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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  IMA Battery - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bjuicy - August 31 - 1:59 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used. It was a smooth driving and comfortable vehicle. Good gas mileage and then the IMA Hybrid battery goes out and thats when the problems began. I just want to inform the consumers of the cost the will be out of their pocket if by chance the electric battery goes out. You are looking at about 3500 to 4500 at a dealership to replace the battery. If you look online they are starting at 1600. Also just know these cars are designed to where you can only take it to the dealership to get any service done on them and even then a lot of the technician at the dealership dont even have the knowledge to diagnose or even work on these vehicles to fix the problems.

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  Its all about the VTEC - 2009 Honda Civic
  By engineaddict - August 31 - 10:51 am

  The Civic Si is a fun car to drive. Every time I get in the drivers seat, I smile to myself, even though Im aware that fun doesnt mean winning over all of the other sporty cars on the road to the next signal light (cause it is probably not going to happen). For those of you considering the Si, this is my recommendation: test drive at least 4 Civic Sis (so you know when one of these is dead). And, conduct your test drive in two phases: 1) gentle, "everyday" driving - this also allows the engine to warm up, too. 2) then, rev it out! The red line is 8000. Make it go there. If possible, turn off A/C & roll the windows down for this phase.

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  181k Miles and Counting! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sunnydriver - August 31 - 8:44 am

  It is a great car! I need an upgrade since I Have 2 kids. I Have a coupe so it is inconvenient to get in and out of. But I love it! Fixing to sell it. I bought it in Dec 2000. No problems yet!

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  Honda Reliability? Dont think so. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jebedmund - August 30 - 6:19 pm

  After recently dealing with the dreaded "blown head gasket" @ 105k miles, Im stopping by Edmunds to read others experiences. I cant believe how many people have had a blown head gasket on low mileage Civics. This is my second major complaint with the car ... the first being the air fuel sensor giving out a couple of years ago and the $400+ dealer quote on the repair. Honda should have covered both of these problems with recalls. Note to Honda marketing: *We WONT be buying another Honda*.

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  Wind Noise is still an issue - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By kelvestto - August 30 - 9:50 am

  When youre test drive a 2013 or 2014, make sure you pay close attention to the wind noise and road noise. Its a design flaw that you can hear outside wind noise when driving above 60mph. You might not able to hear your kid from the second row with the wind noise.

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  160k and still going strong - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mikroma1 - August 30 - 1:42 am

  My first car that I have ever bought back in April of 2010 with 108,000 miles. Now in August of 2013, I have put 52 k miles on it with very little maintenance. Its becoming an old car, so naturally, it isnt as equipped as new cars with usb/ipod, navigation, lane-watch, etc. That being said, it is hard to find lots of features in this outdated 2001 accord. Back then, I am sure the standard features in this car were up to date and seemed fresh, even for the less expensive lx trim. With its durable engine, you can really push it which makes it fun. Has original clutch and brake rotors which still work like new. All I had to replace was a left front and left rearbushing on the sway bar

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  Civic si sedan - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mdschuet - August 29 - 1:16 pm

  I considered gti and civic si. Picked si thinking it would be more reliable. I was wrong. Many things have gone wrong and Honda will not fix unless you have deep pockets. Door handles stop working, trunk will stop working, and now 2nd gear is making noises and Honda wants 700 dollars just to open it up and diagnose. I bought this car to avoid this problem and here I am with the warrantee over, and transmission issues with 2.5 years left of payments. Im stuck with it now, bought it for performance and excitement but now its a point a to b car that I have to skip 2nd gear. It was fun and good until this. Get a warrantee or buy another car, I have 95,000 miles on it, and I drive good.

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  Great Value-Fun Car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By earnhart1 - August 29 - 11:56 am

  Have 3,500 miles now, so feel I can give a good posting on the car. This is my 5th Honda--and its definitely the best to date. Traded my V6 auto Accord to this 4 cyl. manual Sport model--really fun car to drive! Quick easy throws on the manual and the engine loves to rev in the high range. The car seems screwed together well--no rattles or initial problems with build quality. Easy to drive both city and highway--but ride is much firmer than my previous Accord. Having test driven the Mazda 6 (as this was the closest contender), I went with the Honda for features and value.....but it was a close call. Gotta say, not disappointed with my purchase at all--really have enjoyed the car.

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  Update - 2012 Honda Civic
  By shannonb36 - August 29 - 7:37 am

  Have had my 2012 Civic coupe for 7 months and have loved every minute of it. Have put 12,000 miles on it so far. It gets me everywhere Ive asked it to go so far. I do agree with others about the blind spots, but have learned to be aware of them when changing lanes. I also agree about the acceleration. It takes a little while to get up to highway speed, but once it does it cruises very comfortably and sometimes when I look down the speed on the speedometer surprises me and I slow down quick! Still impressed with all of the features offered in an economy priced car. Very happy, very good purchase.

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  2009 Civic EX 5 Spd Manual - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mcuvelaine - August 28 - 4:00 pm

  I love this car. Absolutely love it! My last Honda went nearly 200,000 miles before it needed any serious work. I grew up with Hondas, I learned to drive on a Honda, I am 100% committed to Honda. This is a fuel efficient car. It looks sporty, but it isnt a fast little racer. With that being said, I get an average of 34-38 mpg. Not complaining. It handles great, and the comfy seats are designed to keep you planted while taking corners at lightning speed ) My one complaint is the gear box. Im not sure if the previous owner was just too rough with it or what, but shifting (either up or down) into 2nd can be a sloppy, gear grinding mess if you dont put enough force into it.