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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  This car screams reliability, not style - 2000 Honda Accord
  By moparfan1790 - April 13 - 3:32 pm

  I bought this car from my uncle with 89k. Have had absolutely zero problems the only maintenance Ive done is a routine timing belt change (along with the water pump, which I figured I might as well replace w/ belt). Have not had the major transmission issue that seems to be common in the Honda V6 however, the tranny does hesitate between 1st and 2nd. The V6 is very quick, but I do not get very good gas mileage (20 in the city, 27 on highway) for a car of this size. Is not a head turner, but gets me from point A to point B in comfort and without problems.

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  I love my Accord but - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kingstonian - April 12 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this car 2 years ago and it has been very reliable. Once I had a starter problem which I replaced myself. This car only have 38, thousand miles on it but already it seems like its beginning to develop transmission problems. At first I started hearing a little whirring, almost imperceptible sounds. Now its like a siren. Its takes eternity to shift from 3rd to 4th gear. When its slowing to a stop, I feel the tranny slams into a first gear. The fuel econ is not so great, but then again I live on a hilly island of St Thomas usvi.

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  Not bad - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Todd Sandford - April 11 - 10:11 am

  1st car I ever bought brand new. The Honda dealership acted as if they really didnt care if bought the car or not. Only the salesman was concerned. The is dependable and economical but not very comfortable for drives over 30 miles. Seats hurt your bottom, road noise is very loud, and you feel every bump. I average 31- 33 mpg mostly on interstate at 83 mph. Im sure I could get better if I slowed down some. The OE tires only lasted to about 38k miles. Never had tires wear out that quickly before. I am over-all satisfied but will not buy another due to the discomfort and the high price.

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  Good but not great - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Pat - April 10 - 9:37 pm

  Its been very reliable but the threat of transmission failure hanging over my head has always annoyed me. I change the ATF every 20K. I bought a Honda for reliability and not to think about the poorly designed A/T. MPG is only OK for a 4 cylinder. Im not crazy about Hondas insistence on using only genuine Honda fluids. The A/Chas never been freezing cold like some other cars Ive owned. Despite all my complaining it has been a good car. Its just that when you buy a Honda you expect so much. I feel the motor will do 200K but the tranny wont. Id buy a Ford Fusion next.

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  OK, but not as good as my last Honda - 1999 Honda Civic
  By K.S. - April 10 - 12:17 pm

  I had a 1991 Accord before this car. To be fair, we have put a lot of city miles on it and its up to 130k now. But I look to put 200k minimum on a Honda, and Im not going to get that with this one. The engine is great, but Ive had repeated problems with the exhaust system falling out and the brake system breaking all the time, despite excellent maintenance on my behalf and from the cars first owners. I spend about $1500/year fixing this car. Now the transmission is getting ready to die, which I suspect will be a more costly repair than the car is now worth, so I am going to trade it in soon. I would still consider a Honda again, but never again a Honda with automatic transmission.

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  Internal Door Rust - Door Lock Failures - 2007 Honda Fit
  By JES_MA - April 9 - 3:45 pm

  I have garaged my FIT nightly and weekends in Massachusetts. My drivers side rear door after locking would not open with key, door pull, outside handle, or inside handle. With 35,000 miles and 37 months of ownership cost me $465 to have door forced open and entire lock / motor mechanism replaced due to severe rusting on mechanism. Makes me wonder if recalls for SRS Air bag failure due to water and the more recent drivers door electrical switches for water shorting indicate if there are leaks in the doors. Now concerned other 3 doors will need lock replacements. Has anyone else had the lock failures on their Fit? If yes check or ask about server rusting as a cause.

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  Dont buy unless driving highway & alone - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JP - April 9 - 12:57 pm

  The is my third Honda Civic and second Hybrid. I had previously a 2006. This car give good gas mileage on the open road but average 32 mpg in town. It has very uncomfortable seats and feels terrible when in-laws are in the back seat. Personally, I think Honda cut corners on their suspension (rear). I thought it was my 2006 but the 2008 performs exactly the same. Wish I had not risked the same buy a second time. On a positive note, it looks great and does consistently provide at least 40 mpg even at 70 mph.

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By kstyle - April 9 - 8:05 am

  I traded in my truck for This car and what a deal they gave me. I asked for the TMV and the dealership didnt argue! They gave me what I asked for. I got the LX model $16,200 w/ automatic, wheel locks, mud guards, and the trunk trey. I wish it had an USB to hook an ipod to it but other than that what a deal. The gas mileage is good for around town but the highway is where you will really see the difference. Its comfortable but it could be more. The quality is great and it is a solid car. Its a Honda.

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  gas milege - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Todd - April 9 - 7:44 am

  I do not know how people get more mileage but I am getting 20 MPG driving city.

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  Silver 2009 Civic Si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic Si - April 8 - 8:17 pm

  Overall I love my Civic Si but I want to write an objective review. My Si is comfortable, reliable and built with quality materials inside. Its fun to drive, however Ive gotten used to the 197 hp and weak 139 lb ft torque torque should be improved in the future. MPG varies depending on driver, I get between 17-21 mpg city. The paint is not the best. It will scratch quickly and rock chips cause more damage than it should. I spend too much time and $ trying to care for the paint/exterior. Im not bothered by the two-tier dashboard. A noticeable problem with Hondas is road noise. Exterior design is getting old, needs to be overhauled IMO.