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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  seat comfort - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By newhondaowner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  re: review of John Miller of March 6,2002, have experienced the same problem with the drivers seat. Feet begin to go numb after driving for awhile. I am 62". Also, back aches after driving it for not that long a period

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  automatic sliding door problem. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cchang - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Honda Odyssey EX and drove about 18000 miles. Well, I have been to dealer four times already. Once was for the instrument panel lighting recall, and three times for the rear sliding door. THREE TIMES. My rear (both side) sliding door stop working once, and didnt close so it beeped like crazy. They have replaced both doors locking part, but I had exact same problem one more time. I also heard that this was design fault by Honda and they should extend my warranty on this door.

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  An Amazing Car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic Pride - August 25 - 5:30 pm

  I read a lot about this car prior to purchase and concluded it was a great idea. It was hard to find one--called around a lot and the few places that had them in the country wanted top dollar. Eventually found one out of state and purchased end of month--got a reasonable deal. It is an awesome commuter car--very cheap to run, extremely reliable, clean burning, carpool lane exemption, and dare I say, even fun to drive. No, certainly not a sports car, but it corners well, stops well, and accelerates decently. CNG is well below the price of regular unleaded-- about 40-50% for me, and Im not Utah--Im surprised everyone there doesnt have one! My kids, boss and others say "cool!"

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  Solid car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bill - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought new in June 2007. Great gas mileage, 26-32mpg it depends on speed, etc. I dont like that the headlights are not automatic. This is the first car that Ive owned in the last ten years that did not have auto headlights. The seats are not comfortable after a while. I have taken this car on a few road trips and my body hurts after a couple of hours. Its great for my 30 mile work commute though. I had to replace the brakes at 50k miles. I had a blowout on one of the rear tires at about 40k. I expect both of these things to happen on a car of this caliber. Its not a luxury car but is dependable and does what I need.

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  Update after 660 miles trip - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Igor - August 25 - 2:23 pm

  Addition to my previous review after 600+ trip on mostly flat road. Fuel economy got to 41.2mpg (car gauge)/38mpg (actual) with 3 adults and a kid and a full load of cargo with running a/c and a speed between 70 and 80m/h. As somebody else mentioned already, ride is very harsh over any kind of road irregularities. This little thing can hold its own at 80m/h without much stress and very stable on a road.

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  BEST Car I ever owned - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Tooler1988 - August 25 - 1:39 pm

  Why they stopped making this car I will never understand. Running original plugs at 230000 miles. On 3rd set of tires, Getting 70000 per set. Only thing that had to be replaced was the air fuel sensor, which took me less then 10 min to do. Great in the snow.

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  Bad Pax Tire System - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Duy - August 25 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased this van brand new without knowing that the tire system was different. All four tires unevenly wear out after 20,000 miles on it (e.g. they wear out on one edge of the tires but not the other side). I brought it to Firestone and it was said that the alignment was bad which killed the tired. I brought it to Hondas dealer and all they said was that they were not responsible and I had to pay nearly $1,500 to replay a new tire. Its sad. We have purchased 4 Honda and surely this van would be the last one. In addition, this van is not very fuel economy (e.g. 20 miles on freeway and 15 miles in the city, bad!!!. Dont purchase it if you dont want to pay more than its worth.

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  Stage 1 Modified 04 Civic EX 5SP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Acura Racer - August 25 - 9:50 am

  I purchased my Civic with its small 127HP 1.7L for my excessive commuting and the need for a gas economy car. After installing a cold-air intake, strut tower brace, stage 1 clutch, lightweight racing flywheel, iridium plugs, and gator belts it flies like a rocket and has an improved gas economy of 30CTY/43HWY. Although the cabin noise is very loud, it is well worth the 400-500 miles per $24 tank of gas. Plus, besides the mods I have only had to change fluids in this car and the periodic check over under the hood. The only exception was an O2 sensor. It is extremely LOW maintenance. Overall, its modern styling and economy are the best I have experienced between Honda/Acura over the years.

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  1 solid mini-van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By fmichael - August 25 - 9:43 am

  Theres no surprise that the Odyssey is 1 of the best selling mini-vans on the market today...Solid build quality, reliable, comfortable, and versatile...Fuel economy has averaged 22/23 mpg with 80% hwy/20% city driving.

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  Verry happy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By happy - August 25 - 9:28 am

  We looked around very hard before buying our Pilot and we believe that we got the best for our money. Sure there are other SUV that are better in some areas but the Pilot got our vote because overall it had the most for the money. It stops very fast if you are driving at high speed. It rides smooth compare to others. It is roomier than others and it carries a lot more than what the brochure says, trust me we have tried. Fuel consumption is better than what the brochure says. It does get 25mpg on the highway and fully loaded with 5 people it still gets 24mpg. We just love it.