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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  Automatic trans...bad idea - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By PJBurr - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, but big mistake buying an automatic trans. Bought car in April, trans burned out in June, Im in my late 30s so the car is stock and I drive normal. Honda replaced the trans under warranty, told me it was around $5500. Too bad, should of bought the 5 speed

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  First - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Firsthonda - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The build quality, ride and interior space are exceptional. Other than not having a sunroof it has all the creature comforts one could ask for.

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  I love it - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hutch42 - December 5 - 8:06 pm

  While Consumer Reports has just reported on this car and they do not recommend it, I totally disagree. While it has many of the "faults" indicated by Consumer Reports, it meets my needs perfectly. It is nice looking, drives nicely, rides nicely, and gets great gas mileage. After over 1,000 miles in this car, Ive averaged around 50 mpg. At 6 ft. in height, I have never hit my head entering the car. The driving position is comfortable and I have plenty of head and leg room. The only down side, in my opinion, is that it seems to work hard climbing long hills, but Ive had it up to 80 mph. going up hills.

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  Sacrificing performance for reliability - 1997 Honda Accord
  By REL - December 5 - 10:00 am

  As most Honda owners will agree, the Accord is about as close to "bulletproof" as it gets. Mine currently has a bit over 60,000 miles and all I have had to do is change out the original set of tires. What the car lacks in performance and styling, it clearly makes up in reliability and comfort.

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  Checking on the AT Cooler Recommendation - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By shuttsmeup - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I tow a pop up at a bout 1900 - 2000 lbs. NO PROBLEMS SO FAR at 18,000 miles, but to follow up on the question below asking about a Honda recommendation to install AT and PS coolers on all Odysseys used for towing, Ive sent e- mail and left voice mail with my Sales Rep at Sam Swope Honda (Louisville, Ky) to check this out. WILL UPDATE WHEN I RECEIVE A RESPONSE

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  A car with attitude - 2001 Honda Civic
  By LMad - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The 2001 Civic coupe is a reliable car that is fun and somewhat sporty. It is sensible but still has its attitude.

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  Some problems here - 2002 Honda Accord
  By grebby - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven Honda Accords. A new one every 3 years or so since 1978. Well, This 2001 is no Accord I ever knew. After 3 months, a tap-tap- tap noise under load. found it when a bolt came out from under the dash- hope nothing too important. excessive windnoise- rain on the door trim panels is awfully loud- thin metal everywhere. Going over warning ripples the entire car resonates for about 15 seconds. Honda has taken Monocoque (unitbody)Construction past its useful limits. Paint flaws visible after paint curing. Seems like they took the insight and put a bigger body on it- cheap and too light. My Last Honda- period.

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  service of honda is very poor - 2003 Honda S2000
  By kay - December 4 - 2:00 am

  i love the car..i get many compliments on it.after all they only make 5000 of them a year and people dont really know what kind of car it is..but the motor blew at 4k miles and honda did not want to warranty it..the dealer ships were very poor on fixing things and three times i brought it in for service..they damaged my car...from the bumper to the fender to the front lip spoiler..bronx honda...and curry honda..the best service i ever gotten is rushneck honda in tarrytown...and honda told me that they did not want to warranty the blown motor..

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  i love my car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By rebecca ann - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda Accord for almost three years and I still love it. I have had no problems, only routine maintence. She has no rust and looks good.

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  1st Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By david griscom - December 3 - 11:49 am

  This is our 1st Honda after years of Toyotas because the grills on the new Toyotas are so ugly we could not bring ourselves to buy one. Still too new to answer some of the questions but looks great and rides great. Some of the technology is not so easy to figure out and there is a lot of it. The navigation system appears to be outdated already as some construction completed in the last 2 years was not recognized. No USB port in the back seat is inconvenient and the cup holders are too deep for small cups. Not nearly as many little places to store things as our Toyotas had but the trunk is bigger.