floor mats versus the rubber of old. Im in the business of mechanical devices (I drive a RL to move them), and can attest that several years into a platform enhances reliability.

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  CR-V doesnt run upto its fame - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Zakir Faruquee - May 31 - 11:27 am

  I bought my CR-V from Peoria, IL on December 4, 2008. In summer, I found the AC was not cooling properly I took to the same dealer, they tested and said I should run the AC at Max, CR-V AC performance as it is. This summer, AC was not cooling I took a different dealer, they filled up with gas and they couldnt found the leakage. - When I start the CR-V it makes buzzing noise, it started at beginning of last winter, I took it to a Honda dealer, and they said its not a safety problem and they are not going to fix it. Besides, I have problems with door lock too. My CR-V is 1.5 years old with a mileage of 18,000 miles and should be covered under warranty?