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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  Perfection! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By tikatika - May 10 - 11:03 pm

  I love my white 2012 CR-V. Had it pinstriped in red/black and it looks awesome! We had a 2007, wow how the car has improved! Have had the car since January 2012, and have not experienced one problem. We are getting 30.2 mpg in mixed driving, love the backup mirror, this car is simply FUN to drive. It will be a keeper for a long time!

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  Poor Reliability - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jessecornel - May 10 - 4:15 pm

  From the time that we bought this vehicle new from a dealer, we have been disapointed. Within a few weeks the battery failed, and was replaced. Within a year the condensor of the airconditer failed and was replaced. Due a manufacturers defect the exhause bubbled the rear plastic bumper, and Honda denied responsibility. At 35000 miles the struts wore out and honda denied responsibility. At 60000 miles the air conditioning compressor failed. At 75000 miles both the front struts and rear shocks failed causing a $900 repair and then a new set of tires. So the struts failed twice in 75000 miles. There is no warranty, and Honda denies culpability.

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  Aint an Aston Martin but its Pretty Darn A-Okay - 2009 Honda Accord
  By slimm1470 - May 10 - 2:46 pm

  These reviews kill me. People gripe about stuff they should have noticed on the test drive. They obviously didnt do their due diligence and now theyre pissed at themselves for buying a car that doesnt please them. Well, duh. I bought this one with 48k miles, now its at 70k. Its been great! Yes, it has road noise and yes, a bit of body roll. I knew that going in. The steering and front end are excellent. The engine (V6) and transmission are strong and very fast. Its been reliable with no complaints. I drive it a bit hard so the fuel mileage averages 24 city & highway. On a long trip its comfortable and quick. If you find one properly serviced, drive it first, then buy the sucker!

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  Will not die - 1996 Honda Accord
  By adasil2 - May 10 - 11:34 am

  I bought my accord (LX, 4 cylinder, automatic) upon graduating high school in 2004. It had 113,000 or so miles at that time, and its been my only car until now (2013), and now sits at 247,000 miles. I have driven it all over the country, and cannot believe its still in such great condition. Minor repairs, a new paint job in 2009, and thats it. I have never heard of another car this reliable, and I would highly recommend it if you can find one to purchase!

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  Hondas keep you safe, great family car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By kpaoff - May 10 - 12:57 am

  I have had my 2006 Honda since it was brand new. It has been my favorite car I have ever owned. It holds its retail value like no other. I called it my baby, I always wanted one when I was younger. Well I have the luxury of being able to say my baby saved my life on Tuesday when a 74 year old lady ran a red light and tboned me. My side and curtain air bags went off. My baby, my Honda saved my life, she didnt fair too well :( but she did her job like she was suppose to. After everything is settled headed to buy my second Honda Accord.

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  206,000 and going strong!!!! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By brewmyown - May 9 - 2:41 pm

  I have a 1999 CR-V EX with 206,000 miles and and its still going strong. As others have said, adjust the valves every 20K - 30K (or sooner since its so simple to do in less than an hour without much knowledge at all), change your fluids as scheduled (Transmission, motor oil, rear diff oil, etc.) and it will last a long, long time. Even the cloth interors on these cars lasts forever without showing wear. The vehicle is amazingly roomy inside.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Accord
  By honda2517 - May 9 - 9:54 am

  I purchase the V6 EX-L early in 2010. Starting at 40,000 the car started to "consume" oil. The dealer says that it is normal to "consume 1 quart per 1000 miles. This is completely ridiculous. People say well oil isnt that expensive, just add as needed. I am concerned about the long term reliability. I am also appalled that all the service people at the dealer say it is normal. This is a company problem and I will not own another Honda.

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  best car ive ever owned, BY FAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By thwipp89 - May 8 - 1:06 am

  bought my EX automatic new in 03 and have 125k miles after 10 yrs. after having a few american cars that were unreliable money pits, this car has been spectacular for me. wish i wouldve bought a honda sooner than i did. over 10 yrs, ive spent about $1k in non-maintenance repairs- mostly emissions/exhaust related, most of which has been at the 10 yr mark. i did need to replace the alternator after about 9 yrs. i average 30 MPG combined (about 65% city) but i have a very heavy foot.

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  Great Vehicle - Well Loaded - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By chrisallen2 - May 7 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased the LX. This is my first actual "new" vehicle purchase so it could be that Im just overly excited about things that the rest of the world who have actually purchased new cars before consider normal, but it seems to me that the base model is actually pretty well loaded. So much so that I could not justify spending the extra money on another trim. It drives smooth, has plenty of room even in the back seat, suprisingly and while it would be nice to have the navigation and entertainment system, considering the difference in price, Im very happy with the features on the LX.

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  Canadian SE Special Edition model - 2003 Honda Civic
  By duke_wa - May 2 - 10:06 pm

  Just bought this Civic 5-speed manual transmission SE model. It seems very practical and comfortable. Everything works and the car is 10 years old. Seating is comfortable, driving view is excellent, power is adequate with the manual transmission. This one was in excellent condition and I hope to keep it for the next 5 years. I really like the biege and brown interior. The dash is a nice quality, it doesnt look cheap. Also easy to park and the rear seats fold flat. The clutch is very intuitive as well.