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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  251,000k and running! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Brian - April 7 - 12:50 pm

  I drive to work 80 miles round trip 5 days a week and the car has 251,000 miles and still running strong, need I say more!

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  Money Waste - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - April 7 - 12:04 pm

  We bought this in September. Odyssey has a plenty of power and space so you can enjoy a comfortable ride. But.. DONT BUY Touring edition. Its waste of money. All extras are not working properly. You can forget about using Navigation system or rear camera if its sunny day. Instead of the image or your direction, you will enjoy a BLACK screen. Honda forgot to protect rear camera and information screen from sun and rain. Voice recognition system is fun for a while but you are getting tired to repeate your commands 10 times before system will understand it. USE BUTTONS. Much quicker.

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  Terrible tire quality - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mike - April 7 - 11:38 am

  I have been well pleased with my CR-V. It get better gas mileage than I expected and it has ample room for a small SUV. The one downfall is the tires. It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 tires. At 17.000 miles they are worn out. I went to the tire dealer and was told there is no warranty on that tire. I went to the Honda dealer and was told by the service manager that they sell cars and are not in the tire business. A few minutes later he offered to sell me new tires, to which I reminded him that they are not in the tire business. I think it is a shame that a manufacturer sells a car for $24000, but, cuts corners on quality by using CHEAP tires

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  Rather have a quiet BMW 328i - 2008 Honda Accord
  By tom - April 7 - 11:10 am

  Last Honda I will buy unless they start to provide insulation. freeway road noise is so bad that you cant hear the satellite radio. Honda increased the size and scrapped all the insulation to save on costs. Worried about all the comments about brakes. Remote unreliable. Power steering motor constantly whines loudly and has been replace 3 times. it works but contributes to the overall unacceptable cabin noise.

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  Reliability? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ken - April 6 - 11:44 pm

  I bought this car largely because of perceived perceptions on Hondas reliability. Just after 36,000 miles, my radio console lost power. I took it back to the dealership and fortunately Honda payed full cost for the repair because other Hondas were had the same problem. At 91,629 miles my transmission failed without warning. I called Honda corporate to complain, and was given a case no. Took it to the dealership and Honda agreed to pay for half the cost to replace the transmission which was $1725. Honda provided a new 3 year/36000 mile warranty. I am very glad Honda helped with these problems, but these are not problems I would expect from a Honda.

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  Honda Odyssey 2003 EXL - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By tdoalamo - April 6 - 10:08 pm

  I wonder what the new 2011 Honda Odyssey looks like. But couldnt wait until the fall. My kid needs to go vacation in the summer and the 2003 Honda Odyssey I have had way too old. Got broken transmission @ 120,000 miles. Now leaking steering wheel oil, just fixed it. Too much wind noise and road noise when driving a Honda car. I already looked at the 2011 Toyota Sienna and love it so much, quiet drive and interior room is awesome. Will go with the Toyota Minivan then 2011 Sienna.

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  8 years of fine - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jeffery Allen - April 6 - 9:53 pm

  Had car for 8 years and a half. Original battery is still in the car. Had to replace the alternator for bad bearings. Did so with Honda parts. Never had a issue with the car. Interior is fine, all accessories have been excellent. roomy trunk, good room up front and the rear seat. Paint is great, I still get comments on the shine in the red. Engine really stays clean. Purchased the car with 30,500 miles on it in Feb. 2002. Great buy and possibly resell it soon and will get a great resell amount. So 8 years for $60 a month for the time owned. EXCELLENT

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  2005 Honda Accord EX-L 4 Cyl. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mike P - April 6 - 7:43 pm

  Great Car. Very Happy with it. My first Accord and would recommend this year and model to anyone.

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  Decent van, but mine was a lemon - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DanE - April 6 - 7:28 pm

  The van performs decently, but has had reliability issues. Within the first 2 years of owning it the following parts were replaced: tire pressure monitor, power steering reservoir, front engine mount and torque converter. Now it is being recalled for brake problems. Also, this is the first vehicle I have owned where I have not been able to consistently reach or exceed the EPA fuel economy rating.

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  Good Car So Far - 2000 Honda Civic
  By roland - April 6 - 6:43 pm

  There havent been any major troubles about this car. Ive had to replace the exhaust manifold and oxygen sensor which cost ~$200, however, that really improved fuel efficiency. Before, I was getting around 28 mpg, but after I replaced those two, Im getting 37 mpg on the highway. Because it has a small engine the car does not accelerate fast, however, it is pretty decent. The gas is quite sensitive as it has some special fuel injection system. This is an efficient car, but the seats leave much to be desired, they are a bit stiff. I had to buy padding for them.