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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  2006 Honda Civic LX 4 door - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Michael - March 2 - 1:47 pm

  Have had this car for nearly 3 years now and all weve had to do is change the oil and filters. The only negatives are: Terrible and noisy Turanza EL400 Tires (which are dangerous in even a dusting of snow). Interior and exterior scratches seemingly by even looking at them. Blind-spots are bad for backing, its difficult to park properly as you cant see the corners of the car.

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  I love my CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JulieG - March 2 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this vehicle after I totaled my Pontiac Grand Prix. I did some review but not much on the CRV. I really was looking for a 6CYL not a 4CYL. I was in a training class and driving this beater around when I walked in to Honda. I test drove it and purchased it that day. It saved my life in 11/2007 on Thanksgiving when I hit a deer on a highway going 65MPH. I was pregnant at the time. Everyone was safe but shaken up. I was able to drive home from that accident. The car was repaired and looks completely new. I drive 68 miles a day to/from work. I get 23-25mpg depending on how aggressive I drive.

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  Good Car w/some drawbacks - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Doug - March 1 - 8:12 pm

  Handles well. Common road noise, VCM and poor seats not a problem for me. Interior laid out very well but have to reach too far for some highly-used buttons (rear defrost and mode button). When raining, seats get wet when you open the door. Navigation, Bluetooth, voice-controls are VERY user-friendly. MPG decent. Great drive on the highway.

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  Check the oil daily - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Multiple Honda Owner - March 1 - 1:28 pm

  This is my 9th Honda over the last 28 years. It may be my last. The car is fun to drive, handles nicely, is comfortable and burns a qt of oil per 1000 miles. Honda says this is "in specs". I have never had a Honda that used oil like this before. Because I drive for a living I cannot afford to keep this car. I change oil every 5K. In other words, I add 5 qts of oil between every change. I will trade it for something other than Honda.

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  Honda Slips - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Boomer - February 28 - 11:47 pm

  This is my 5th Honda, and sad to say, I like it the least. Is it the only sedan in its price range with no outside temp or mpg display? I was shocked to learn, after purchase, that my new 08 was not as safe as my 04, the 08 only having 3 stars in the rear crash test. The engine is responsive and quick, handling good, design the best Honda ever, but I dont like the thumping noise I hear every time I hit the brakes. Honda says its normal, I say its annoying. I am looking for a different car--Legacy? Taurus? Malibu?

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  Its my baby - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Dallas Beaumont - February 28 - 11:35 pm

  I bought this car from a private seller with 84,000 miles on it, little did I know that the car sustained sub- frame damage but was corrected. My transmissions clutch started to go at 125,000, but that was because the previous owner drove it hard and didnt take care of it. Other than that, this car rocks. I get 45 miles to the gallon and the interior is soft and sleek. This car is extremely reliable and the engine purrs quietly like its brand new and drives like its new. Make sure to replace all the engine and timing belts for long lasting performance. Switch to Mobile 1 synthetic blend. I own an automatic, buyer beware! 2001 was not the best year for this transmission. Go with a manual.

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  No complaints here - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JF - February 28 - 12:19 pm

  Bought used in 11/2008 with 42k miles. In the first year I put 26k commuting to work 60 miles round trip and a couple of trips to the beach. This car has taken a beating the way I drive it and it has not let me down once. Needless to say, its dependable...thats why I bought it in the first place. For a small, 4cyl sedan, I couldnt be happier. No clicking, rattling or odd noises/smells at any time. All parts/side moldings still holding strong. Transmission always shifts smoothly. The abrupt downshift when braking is actually the"automatic brake assist" a good safety feature but can be annoying at times. Overall...I love my Civic.

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  Great By Us - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Eubie - February 28 - 12:03 pm

  Tested all others and kept coming back to the Pilot since we have an 03 with 93,000 problem free miles. This 2010 was a definite upgrade from previous models. It is so updated and slightly larger. Great nav and dvd with leather. The ride and drive is quiet and tight. Fuel economy has been 17 to 20 depending and I accept that. Great family vehicle. I must also say that Honda reliability is second to none.

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  Ecessive wind noise and brake issue - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joseph Lambert - February 28 - 11:31 am

  this is our first Honda car and we are generally pleased with quality, gas mileage, performance, ride and handling. The vehicle is a 2008 Honda EX-P with the 4 cylinder engine. I have two major complaints 1. The wind and cabin noise especially at highway speeds. 2. The brakes had to be totally replaced at 22,000 miles that nobody can explain why this happened. The dealer has been very supportive on the brake issue but seems to be giving us a runaround on the wind noise by claiming it is typical of the 2008 model. Quite frankly, I am very surprised and disappointed that a $25,000 car designed by Honda would be this noisy to the point of not being able to hear a person in back speak.

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  Good little car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gus in NC - February 28 - 11:24 am

  I bought this car used just for driving back and forth to work. The ride is so good, however, that my wife and I have also driven it on several trips. The ride on the highway is really good, and the mileage is excellent, 40 to 41 mpg cruising at 70 mph, with plenty of power left over. It also has lots of luggage space in back. Driving back and forth to work, I get 35 to 38 mpg. While this is not a race car(it wasnt designed to be one), it has plenty of power for everyday driving, and can keep up with everybody else, including on the interstate. It also is a nice quiet ride at any speed, and is sure footed, both on dry roads or snow.