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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  Disappointing Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By MikeNC - April 23 - 10:32 pm

  The controls for the 2007 Pilot are not very well designed. It is all too easy to turn the lights on (or off) when using the turn signal. On the other side of the steering wheel the wiper control lever is easily bumped when using the gear shift lever. Highway gas mileage averages around 20 mpg, not the stated 2 4mpg. Be prepared for a bit of price shock when its time to replace the cabin air filter. The filter can only be removed by dropping the glove box and then removing 6 screws. Changing the filter for the first time requires cutting away a plastic bar. The cost to have the dealer replace the cabin air filter is upwards of $130 for parts and labor. I would not buy another Honda Pilot.

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  Superb Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By BG - April 23 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this vehicle new in 01. It has been nothing short of outstanding. Incredibly reliable, versatile and safe. With almost 150,000 miles, I wouldnt hesitate to take it on another cross country trip. Great in the snow and comfortable for all occupants. Fantastic storage, still very good acceleration and handles like a car. Also decent mileage for a large vehicle (21 city, 27 hwy) Id love to get a new vehicle but the wife absolutely loves it, so why spend the $$. Roll on Ody, roll on!

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  Nice Economical Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kurisu - April 23 - 4:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2005. It has 75,000 miles. Only thing Ive done on it is replace engine mount ($250) oil change, and replace tires. Ive done Hondas recommended service at 30K and 50K. I have not changed the brakes yet or had any major repairs. The car gets excellent gas mileage. The car is very reliable and economical to drive. This car should not be thought of as a luxury car, but more as a practical car.

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  Horrible Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Ray - April 23 - 2:54 pm

  The only thing good about this Honda is the mileage. I bought it new in 2001, and will never buy another Honda. Air dam fell off until I finally threw it away. Gas filler mechanism fell apart within 2 weeks. Drivers power window fails to go up when it rains. replaced wheel bearing at 40,000, engine mount at 50,000, headliner fell down around 50,000, left control arm at 65,000,rear defroster doesnt work, Manual transmission needs overhauled at 90,000. Right control arm is also shot at 90,000. This car has been nothing but a mechanical money pit. Worst new car I have ever bought. Dont buy the Civic.

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  Skid on Icy Road - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By PreetCRV - April 23 - 2:20 pm

  I drove my CR-V 2007 Last winder. IÂ’m very disappointed. My Bro was driving Liberty in front of me. At a turn My CR-V skidded and ended up in ditch. But my bro did not have problem at all. It was scary on icy road. I could not drive it over 80 kph. If I do it would skid when hit the ice. IÂ’m not sure was it software glitch or tires. Showed to dealer they would not agree on it.

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  Great Car So Far - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 23 - 12:49 pm

  We bought the EX-L Coupe in May 2008, our first Honda. We purchased this car for its sporty looks and Hondas reputation for quality and I must say so far we havent been disappointed. At nearly 34K miles in less than two years we have not had the car to the dealer for anything, period. So far weve had no issues whatsoever including not having had any issues with the rear brakes that a lot of folks have had. Read somewhere that is as much an issue with the front/rear braking ratio, if you have that issue get that checked. 25 mpg general use, 31 mpg highway on long trips. Im fairly tall at 63" and I have plenty of leg room, no room or comfort issues at all.

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  Love it all except - 2007 Honda Fit
  By SJD - April 23 - 10:28 am

  The drivers front seat can be a bit harsh on long trips. I am over 6 Ft tall and it takes some getting used to the lack of comfort. Buy a K&N Drop In Filter, I drive 90% highway and got a TRUE 42 MPG on my last tank doing 70 MPH. Buy an armrest on ebay ($50 bucks), best investment in the world for this car. Everything else is great as far as driving, was skeptical based on reviews here but I have seen none of the problems others have posted. MINOR DISLIKES: Taching 3500+ RPM at 70 MPH, Drivers seat needs to go back farther, not enough interior lighting, seats attract every piece of fuzz. See, I said they were minor.

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  For the right Fit, Go for the Sport - 2010 Honda Fit
  By cmj912 - April 23 - 9:18 am

  If I could do it all over again, and I may, Id probably go for the Sport model. Features like the keyless entry (which I bought afterward and got installed) the USB iPod interface, and the nicer upholstery are things I regret not having. Drivingwise, it is a competent city car with great mileage, the interior is handy and flexible, and it is extremely nimble with light handling and it is easy to park. On the highway, though, be forewarned that the engine is quite weak with the automatic and the engine loud and thrashes under load - but pushing it doesnt make it go any faster. That said, itll be cheap to own and is reliable. But if you want cheap and reliable AND fun, go for the Sport.

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  38,000 miles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Whitlock - April 23 - 1:11 am

  Really enjoy this van. It drives good, it is easy to get in and out of for all seats. Forward and side vision is very good, rear vision is good. Radio and cd is very good. Good engine power. Engine sounds good when driven hard. Gas mileage is 20 to 25 mph on open road. Plenty of power. Real good head lights. Seats are comfortable when driven 700 miles per day. Styling inside and out is real good.

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  45,000 miles and still no problems - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By BB - April 22 - 8:44 pm

  Im not sure why the magazine writers do not get it with this SUV. Everyone that rides in my Pilot wants one. It is actually my work car, and I put over 30k on it a year. Im averaging about 23 mpg with a mix of city and road driving. It is the most versatile, comfortable vehicle that I have ever owned. I grew up on many car lots and I have driven a lot of vehicles. This is the best SUV on the road. Honda stepped out with a design that people originally thought was ugly, but now is seen as boxy cool.