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 Sales Service Norm Reeves - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Very Very Unhappy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Car has paint defeat when purchase. Dealer said it was just dirty. Took in 2 times to dealer. one was for a day. The 2nd car was left for for a week. White spot on paint. Services center said it need to be repainted. Car less then 2week old. Alarm & tint was install elsewhere from dealer for about $300. Sale manager very rude. Will not refund the $300 but only the replaced with a new car. Was told to remove it ourself. Didnt accept dealer offer. Wrote to honda motors. Its been about 7 bussiness days & still waiting. Will not purchase another Honda again. We have 4 honda at home. BS. Beware Norm Reeves Honda!

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  2016 Honda Civic EX-T 4 months of ownership - 2016 Honda Civic
  By James - December 29 - 2:31 pm

  This is my honest review of my new 2016 Honda Civic EX-T after owning it for almost 4 months. Important Note: This is the first car Ive owned but Ive rented different cars before. I want to begin by saying that this car is fantastic. The moment I test drove it, I fell in love with how amazingly it drove. The car drives perfectly, takes bumps very well, handles amazingly, and overall is a great car for getting from point A to B while providing some sportiness. If I were to pick an issue with the performance, it is the turbo lag. It doesnt happen often and doesnt affect the safety of the car but there are moments where it takes a short while for the car to start going. Other than the occasional rare lag, it runs extremely well. The comfort of the car is great for its class. The only issue is that this car is relatively low so it can be hard to get in and out of the ground. Ive had many instances of having my shoes come into contact with the door and causing stains. The dual zone is a blessing especially in hot days. The seats are not the best but they are pretty good. They can get stained. The front interior of the car is just amazing. The layout of the dash and touchscreen are well thought out and make the car seem more luxurious than it actually is. The back interior is a different story. The back seats arent as well thought out and I recommend an Accord if backseats are important. The design of the seat belt for the middle seat is awkward. The seat belt straightener is placed too close to where the passenger would rest their head. Ive had a passenger hit their head trying to rest. The doors of the back seat in the EX-T lack the same cloth stitching seen in the front seat. Besides these flaws, the backseat has its merits, it is roomy for a compact sedan. The technology in the EX-T is terrific, dual zone, heated seats, a sunroof, and android auto/carplay make this car very luxurious. What really amazes me is the fuel economy of this car. Ive been getting around 36 mpg average doing mostly highway driving. I drive around 80 miles a day for 4 days and I only need to refuel once per week. Other issues Ive had with the car include: glitches with the climate control where it wouldnt turn off or kept blowing at my feet, rare backup camera issues, and an occasional door rattling noise. Overall, I highly recommend this car, the driving experience is great, the interior/exterior are well done, the fuel economy is top of the class good. Only few quality issues and glitches seem to put a small dent in an otherwise great compact sedan.

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  Really Cant Complain! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Driver - December 29 - 12:38 pm

  Bought the car new, off the lot, in 2001. It has been a great car, up until about a couple years ago when, at 165,000-plus miles, the clutch gave out. I still have my questions about that, but I no longer frequent that mechanic. That was my first major repair. The original battery lasted 11 years!! Gotta agree on the headliner; several years ago it started drooping and I just used clear packing tape, and its pretty bad now, but Im not forking out $$ to fix it (the car is aging and is less than nice looking anymore). Upon going to a dealer for a recall fix, the service tech told me they see a lot of that. Made me wonder if it was some sort of defect. And the headlights - the last few years they seemed to go out quite frequently - annoying! I also had the SRS light go on and didnt want to bother with it, but, again, upon the recall for the airbags a couple years ago, the dealer checked it out (I didnt ask nor mention it) and it was the seat belt buckle - they told me Honda has a lifetime warranty on the seat belts so they fixed it free! Ive gotten 39-40 mpg on the freeway (I stay at a steady speed) and roughly 34-35 in town. That has started to decrease a little in the last six or so months to maybe 36 hwy and 33-34 in town. And the dashboard lights, about a year ago, went out partially (the right side of the speedometer and the gas gauge), but, again, with the age and condition of the vehicle - not gonna fix it. It also started using oil a couple years ago, but the usage has remained roughly unchanged so far and, oddly, is better when I get an oil change/filter. I now have managed to get it to 189,000 and dont know how much longer I have. It has to be smogged very soon (Im in California) and I dont know if it will pass this time (California gets more strict with older cars). I passed two years ago with flying colors, but now not so sure. If it passes, Ill be happy and keep going as long as the car doesnt $200 me to death. If it doesnt pass, whether I keep it will depend on whats wrong and how much $$. **An update. I passed the smog. My new mechanic, I noticed, now uses 5-30 synthetic blend oil for my oil changes (it had always been 5-20 regular oil), and my oil consumption has decreased. Go figure. Im hanging in there!

• 

  Really Cant Complain! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Driver - December 29 - 12:38 pm

  Bought the car new, off the lot, in 2001. It has been a great car, up until about a couple years ago when, at 165,000-plus miles, the clutch gave out. I still have my questions about that, but I no longer frequent that mechanic. That was my first major repair. The original battery lasted 11 years!! Gotta agree on the headliner; several years ago it started drooping and I just used clear packing tape, and its pretty bad now, but Im not forking out $$ to fix it (the car is aging and is less than nice looking anymore). Upon going to a dealer for a recall fix, the service tech told me they see a lot of that. Made me wonder if it was some sort of defect. And the headlights - the last few years they seemed to go out quite frequently - annoying! I also had the SRS light go on and didnt want to bother with it, but, again, upon the recall for the airbags a couple years ago, the dealer checked it out (I didnt ask nor mention it) and it was the seat belt buckle - they told me Honda has a lifetime warranty on the seat belts so they fixed it free! Ive gotten 39-40 mpg on the freeway (I stay at a steady speed) and roughly 34-35 in town. That has started to decrease a little in the last six or so months to maybe 36 hwy and 33-34 in town. And the dashboard lights, about a year ago, went out partially (the right side of the speedometer and the gas gauge), but, again, with the age and condition of the vehicle - not gonna fix it. It also started using oil a couple years ago, but the usage has remained roughly unchanged so far and, oddly, is better when I get an oil change/filter. I now have managed to get it to 189,000 and dont know how much longer I have. It has to be smogged very soon (Im in California) and I dont know if it will pass this time (California gets more strict with older cars). I passed two years ago with flying colors, but now not so sure. If it passes, Ill be happy and keep going as long as the car doesnt $200 me to death. If it doesnt pass, whether I keep it will depend on whats wrong and how much $$. **An update. I passed the smog. My new mechanic, I noticed, now uses 5-30 synthetic blend oil for my oil changes (it had always been 5-20 regular oil), and my oil consumption has decreased. Go figure. Im hanging in there!

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  Excellent value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By EdNJ908 - December 27 - 2:56 pm

  This is my second Accord V6. The car is very reliable and performs well. I would like to see improved gas mileage in city driving (currently low 20 miless/gal) and less interior noise when driving. The Honda tends to ride rough especially over bumps. The radio/CD player should have better speakers. All of this being said, I still recommend the car and enjoy driving it.

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  Passport 1994 - 1994 Honda Passport
  By 5highpockets - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had very good experience. Car has been very reliable. Over entire eight year life, have had very few issues. Paint, interior, engine hve all remained very durable. Had the 4 cylinder engine.

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  great suv - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dougie - December 25 - 8:03 pm

  A very good and reliable SUV. I have a 2003 Pilot and the 2009 version has come a long way. I wont complain about fuel economy as this is an issue with every SUV V6 or V8 Ive every owned. I added every feature I could and Im glad I did as Honda options are excellent.

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  High Expectations - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bryan12432 - December 25 - 11:10 am

  This is my first Honda. My expectations were very high based on what I have heard from other Honda owners. I have already had 4 problems, 2 of them minor. The non-powered sliding doors stick and I had to have the lower control arm re-torqued. On the more serious side, the paint under the front bumper is pealing and the battery failed. I am going to buy an extended warranty because it does not appear the re-designed Odyssey is of typical Honda quality.

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  Good design - 2016 Honda Accord
  By jose carves - December 24 - 6:22 am

  V6 is the best power engine...to much. Power fast

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  Pretty nice RIDE!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Charles - December 24 - 4:54 am

  I purchased my 2 door Coupe July 23, 2016 and its been great ever since! I love the interior and the exterior seem like a luxury coupe. I was so excited to test drive, I totally forgot to see if it had a CD player, so after signing all the papers and driving it off the lot, I realized it didnt have one! I still love and enjoy it though and my ONLY COMPLAINT is this third brake light always falling down UGH!!! Ive had it replaced but the dealership says its a design flaw and I called Honda and they said they are working on a remedy. The car isnt the most quiet ride but smooth enough..... Ill give it 4 STARS!!