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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  Transmission! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cyndee - March 10 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my 2003 brand new and most of my mileage was freeway for 4 of the 6 years. Positives: Mileage 38 mpg town and over 45 Hwy. Fun and zippy Negatives: Transmission at 90m bad noise and at 110 embarrassing. Its said to be a Civic problem avg. at 120m. Heater vents above stereo. In the winter with loud music blew 4 different Honda stereos before they put a Pioneer in for me. Replaced catalytic at 60m. Trunk leaked from day 1 under trunk and they never found it. Thank God Im in So.Cal. I have had a bad time with my Honda, but still loved it. I can say I will not buy another when it finally dies!

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  CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - March 10 - 10:24 am

  Havent had my car very long so some of the ratings I couldnt really answer, however I have always loved Hondas they are dependable and reliable vehicles that will last you a long time. My previous Honda I owned had almost 300, 000 miles and it was still running great! A co-worker of mine still drives his Honda van with over 300, 000 miles on it. You cant go wrong with owning a Honda.

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  Just OK - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jmart - March 10 - 10:10 am

  Have had my 06 for 30 months and 61,000 miles. Only mechanical problems were - broken idle pulley, misaligned window (i.e fell off track). Yes, I average 36-38 mpg. Be prepared to live with: A TON of road noise, poor ride quality, constant shifting 5sp auto, poor power band esp with A/C on, and various (ever changing) rattling (ranging from the right front end to the rear shelf). I guess I expected better - maybe I need to lower the bar of my expectations.

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  Great but could use some design changes - 2008 Honda Civic
  By GLB360 - March 10 - 7:16 am

  Great car. I bought it for the reputation, safety rating and gas mileage. Pros: drove from Los Angeles to Dallas and got 36 hwy and up to 46 when not using the A/C, very “zippy” and fun to drive. Huge windshield allowing passenger to prop feet up on dash, adequate room inside and trunk. Cons: sometimes acts like it wants to stall when idling. Front brakes replaced at 22,000 miles (not covered by warranty). I was told this was due to driving in LA traffic which I believe; CD player died so entire audio system replaced 8 months after purchase (covered by warranty) and lots of road noise. Locked keys in car due to automatic locking system - very annoying!

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  My first Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By fdisk - March 10 - 1:56 am

  My dad has the 2007 V6 and my 4 cyl rides just as smooth if not better than his! The design in this car is brilliant all around, very comfortable seats, drive-by-wire makes steering so smooth youll think you are controlling the car with your mind. Safety features are top notch. I was researching new cars for months, the 08 Accord always came out on top, once I test drove it I signed the papers right away. This car feels like an Acura with a Honda badge on it. Definitely looks and feels like a car worth more money than what you will pay for it.

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  Odyssey vs Pilot - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Join Gordon - March 10 - 1:42 am

  I went to buy a 2016 Pilot. Wanted it bad, was dreaming about one. Family is growing, was thinking a Pilot would do it. Or is OK it has a smaller trunk, OK that 3rd row is smaller, OK it is 5 grands more - such a nice car. Well, after trying Pilot and Odyssey (just to prove myself that Odyssey is no match for a 40yo alfa male) I almost cried. Pilot is a truck, plain and simple. I felt that Im driving an 18 wheeler. Attach wheels to my house, give it an engine - thats how it I felt. Parking garage at work? OMG, not in Pilot. Odyssey is a car like. Not as silent as Pilot, but so much easier to drive. Feels much secure. Acceleration is about the same. So much easier to see what is around you. Dung, I hate minivans. But unless Im in the middle of a desert in Texas Odyssey still would be my choice. Also, 31k for SE OTD with 0.9% apr is so much better than 37k with 2.8%.

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  Sweet Ride EX style - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Masterm1nd23 - March 9 - 11:00 pm

  Man where to begin with this wonderful car. I love the way this car looks and getting behind the wheel is even more exhilarating. The car is sporty but yet sophisticated. Getting on the highway is a real rush in this vehicle. I cant wait to get my K&N air filter which will give my beauty "Silver Surfette" approximately 260 horsepower. I would recommend this car to anyone who loves comfort and performance.

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  Feels Like a Luxury Car, or Better - 2006 Honda Accord
  By LSH Jersey - March 9 - 2:30 pm

  This is my third Honda and only because I wanted a newer, more luxurious Honda; not because my ten year old one had anything wrong with it. Aside from ridiculous, opulent features such as memory seats or rear facing TV cameras this car has everything. Although it was a bit pricey it seems like an outright bargin when compared to Lexus, Mercedes, BMW or even Acura. I think those luxury car drivers should discover what theyre missing. Great acceleration, reasonable fuel economy considering the power, no rattles, controls precisely in place, comfortable heated seats, pleanty of room, great handling and visability. I only wish they offered a variety of interior colors.

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  honda 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By dave wilm - March 9 - 11:33 am

  really tight drive and smooth ride for a compact car -feels like it has a quality feel with the interior and instrumentation panel, overall I am pleased with vehicle

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  99 Honda Civic HX - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mark - March 9 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car in 2005 and so far havent had any major problems. If you are having transmission problems with this car it is the starter clutch kit that needs replacing. This has been a problem for 99-00 Honda Civics. It cost $1900 to fix at dealership. No major problems with car at all. Right now car runs rough in wet weather. Has only 93k on it. The CVT transmission is what makes the car noisy. Car might need a new distributor or o2 sensor if running rough in wet weather. Car is in great shape and body holds up very well if you wax it every six months. No major complaints so far!