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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  Good gas savings - 2001 Honda Civic
  By x_danger_x - June 18 - 2:57 pm

  Awesome gas mileage but definitely no race car. Worth the money you save on gas. I accelerate and brake hard a lot and average 33 mpg. I havent had any major repairs. I highly suggest this car to anyone

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  Unreliable - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By lktowens - June 17 - 6:48 pm

  Excessive oil consumption issue that Honda will not recognize (much less fix) causes this car to be highly unreliable. I will not buy another Honda.

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  Not the Honda you remember - 2008 Honda Accord
  By pesci - June 17 - 8:07 am

  Avoid this model. I came off a 2005 honda civic. Best car I have ever owned. Not a problem at 117k miles and still on original brakes. So where to begin with this car? I bought this over priced junk with 30k miles on it. Traded it with 97k miles. 1. Brakes went out right away. . 2. Battery went out at 70k miles. 3. Vinyl on center and door panel armrest bubbled, split 4. Seats feel like wood. 5. Interior rattles excessive 6. Glovebox defective on all models 7. Chrome peeled off brand new oem steering wheel emblem. 8. Bushing wore out of shifter very quickly

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  Best For The Money Bar None - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hondas_rule - June 16 - 3:03 pm

  I shopped around and drove a hard bargain. Bought my 05 Accord between Christmas and New Years of 08 which Ive read is a slow time for dealers and a good time to buy. Got a nice clean EX 4 cyl with 38,000 miles on it for $12,800. Was easily the most car I could find for a 100 mile radius for under my $15,000 limit. I now have 120k miles on it. Only maintenance besides brake pads, rotors, fluids and filters is replacing a squeaking serpintine belt and a burnt out brake light. Easlily the best car I have ever owned. A dog with 4 people and luggage but does fine with 1-2 adults. This is my second Accord. I drive the old one to work and with 262k miles still a good driving decent car!

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  I got a lemon but still love Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By iadara - June 15 - 4:52 pm

  I purchased my Civic about 2 years ago from a college kid whod lost his license and was really happy with the car initially. However, I think mainly due to very, very bad mechanics (took mine to a national chain that shall remain nameless) Im pretty sure theyre the reason why my head gasket went after only owning the car 1.5 yrs. I paid 2k for the car and put over another 2k into it for repairs. Horrible experience but I still love Honda. I was trying to buy another Civic albeit a newer model, but ended up with a Corolla instead-the price was right and Ive owned a Corolla before. Id still buy a Honda in a heartbeat as this was a solid vehicle until it was mistreated by idiots.

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  One of the best cars ever made - 1998 Honda Accord
  By philsie1 - June 14 - 7:39 pm

  Our 98 has 375,000 kms. We have had it for 7 yrs and love driving it. We have to retire it finally because of rusted out frame and gas tank from so much salt on the roads of Canada. We have done very little to it except to replace all the brake and gas lines, again due to rusting. Still gets excellent gas mileage( we were getting as much as 44 mpg). So if you have 175000 - 200000 kms on your car, dont give up hope, theres plenty left.

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  Im so Happy with my new car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jnh2 - June 14 - 1:24 pm

  I fell in love with Honda Accord after I seeing someone driving a Black 2013 EX-L earlier this year. I previously only owned Toyotas (2 Camrys and a RAV 4) but decided to give the Accord. I decided to go for the EX-L w/NAV and it was a great decision. The cloth in the EX looks really cheap, but the leather in the EX-L is luxurious and feels great. This is my first car with a NAV system so the features takes some getting used to. The gas mileage is much better than any of my Toyotas, but Im not sure that the ECON button is saving me any money on gas. I love that there is enough space in the back seat for my kids which is a definite plus, and the trunk is huge for groceries and shopping.

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  Bad Rear Wheel Bearing Assemblies also... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ughagain - June 14 - 5:01 am

  Thought new tires put on at 55,000 miles were noisy ended up both rear wheel bearing assemblies were shot. Brother-in-law recognized this at 67,500 miles and replaced. Scarey to think how long I drove car not realizing this was problem. Not have parts available at car parts stores as they all said these should not be worn out. Googled and see others mention this problem. Honda need to make Accord owners aware of this major problem. Hope they get sued again!!! Car has 70,000 miles and on 3rd set of brakes. Brother-in-law did for $50 2nd set was $300 as on the road & no choice. Honda need to make Accord owners aware of this problem. Nissan Altima here I come...

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  Reliable? Dont believe the hype - 2005 Honda Civic
  By junkhonda - June 13 - 8:37 pm

  Just back from my fourth visit to the dealer and $1800 poorer so far. Had to replace the crankshaft sensor and harness. Doesnt include the $1000 for the timing belt and maintenance they talked me into on the 1st visit. We bought into the Honda is the most reliable car on the road fantasy, 500k miles and nothing but an oil change blah blah... Ours is only at 99K. Always did all the scheduled maintenance. I almost stalled out on the highway. Try seeing how happy other drivers are when youre driving 20 mph on the 101 (for you socal drivers) Looks like the same trap we had with Ford and GM. Thing just starts falling apart at 100k/10 yr. The civic didnt even make it that far.

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  Night & Day! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By drjc3 - June 12 - 7:08 pm

  I liked my daughters 2011 EX model & decided to check-out the 2013 EXL for myself. Although her car was nice/fun to drive, this new model is significantly better in all areas. After two months, Im more than satisfied ... Good Job Honda!