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 love my 2010 Honda Civic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Roy M. West - March 31 - 4:10 pm

  I have now driven 4000 miles in my Honda Dx Vp. I love the car! The only problem which I can report is that if I raise the drivers side seat too high, a portion of the digital speedometer is cut off, and I cant see the readout without craning my neck. Otherwise, the car glides down the road, I am getting about 25mpg around town, and after taking a 165 mile trip down the interstate, my gas mileage was 40.1 mpg--yep, 40.1 mpg! I have read reviews complaining of road noise on the interstate--I am either deaf, or my little civic is immune to that problem. The car handles well, accelerates reasonably well for a 140 hp engine, corners well, idles well. I am very happy with this car.

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  Not a bad car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steveg - March 31 - 3:13 pm

  This car is just ok. Im not crazy about the ride. Car handles ok, but the road noise is bad. Had to replace rear brakes at 28k. The seats arent that comfortable. The doors feel really light and cheap. Awful in snow. No other problems besides the brakes. Good on gas for a six cylinder. Transmission shifts are jerky for an automatic trans.

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  Cant beat the Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By James G - March 31 - 12:59 pm

  Purchased for my wife 2004 from Jim White Honda in Toledo, OH. and received a good deal as it was an 2003 model. Car has held up great. There was an initial problem with a flickering of the dashboard light, which a dealer in Akron, OH (Mike Pruit Honda) promptly fixed under warranty. The rest of the time has just been routine maintenance. Several people in our families think it time for us to purchase a new vehicle and give them our Honda, but we are not ready to part with it yet. Only problem never repaired is one of the key remote lock would drain a battery (in the key) in a day or 2. We had lived in different cities so no one dealer changed the key, each changed the keys battery.

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  Best car owned so far - 2008 Honda Civic
  By my08hondacivic - March 30 - 10:16 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Honda Civic brand new two years ago. I have owned two Toyota Corollas before and I pick the Civic over those two. I havent had any trouble with it, so far. This Civic requires minimal maintenance and I save alot more with my Civic than I did with my previous cars. It is a small car but very spacious and comfortable for both driver and passengers. Mileage is ok considering I drive street for the most part. I have made minor changes to both interior and exterior but for looks only. I highly recommend this car.

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  Great car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - March 30 - 7:51 pm

  Great car. Its as reliable as gravity. Only problem in 157,000 miles, had to get a new radiator. Only way to go with a small family. Bought it new in 2001, and will turn it over to my son when he is 16. That will be in 2014.

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  317 thousand km and still going - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By valerio - March 30 - 4:30 pm

  Great. They should never have changed the style. I talk to other cr-v owners, all have same opinion

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  Not like my other odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kris - March 30 - 2:26 pm

  Had a 01 odyssey and loved it, drove it with no problems, the 2007 has not been as good. Had to replace tires, battery and now the torque converter. The paint scratches like crazy(but could be because it is navy blue) The torque converter was under warranty, so hope the problems are now fixed. It is very comfortable, and we enjoy the space but dont know if I would buy another one.

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  I love this car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By vietgopher - March 29 - 11:22 pm

  This is one of the best car from Honda. It is very reliable, easy to handle. Everything works although its a 12 years old car! All I have done to the car is oil changes, and tire rotation!

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  Problems Abound for Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 1984 - March 29 - 8:04 pm

  Being my 3rd Accord and spending twice as much as my 95, i expected a lot. First, there was the problem with the vibration from the rear deck, then the knee cushion had to be refastened, then the noisy brakes that began around 5K miles. I should have known something was up when the service rep told me to not wait till 15K miles to deal with the brakes. I have 19,203 miles on the car now and was told i must spent $200 for rear brakes because this car is so different (distribute force brake) that it wears the rear brakes first, due to weight in the back!! i am looking at a Chevy, Toyota, Ford or even a previously owned BMW 3 series. Honda Dealers need to be transparent with customers.

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  Think I am going to Hyundai - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JJD - March 29 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my Accord new in 2007. The car went into the dealership to have rear driver door adjusted due to air & water leak and also a faulty center console door shortly after the purchase. Both were repaired & are fine now. The car has not given me any other mechanical problems. Just the normals replaced battery, tires, and brakes. Approaching 100k so not sure how much longer I will keep this car for. Even though I like the styling of the latest Accords, there seems to be the same cheap interior Honda is & has been known for. I will probably switch over to Hyundai since theyve come a long ways & are winning awards these days!