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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  nice van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Luke - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Ijust bought my van. I can from A Ford Windstar. It rides much smoother than the windstar. I love the bucket seats for my two kids.

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  My first & last Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Stimpy63 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I may very well be the only one with a BAD Honda experience. Either Honda cant manufacture brakes or the dealer is a moron. 1 year into ownership & I replaced the back brakes/rotors & the parking brake. The front rotors were cut regularly till replacement last April.

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  First 3,000 miles - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Paco - December 26 - 9:56 am

  We purchased the van at the end of December and have put a little over 3000 miles on it. I had a 2005 Toyota Sienna which I traded in that was probably the most annoying car Ive ever owned with its transmission problems and clunks, clanks, squeaks, groans, etc. So far the van has done very well with the following exceptions: 1. It has a chirping, scraping, hissing noise that isnt real loud but it is annoying especially at 30 mph and 1500 RPM-louder when you first start out. 2. Gas mileage is poor-17 combined city and highway and 19 on the highway. 3. It misses when idling and jumps a bit when the AC compressor goes on & off.

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  Safe Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By nightshiftRN - December 26 - 3:40 am

  Im a 22 y.o. new grad with NO CREDIT HISTORY and Honda was the only dealer that financed me through one of their "new grad programs." I am happy with the car, gas mileage is LESS than what I expected from a Honda. Sad to say I got rear ended 2 weeks after I got it. I didnt feel too much impact even though the bumper got messed up bad from a four car collision, SO ITS A VERY SAFE, RELIABLE CAR. The body is much improvement from later models. This is the 3rd Accord Model our family has. BUT, I think if I only waited for a few months, I could have gotten the 2010 CAMARO instead. Oh well, Ill stick to this one... for now.

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  Larger than it looks - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jerra - December 24 - 10:43 pm

  Weve owned our Element for about a month. It is very roomy with plenty of headroom for my tall husband. Plenty of places to put things. My son loves the stadium seating in the back--now he can see out of the windows. Surprised at the good turning circle. Didnt realize how much fun XM radio could be. Looking forward to seeing how the uncarpeted flooring works during the winter.

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 24 - 7:33 am

  Had the car 3 months. Took over a month, and 3 service visits, to finally fix drivers interior door pull handle. The fix ultimately required replacement of entire interior door panel. One of the slides for controlling air conditioning air direction on the dash came apart. Thank goodness I found it before it fell down into the air duct. There was an annoying rattle from the passenger door area. Found it to be the plastic fixture/clip which holds the visor in place. I fixed the rattle. Digital clock on the radio picks up 2-3 minutes per month. I update it about every 3 weeks. Was told me it would require replacing the entire clock/CD module. I dont want to do that, so I will live with it.

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  Dont love the car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Ann - December 23 - 6:12 pm

  I have owned this car for 17 months. During that time, I have had to have a windshield seal reglued, the fuel sensor replaced, the cruise control unit replaced, the sunroof control unit replaced, and most recently, the gauges replaced. The gauges were replaced this week and the odometer now reads 100+ miles. Honda told me yesterday that they cannot reset it to the actual mileage--very annoying. I guess Im supposed to live with this even though the car is under warranty. Im not happy, and I still dont know yet if my low-fuel light problem has been fixed so that I actually can know when I need gas without tracking my mileage with the tripometer.

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  fast n fun - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By nateg - December 23 - 4:11 pm

  Ive had this car for a little over a year. Its a lot of fun to drive (10). Good straight line power and one the best handling cars Ive ever driven. 80,000 miles and feels very solid. It has lots of low end torque for a honda, and is amazing when in VTEC. Very good ride when considering how good it is around the twisties. However its not without its faults. My engine uses oil, makes my white bumper black. Bad timing belt tensioner design. "Get r done" interior (no frills). This car hates cold weather. The normally buttery smooth 5 speed notches into gear, and the interior and front suspension creeks when it gets below freezing. It doesnt get around in the snow very well either for a FWD.

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  Excellent with exceptions - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 20 - 9:38 pm

  Bought new in 02. 51k miles. Engine shifts are tough on hilly highways (Vermont). Road noise a bit loud. Factory tires wore out way too soon. Rides a little rough with chosen new tires, but other tire choices give a softer ride. Drives great. Drivers seat needs better thigh support for tall folk on long rides. Very reliable. AWD kicks in snowy weather. Movable back seats are awesome, but the 1/3 seat split doesnt always help with some loads. Factory stereo works well. Overall an excellent vehicle and recommended.

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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wes - December 20 - 10:26 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, it has been good over all, but have concerns about the overall quality of Honda. 5000 miles, the driver front airbag sensor went. Dealer told me they have seen a lot on the 05 Odyssey with this problem. One of the trunk interial panels just never got install properly from the factory, has one corner popped out. I had a brand new Civic EX before, 2nd month I had the car, the bumper paint was peeling off. Otherwise Im happy with the CRV, good size trunk and fuel economy, long list of standard featurescomparing to Toyota RAV4