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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  Problems - 2012 Honda Civic
  By gwconklin - July 10 - 4:00 pm

  I like my car, but its broke down 3 times in the first 3,600 miles. The rocker arm bent the first, and the next time another rocker arm broke in two. This should not happen with a that only has 3,600 mile on it. Has anyone else had this issue?

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  Sporty and Smooth - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cjoconn - July 10 - 9:43 am

  Purchased the car about a week ago and ive received nothing but compliments from people that have seen it. The car looks and feels sporty (i especially like the LED headlights and dual exhaust) and im getting a combined 29MPG on an even mix of city and highway driving over the first 200 miles with ECON not enabled. I plan on using the ECON feature on my next tank of gas to compare the difference. The inside is roomy and comfortable. The technology features are great, there is just so much you can do with all of the bluetooh enabled options. The NAV screen is large and has a crisp resoltuion and the rear and side cameras are a nice addition. Overall, a great experience so far.

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  Great value and sporty - 2013 Honda Accord
  By adansereau - July 9 - 8:01 am

  Just got the 2013 Accord sport white and loving it. Plenty of power, great mpg on first tank 28.6 some fooling wityh the shifters. I am looking forward to giving a better review in the coming months. Also Herb Chambers Seekonk Ma. is my dealer 6 cars in 6 years they do it right !!

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  Maybe Im picky - 2013 Honda Accord
  By phetzer - July 6 - 2:23 pm

  The car seems to have a stiffer ride than I would expect. Seems about right for the Sports edition but not a four door. Within two hundred miles the transmission had to be replaced. I am trying to work something out with American Honda for compensation for having a brand new car with a factory remanufacture transmission. I asked for a different car but they will not go for that.

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  11 years later - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By preble - July 5 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in 2002. After 11 years, we have had so few problems. I live in constant fear of the A/C compressor exploding, but that is about it. Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle for our Golden Retrievers.Recently looked at the new Crvs, and they seem much less spacious. Wont ever trade this in. Ever

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  Improved appeal - 2013 Honda Accord
  By oldkid - July 5 - 1:26 pm

  I just purchased on the 4th, car has 85 miles. Initial impressions- fit/finish/materials quality are among the best if the best combination in class. Ride, while not a quiet as some perhaps, is still plenty quiet and smooth enough without sacrificing handling. However comparing to my last car, a c5 corvette, just about anything would seem smooth to me :). -MSRP $30,070 -paid $28.500 However Im sure many in the mainland do $1-2k better than us here in Hawaii. -Hondacare 7yr./80,000 w/$100 Deductable- $895 So, FYI- shop the Hondacare Warranty price options online before you buy as you can save a lot in the Finance office. I am going to stop mine before it is submitted and get better.

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  1000 Miles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lowin - July 4 - 9:47 pm

  We bought this car as a safe, reliable and long lasting vehicle for my wife. The crash test ratings are beyond approach and Honda reliability and long lasting cars are as well known as the brand we left - Subaru. Given we have driven nothing but Subarus for years, I cant be picky about the ride, noise or anything. To us, this car is smooth, quiet and far more confortable than any car we have had for a long time. The CVT is fine for us too (and drove better than others we tested). Yes it hiccups now and again, but so what? The electronics are a little funky, but lets face it. Nobody is getting this right and most do a poor job, even many luxury brands.

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  Very Disappointed - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By aj71 - July 2 - 10:06 pm

  After comparing to Sienna we desided to go with the Odyssey. Van looked great but we noticed excessive vibration from day 1. Contacted dealer and they said it will smooth out once broken in. This didnt happen and after many visits back to the dealer to balance tires, update computer etc etc the issue is still there and since they cant solve it were now being told this vibration is normal. Also the paint on the plastic parts doesnt match the rest of the car - also normal according to Honda. Road noice was a little more than I expected as well

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  Best Car Ever - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By dustygirl - July 2 - 3:23 pm

  Wish they still made them like this. I am the original owner of my 99 honda crv and now have 191,000 miles on it. No major problems...Just put a new radiator on it about two years ago, the old one just had a pin-hole leak. The original battery lasted 9 years and was still okay, but I decided Id just be safe rather than sorry and replaced it. Only issue I ever had with it was a bad clunking/thunking when going over even small uneven spots...it was a $12 fix and just needed a new bushing where the sway bar end link went in. We change the oil on time, and change the transmission fluid earlier than what it calls for. Ive checked valve clearance and theyve always been fine.

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  I Love my 2012 Insight Base model - 2013 Honda Insight
  By dnatech - July 1 - 5:43 am

  I am always surprised to see so few (I should say rarely) Insights on the road. Toyota Prius seem to be the only hybrid people think of. Not only the Prius is expensive, I am not so sure its a better car: Insight dashboard is better and the possibility of disabling the automatic traction(not available in the Prius) in case of getting stuck in the snow is a plus in the Northeast.