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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  Disappointed so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Soupboy - May 25 - 6:26 am

  Traded in my beloved WRX wagon for a van. Went with the loaded Odyssey Touring based on prior experience with an 98 Accord EX and favorable press. Bad move. Less than 90 days old it needed a complete tranny replacement and new molding on the windshield to eliminated horrible wind noise. Oh yeah, the mileage is awful regularly posting sub- 20mpg on road trips. The dealership said the tranny issue was attributable to a run of bad units from a particular vendor. The most offensive thing being they sell the van knowing the tranny will fail make you bring it in instead of proactively replacing it. Awful CS and negative goodwill. I would never buy this vehicle again.

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  Honda CRV - Accident Waiting to Happen - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kent Myers - May 24 - 10:00 am

  CR-V interior design and mechanical is great but it is an accident waiting to happen. Rear wheels kicking in while turning a corner on ice sends the car into a spin. The same on a wet curvy road w/suggested speed of 30 mph. The car began to skid while slower then suggested speed. When the brakes were used, the car went into a spin. Obviously the rear drive engaged where front-wheel drive alone is the safest. Why design a car without a four-wheel drive override? Why design a car allowing four-wheel drive over 20-35 mph? Insurance companies disallows ABS discounts for "on-demand" all-wheel drive cars. Wonder what they know that the consumers dont?

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  Could be better built - 2003 Honda Accord
  By grizzly - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Avalon, Passat, Maxima. Got into an Accord just by chance. Good mix of features for the money. Not as sexy as the Maxima, but better value. Like the performance, ride and interior features (miss some of the other guys features). Disappointed in the build quality. Alignment so far out it wore off front tire outsides in 2K miles. Rattling CD compartment still not fixed. Installed mud flaps (dealer installed options are out of sight) and found stripped screws, fasteners and such all around. Great car for price, poor quality control, high option prices at dealer.

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  good car, reliability issues - 2006 Honda Civic
  By xr72p - May 24 - 12:36 am

  This is a safe, very fuel efficient car (35+ hwy MPG) that handles well and is comfortable to drive. However, This car has been back to Honda dealerships to replace the AC compressor, to check for coolant leaks, and three times to fix a leaking power steering pump.

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  Downsizing from an SUV - 2009 Honda Fit
  By g-ma - May 20 - 4:40 pm

  I thought I could never drive anything but an SUV. Been driving one since 1984. I just purchased my Fit in 1/09. I was surprised to find out I really do enjoy it. Its a little lower but other than that, I really dont miss all the bells and whistles, especially when I realized the gas mileage. It all evened out. I recommend this vehicle.

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  Dad sold me his Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike Carlson - May 20 - 10:49 am

  The center console navigation dvd map thing is dead and the car drives somewhat like a truck compared to his Mercedes but its a nice looking car and runs OK.

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  Decent car, but not worth extra $ - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Erik - May 19 - 9:23 am

  Not a bad little car. My major problem with the Civic Hybrid is that I seldom come close to the 48/47 mpg Im supposed to be getting. Its usually around 43mpg on the dash and 40 mpg actual at the pump (the dash display is always off by 2-4 mpg). Still not bad, but this is the selling point so it should be considered a big problem being that the car cost a good $4000 more than other civics. Other than that, the brakes are sub-par, and leads to the occasional minor loss of steering control over bumps in the road. This can be a little scary when it first happens. Ive had no real problems other than the car stalling once. Other than these things, it drives like any other Civic.

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  Good but could be better... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Fachetti - May 17 - 9:09 pm

  Coming from an 09 Expedition Eddie Bauer, Im somewhat disappointed. Overall performance is great. And Honda reliability and resale are a definite plus. But armrests, seriously, couldnt Honda include a decent center console? And the tech in this Honda is definitely lacking. Voice commands are a joke, it thought Vero Beach Florida was Deer Lake Ohio, really? The Sync in my 08 Focus is way better. I did get a great deal, and this car is very nice overall, and very affordable when compared to similar models. But there are a number of small annoying issues, like no drivers seat memory settings. Ill probably trade back up to an Expedition when I can find a really good deal on one.

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  Vibration at highway speed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Gordon Lock - May 16 - 5:53 pm

  I drove an Accord that was on lot before I bought. I didnt drive the actual car that I purchased until after I had paid for it as it had to be driven from another dealership. Big mistake! This car vibrates at highway speeds and after the dealership worked on it 3 times for a total of 27 days, it is not fixed. I was told that there was nothing else they could do for it and it was out of their hands. Talked to a Honda rep in California and was told it is not their policy to replace a car or to return your money. If you are considering Honda, be aware of their policy .

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  Bad city mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Bo - May 16 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my Honda Accord a month ago. I am not very happy with the acceleration I get. I believe the VTEC engine takes time to respond especially at the lower gears. I drove my car for the first month only in city (several lights& traffic) and got very bad mileage of 18-19 compared to the advertised 24 mpg. Have been driving without hard braking and use of much air conditioning or heat. I was expecting atleast 21-22. Very disappointed! Not sure if I was handed the last bad piece they had.