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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  Glad Im not alone.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mrsag - June 12 - 4:18 pm

  I bought my 08 with 16k miles on it. Currently it has 48800 on it and Ive replaced the brakes once (front and rear) although I am feeling like I am close to a second set already. I am also having the rattle at cold start and losing oil like crazy. Also seems to drop at idle and has even stalled a few times which is terrifying when you are at a stop on a highway!!! Dealership where I bought it is a toyo dealership so are unfamiliar with Honda issues. Did purchase a warranty through them so hoping they can figure it out after Ive managed to do all the research for them.

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  ALWAYS TRANSMISSION!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By yiven421 - June 11 - 9:45 pm

  I am getting mad about the transmission when it is 86,000 miles. The car viborated a lot when turning from N to D4 or when stopping, the dealer charged me $5400 for a new one and about $3000 for a used one. [non-permissible content removed] I hate Honda!!!!

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  Cute Little Honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By tyler__jordan - June 11 - 2:25 pm

  I enjoy my little Honda. It gets incredible gas mileage and is very fun to drive. The only bad thing about the coupe, is it is very difficult to see out of the back passenger window. It creates somewhat of a blind spot. Its great for a young person, but I can tell I am going to need more space. But for reliability and gas mileage, it doesnt get much better than the civic!

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  Lowest cost per mile, lowest carbon foot print outside of an EV. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By genegenre - June 11 - 8:04 am

  The car is quiet, comfortable, lots of leg and rear seat leg room. Trunk is shallow but tall and will fit two small suit cases. Very areodynamic and does well in strong cross winds, is light weight (2848lbs. for the CNG) yet steering is a little heavy but not that bad! Few minor quirks the radio volume isnt loud enough to hear clearly (on max) when playing classical music, miles til zero range indicator fluctuates and settles esp the first half tank, trunk squeaks, car sputters when you first start it and hesitates when initially pressing the gas. As well it frequently acts like its in neutral when you come to a stop so will roll backwards slightly on a hill. No coolant temp guage!

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  Great Pick - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondafan32 - June 10 - 4:13 pm

  The Accord is a great car and we have had ours for 3 weeks. It is plenty fast and handles well despite what some magazines say. Yes it is a little big but it drives small. The VCM and grade logic are good features but can get annoying if you dont know how to manipulate them. Ours is white and it stays cool in the heat. The AC is great and so is the sunroof. I wish there was a back-up camera and Bluetooth but they arent really needed as the visibility is great and you shouldnt be on the phone while driving anyways. The turning radius is FANTASTIC as are the headlights and all of the safety features. Road noise can be intrusive at times but its not a deal breaker.

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  Loving my Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By suydam - June 10 - 9:51 am

  I bought my EX-L 4 cyl. CVT 3 months ago. The more time I spend with it the more I love it. Everything about it is effortless -- it drives well, its comfortable, all controls are a breeze to operate. Its amazing how many features are included for the price -- leather, backup camera, lane watch, right turn camera, bluetooth, XM, Ipod interfaces. Have taken it on two long trips and it is extremely comfortable even on bad roads. A very quiet Honda too! I love the fuel economy and the fact that it takes regular fuel. Time will tell how it holds up but at this point it is a truly wonderful car.

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  3 Transmissions in Under 100k - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bob546 - June 9 - 9:03 pm

  Honda Paid for the 1st two, third was on us, and it cost 5k. My friend has a 2002 ody, and his trans died 4 times, my neighbor has a 2003 Ody, and she is on her 2nd transmission. In the history of automotive "junk" the 99-04 Odysseys will go in the annals as the biggest piece of crap Honda has ever built.

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  Honda Insight, the unknown deal - 2013 Honda Insight
  By insightdriver - June 9 - 4:19 pm

  I compared several vehicles that met my requirements in a new vehicle and the Insight showed up. I had never heard of one before. Perhaps it is so unknown because Honda does not promote it. Few people are familiar with it but it meets my needs perfectly. I do not think most of the criticisms of it are fair. It is not noisy. It is comfortable. It runs smoothly and the gas mileage is terrific. The AC does turn off when the engine stops at lights, etc. but that is overcome by moving the car into Park which I do in our recent 100 degree weather. It is fun to drive. I am not a car nut. I expect my vehicles to get me where I am going as cheaply as possible. The Honda Insight LX does that.

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  Ignore pro auto reviews! - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By patriot76 - June 8 - 7:01 pm

  Just bought "13" Crosstour. It was the only car that filled all our needs. Build quality is flawless. We are first time Honda owners. Loaded with tech goodies that all work as they are supposed to work, not like Fords MY Touch by MicroCrap and GMs gouge you every month OnStar. If you are not a race driver "want a be" and dont want to spend 50k on a Benz or BMW show me a car that does what the Crosstour does without breaking a sweat.

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  i want to love this car, but - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dean40 - June 8 - 11:58 am

  i talked my wife into going from a Lexus rx330 to the 13 crv, and for the most part i am happy with the decision, but there have been a few small headaches. Driving home from the dealer is realized the right front turn signal was inop, then when i got home i saw the roof rail was coming up on the rr, and 2 valve stem caps were missing. Took it to a different dealer the next day and he replaced the bulb on the drive, but i had to come back to have the roof rail replaced. So a car with under 100 miles on it has been to the dealer twice. Hopefully these little gremlins are just a fluke, and from now on its just oil changes and basic maintenance.