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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  BAD mpg - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Alex - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought a civic hybrid for the mpg. on the sticker it displayed mpg of 51/49. i thought that would be great. unfortunately i got around 28 hwy. so i traded in for a regular civic

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  Avoid this SUV like the plague! - 2004 Honda Element
  By buffalogirl - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable driving always starts even when its -20. Not too aerodynamic because of boxy shape, so when youre driving in high wind, hard to control & you feel it! Rough riding, only fits 4 people because of cup holders between 2 back bucket seats. Terrible MPG we only got about 20m., hwy. Drivers side airbag deployed while it was parked no collision or impact, apparently a common problem in Elements that Honda wont fix! Very costly! Seat also are already splitting at seams on Drivers side. On our 3rd windshield.

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  We got a lemon and Honda wont help - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hammond - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Well, its been about 8 months since we purchased the car and sadly, this Honda let us down majorly. At 12K, the check engine light blared and the screen gave us a warning sign that something was wrong with the hybrid system. Took it in and it turned out that the cooling system was shot. After 4 weeks in the shop, we took it and found they didnt fix it right since the car was vibrating when the battery kicked in. Not only that but our average mileage has dropped from 45 MPG to about 37 MPG. So I think we got a lemon but Honda isnt treating us right. We paid a premium for the Hybrid and we expect it. Should have coughed the extra $1500 for the Prius.

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  Noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By John F - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used just before a 1800 mile round trip. The road noise is terrible unless the road is smooth as glass. Interstate highways that have been resurfaced caused so much noise that conversation or listening to the radio is impossible. Secondary roads very bad too. The car has new Goodyear Integrity tires. Is there any tire that will dampen road noise? The drivers seat is uncomfortable. At idle, the radiator cooling fan creates a rumble that resonates through the car. The AC fan just started creating a pulsing fan noise. Im very dissatisfied and about ready to a loss on the price I paid and dump this car and go back to Ford or GM.

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  Excessive road noise and rattles! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Icky - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed, road noise over even slight imperfections on roads is very loud and distracting. If you were to drive over a penny on the road you would hear it ! @10,000 KM various rattles have developed, in glove box, sun visor, seat belt mechanism. I used to like going for drives, but not anymore since buying this car. My 1999 Civic I traded in put this car to complete shame when it comes to refinement. I will likely never by a Honda product again. Honda quality appears to be a thing of the past. How anyone can recommend a car with this level of road noise and rattles is beyond me. This could have been a great car, if Honda engineers paid some attention to detail. Buyer beware !

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  A car for the elderly - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Economan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  First car owned since 2003 (havent needed one living in NYC). After 6 months of ownership & 6000 miles I am frustrated by this vehicle. The engine is amazingly weak off the line, the windshield wipers do not clear the windshield of rain, the a/c is weak above 90 degrees, and the suspension is loose and cheap. But the nav, bluetooth, back-up camera work well and it fits our family of 5 reasonably comfy. Definitely not a sports car or a luxury car, or all that enjoyable to drive. Will probably replace it with new X3 next year. Averaging 23 mpg city/highway combined.

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  My first Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Blanca - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned only Toyotas (corollas and Sienna), this is the first time I bought a 2010 Accord LX sedan, 4 cylinders. The test drive seemed OK. But after a week of driving I notice excessive vibration in the car when braking at low and even worse at high speed. I took it to the dealer and they resurfaced the front rotors. Other thing that I am noticing is the vibration of the front car at idle when the car automatic transmission is in D position.

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  Why? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By BobbyJ - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Completely gutless. Beyond boring to drive. Looks terrible. This car goes for fuel economy and lets everything else suffer. Never again will I buy a Honda product.

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  Not sure i should have bought it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jess - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Well I traded in a Toyota 4runner 1994 for this since I bought it I had to have the a o2sensor and a catalytic converter and a 3rd gear throttle sensor and has a small oil leak road noise why why I have not even had it a year the interior scratches easy I had my Toyota with 108,000 and did not do anything for 3 years on it never a Honda again

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  Could Do Better - 2009 Honda Accord
  By CGS - November 13 - 2:00 am

  We picked the Honda because it was the least expensive car that gave us all of the features we wanted (standard, good size, leather, sun roof, good gas mileage, etc). I find it was more than a compromise for me and will look longer the next go around. Im 56 and although my mind likes the idea of a standard, theres a reason 94% of cars nowadays are automatics (smile). I have a squeak in the steering column that annoying and my key fob is failing (all with very little use). The greatest drawback though is that the Accord is a lot noisier at highway speeds than it should be. I have six cars. This is the newest. And the noisiest. That shouldnt be in this day and age.