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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  Uncomfortable - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Joe - December 5 - 1:13 pm

  Bought this instead of the Fit and have regretted it since. (Not sure Id like the Fit though). The headrests are the main issue and why I didnt notice at the time I went around the block, Ill never know. They push my head forward. I have adjusted the seat and headrest to be bearable. Even my mother had trouble riding in the car with me and had to lean forward in an uncomfortable manner. Ill never buy a car with a headrest like this again. Otherwise, the car is mediocre. No trip computer for an EX trim line, go figure.

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  2011 ODYSSEY - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Duggg - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This is our 1st minivan and we bought this over a Honda Pilot because it was more sensible for our growing family. We compared the 2011 Sienna and Odyssey. The Odyssey won due to the ease of the folding rear seats and my wife liked the looks and drive better. I have only two complaints, the driver seat doesnt go back far enough (Im 62)and the middle row of seats CANNOT be arranged to have the two bigger seats side by side with the smaller center seat removed for easier access to the rear. Great van otherwise, very happy.

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  After 3 Years, Still a Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Austin - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car new based primarily on safety and reliability rankings. Havent had to test safety, but reliability and quality have been excellent.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By joe4prez - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot. Only issue after 25K miles is a new battery replacement, which was done under warranty. The car has a comfortable ride and great seating capacity, which with carpooling we fill up every day. We love the DVD player, though on the freeway we have to turn it up to MAX to hear it. When taking on a heavy load (like once we loaded it with boxes of books)the rear of the car bottoms out. Sunroof is a little too slow to open and close. Other than that, a near perfect car.

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  Lots of Space, But Not Fun to Drive - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I chose this minivan over an SUV after much begging from my wife, who liked the space, practicality and fuel efficiency. I regret the purchase. Car has lots of space, but the 5-speed models still have lots of road noise. Car is fuel efficient but not much better than SUV considering this is a 2 wd. VCM spends too much time fumbling with how many cylinders you need, which results in an unpleasant drive and a lack of confidence in the cars ability to accelerate at times. 3rd row access is just as bad as in an suv especially when you have car seats in the 2nd row. Honda technology/electronics are not as intuitive or impressive as in cars like the Flex. SUV with a roof rack is a good alternative

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  Fantastic Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By crashrecovery - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the best built, most reliable car I have ever owned. Replaced front brakes once, 2 batteries, 2 sets of tires, upgraded plugs to e3 and wires to Granatelli MPG+ 8 mm and installed a K&N filter in the factory air box. Ive done oil changes every 3000 miles and just recenty changed the trans fluid. Now it isnt a sports car, but it wasnt built to be. If thats what you want, get something else. The minor upgrades (< $225) have increased my fuel economy to 27 mpg! Any car with 100,000mi that runs this good and gets 27 mpg is a great ride!

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  Everything it is made out to be - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 1st time honda owner - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car about 2 months ago. This is probably the best & safest choice in this class and price range. As an owner of a large European sedan I must admit I grew to appreciate this car over the last two months. Got it mostly for the price point & value but would highly recommend it to anyone, who is looking at this kind of car. Nothing really stands out, but the car, as the package, presents the best buy, from my opinion. (roomy interior, nice exterior, smooth ride, good breaks, excellent visibility, honda quality, 4WD for winter driving, good crash scores, great value, decent MPH) Whats not to like?. While it is NOT a luxury car by any means, it is a great "commuting vehicle".

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jason - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new May of 03. I have 155,000 miles on it currently gas mileage has always maintained 33-34 no matter the driving environment.I have had all the schedule maintenance done by the dealer. I have replaced tires, battery etc... No problems what so ever!!! The interior material could have been a little better the paint is thin and the bumper paint is peeling like acid was poured on it.

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  Nice Ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By pdponyx - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 25 miles on it, I now have 400. Recently I noticed that the engine is starting to get noisy. It was silent in the beginning. When I decelerate I can feel the down shifting. Accelerating is not a problem. Ive just used one tank of gas so far, so Im still seeing what the MPG are like. I like the design, but I cannot see the front so Im still figuring out how far I have before I hit something.

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  Amazingly reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Dean - November 28 - 2:00 am

  My Civic is the Australian GLi model. She had made it to 185,000 km before a complete moron took it out in an accident. 60 kph front on and I got out with a scratch to the knee. In the three years she was with me, I had not one breakdown or a time that she didnt start. I did many road trips, in hot Australian Summers, anywhere up to 10,000 km a trip. Ive often got fuel usage down to 5.5 L per 100 km as well, highway. Ill miss her, and will likely end up buying another Civic. :(