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:

• 

  Great car but missing some stuff - 2007 Honda Fit
  By gerard - February 15 - 6:53 am

  Ok...I traded my car for this one just a few days ago. Believe it or not, I had an 05 Acura RSX Type-S. I wanted the extra room and the gas mileage as well as a more user friendly package and lower insurance rates. I was impressed with everything with this FIT. The instrument cluster is BETTER than the RSX, theres a ton more room, and the ingress and degress is what sold me. Power is lacking but thats whats sacraficed for MPG.

• 

  I love this car - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Jenn - February 15 - 5:06 am

  This car is so much fun.. No only is it a head turner but it also gets down and dirty when it comes to showing someone up! I love it.

• 

  so far so good - 2003 Honda Civic
  By lynne - February 13 - 10:13 pm

  bought brand new, have had only minor issues. check engine light came on for no reason and would not go off, fuel filler door cable broke (2 days in the shop, covered by warranty), most recently (around 30-35K) it started making loud clunking noises when switching gears (auto transmission). had transmission fluid changed, seemed to help a little, but not by a lot. still takes a bit to get into gear and makes a noise, which makes me want to get rid of it before something happens. dealership says there is "nothing wrong"...? also, have had 4 flats in as many years. overall, recommended, but be ready for trans probs. also, body seems very easily dented and scratched, this has cost $$$$$$$

• 

  Lemon - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom - February 13 - 9:08 pm

  Problems with EGR valve. Five trips to dealer to fix this (under warranty). Light in clock quit working. Engine started leaking oil at 63,000 miles (out of warranty). Honda dealer blamed it on a Wal-Mart oil change (not a fact based analysis). Changed the rear main seal and still leaked (Honda did cover this charge). Next recommendation was to change the engine at my expense ($2800). Dealer where the vehicle was purchased refused to do the repair after I asked for a guarantee that the engine change would fix the leak. No more Hondas at this house. Also the transmission now "clunks" when put into reverse to back out of the garage.

• 

  Youre driving an accord ! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Jawad Arsh - February 13 - 4:20 pm

  When driving an accord , dont expect a sportiness or exhilarating ride, just look at how much you paid for it. Its a very reliable car with an excellent fuel economy (53/mpg) for my daily drive to work. I own a GTR and Miata for my fun factor and the accord can never ever be a toy car. Its very economical and a reliable drive from point A to B without much drama or fuss . Great value for money, highly recommended . If you want a fun drive, get something else.

• 

  Great Car v6 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By daveral - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car

• 

  Almost loyal as a dog - 1994 Honda Accord
  By SPARKY - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been a reliable car. Before I owned 2 Chevy Cavaliers (ugh), an Audi, a VW Golf, a Ford Escort (double ugh), and a Chevy Celebrity Wagon. Only the Audi and the Golf lasted longer; now at 108,000. However, the finish (white) lost its luster in the FL sun after a couple of years. Recently it wouldnt start within a couple of minutes of shutting off the engine, as when you get gas or are running errands. I just had to replace the master brake cylinder and now stops are bumpy and one setting of the AC doesnt work any more. In thinking about a new car, I wonder if any one that I can afford will hold up as well.

• 

  Almost loyal as a dog - 1994 Honda Accord
  By sparky - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been a reliable car. Before I owned 2 Chevy Cavaliers (ugh), an Audi, a VW Golf, a Ford Escort (double ugh), and a Chevy Celebrity Wagon. Only the Audi and the Golf lasted longer; now at 108,000. However, the finish (white) lost its luster in the FL sun after a couple of years. Recently it wouldnt start within a couple of minutes of shutting off the engine, as when you get gas or are running errands. I just had to replace the master brake cylinder and now stops are bumpy and one setting of the AC doesnt work any more. In thinking about a new car, I wonder if any one that I can afford will hold up as well.

• 

  Great car, but far from perfect - 2000 Honda Civic
  By bloomer98 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I love almost everything about this car. The handling is nice, you dont have to change the oil but for every 7500 miles, good size/feel, good mileage, lots of good things No repair issues. The only things I dont like are the brakes (they have started to make lots of noises but are only at around 50% wear, just an annoyance) and the acceleration. The acceleration leaves a lot to be desired. You dont buy a Civic for a performance vehicle, I guess. Again, its not awful, but I wish it had a little more giddy-up going uphill.

• 

  1800 miles and already broken - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Not a Fan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Today my one month old CRV stalled twice within a 5 min. period. I drove straight to the dealership only to be told they probably wouldnt be able to find the answer. Turns out there is a "bulletin" about this very problem which requires the computer to be reprogrammed. Uncomfortable seats,frequent fill-ups due to small tank and higher than promised mileage, and loud road noise all add up to sub- par transportation. I miss my Blazer!