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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  Great little econobox - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Adam - February 16 - 3:17 pm

  I bought this car fresh off the lot with 17 miles on it. It now has 198,000 miles and still running great. No major mechanical issues and provides worry free driving with only regular scheduled maintenance. Even with the high mileage I still average between 31-35mpg on the highway!

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  Not up to previous standards - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By JakeMinor - February 16 - 2:36 pm

  This was our third Honda Odyssey but most disappointing. Our favorite model was 2004. Have had brakes checked 3 times, rotors turned and replaced, and brake pads replaced twice. Run-flat tires are incredibly expensive and wear fast. Price of tires and installation - what a shock! On third set after 80,000 miles. Also, after a few months, the seal around the front windshield began to whistle loudly at high speeds, and it continues to get worse with age. The biggest improvement has been with the engine and fuel economy. The sound system, which would have been quite fancy in 1985, has been a real dud for the price. This will probably be our last Odyssey.

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  Honda Insight - Its a Honda! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By The Dreamer - February 16 - 12:24 pm

  The MPG is better than EPAed in most of my driving conditions. The feedback the the car provides really helps to max the mpg. Fast starts like I used to do in the Del Sol does eat into the mpg. But fast starts in any car do the same. I achieve over 50 twice and 48 mpg over 170 mi hwy trip with cruse set to 67. Handling is wonderful!

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  Good car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MMartens - February 15 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased my Honda Civic EX-L w/16500 miles in 1/2010.So far so good.Its a nice little car my EX-L has all the bells and whistles on it the only thing missing is the navigation and I have a garmin for that anyway.With only 16500 miles on the car you would think that the 30000 mile OME tires would be good.Trust me they are not.I just replaced them with Goodyear triple tred tires it makes a world of difference with handeling in snow and rain,the OME tires were HORRIBLE.I drive both highway and city mostly city and Ive averaged about 30mpg not bad.The inside is nice and the 2 tier dash is easy to get use to I think I like better than the traditional gauges.Its so far been a great car.

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  Left wanting more - 2009 Honda Fit
  By harmony - February 15 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Fit almost a year ago so have had plenty of time to think about it and reflect on my purchase. At first sight I liked the color and enjoyed the interior features such as the magic seats and navigation system. After having driven it over 6000 miles now I regret to say that if I could go back I would pick a different vehicle. Driver is uncomfortable on long drive with very little back support and small arm rests. front passenger has no arm rest at all. Over all the car was worth the small price, but next time spend a little more and get something better. Sorry Honda, not one of your best models over all. Oh and p.s. honda, teach your sales reps more about the fit. misleading.

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  2008 Honda Fit Sport - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Craig - February 15 - 12:24 pm

  Overall good car. Great 5sp manual transmission, good handling, lots of room for size and Ive been getting 30mpg (winter) to 40 mpg (summer). Biggest complaint so far is the dashboard rattles. Brought into dealership once and they fix a rattle, but another quickly emerged on uneven pavement

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  Will not buy at end of lease - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sftwr-dude - February 15 - 12:51 am

  We leased this vehicle with the intention of buying at the end of the lease but have had quite a few problems with it. First, the shaking at 35 mph, which Honda originally said would be fixed with a software update. The shutter persisted and we found that the torque converter was going bad. That was replaced under warranty. The brakes make a loud creaking sound, but Honda says thats normal. That sounds has been getting louder and louder. Now the power steering seems to be slacking off. Turning the wheel has become increasingly harder. We will return this upon lease completion and maybe switch to a Sienna. Its too bad because we like Honda.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Jones - February 15 - 12:35 am

  I originally had a 1989 Ford Mustang GT and had traded it for my 97 Accord EX V6. Have to say honestly was my best decision ever! I have ever option available, leather, power seats, power windows and locks, steering wheel controls, etc. Only issue I have had was replaced a cracked radiator but come on it has 156k miles for god sake! The window motors are somewhat slow but i manage, the a/c isnt great but it keeps me cool. Although my C/E Light is on I have no had any performance issues, it starts right up on first turn I think its just because the Tach stopped working. Although I am having a new transmission installed now but that is because the car was lowered and i bottomed out.

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  Rear brake noise - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dhudshia - February 14 - 10:40 pm

  I have this 2007 Odyssey, dealer replaced free of charge front pad due to recall, but I have big issue with rear brake, grinding noise. Dealer in Richardson Texas check 3 times and they are telling me brake is good, but I get serious grinding noise. I highly suspect rear brake issue. I notified this to Honda corporation but no positive response received.

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  Sporty feel, reliable car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By tekkie - February 14 - 6:40 pm

  We bought our Civic EX from the original owner to replace a 1990 Acura Legend due to an accident. I wish it were a stick instead of automatic, but the gas mileage is still great. I am noticing that it is getting a bit sluggish with age and I miss the power of the Acura, but it handles well on snow and dirt roads and has a nice, tight suspension. A dashboard wire to the speedometer/odometer is loose, too. I think the latest oil change indicated it might have a slight oil leak, but havent noticed any burning oil or oil on ground, so its probably very minor. This is an all-around great car. I hope to pass it on to my daughter to drive in high school in 4 years.