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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  Great Car but a few bugs - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ricky - December 11 - 7:25 am

  First, let me say that I really love my new Honda Accord Coupe for the most part. But........... Here is what you need to know. The Good: The front seat is nice and very comfortable. Love the leather and the inside looks nice - also the outside. The build seems very solid. The car is quiet driving. The gas mileage on the 4cyl is unbelievable. I got almost 50 mpg on the highway...no kidding, it blew me away. The audio sound I thought was good. The Bad: The audio system controls are annoying and hard to get around. The car drives like a sports car (think 350z) - you will feel every bump. (If youre looking for a smooth ride, its average at best...the ride is bumpy, but fun.) The USB ports were put in bad places. Thats about all I can say on the bad side. Would I buy it again, Im not sure. I was hoping for a smoother ride. Youll just have to test drive it to understand what I mean. Make sure you take it on some rough roads.

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  Honda Civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By brettF - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second honda civic. I would state that this is a very reliable vehicle. I have never had mechanical problems in 10 years of driving these Civics!

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  Could have been better - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Hondamechanics - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Honda quality has been negated by the poor workmanship at the Ohio plant. While the car runs well, there are a few visible spotty workmanship evident by unflushed fenders/headlight. One biggest annoying thing: getting in and out of the car is the most uncomfortable experience in using the car: the car is way too low!!!

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  No Longer Accord Fan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JB - December 4 - 10:36 pm

  I have owned three Accords and by far this is the worst vehicle. The VCM system is horrible. I now have 5,000 miles and the situation is getting worse. You dont notice it until you reach cruising speed between 65-70 MPH. The ECO light is on but the car continues to fight between cylinder selection. This surge feeling actually makes you feel sick at times. I looked at the Chevy Malibu and decided to stick with Honda due to previous experience. I made a big mistake..!

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  Lots of problems, some under warranty, some not - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim Jones - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The paint started peeling after a few years. Recall notice not given until out of warranty. Had to pay $800 to repaint the hood and trunk. Every Honda Civic Ive owned 1996 (224k trade-in), 2004 (190k died), 2006 (still running) had the passenger side window motor fail. However, the automatic transmission is good. Exhaust problem fixed by Honda but it failed again and was a few days over that warranty. On the 2004 Civic the transmission failed and had to be replaced by Honda after only 2k miles, so Im sensitive about that. Ill try an Accord in a few years after I get to 250K or the car wears out.

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  clutch @ 11400 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By ibis49 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have 11400 miles on this vehicle and the clutch is sliping to the point the car is not drivable. Honda is saying it is normal wear and tear to have this problem. They are charging me $1,025.00 to put in a new clutch as they will not cover it under warranty as a defect. In 35 years of driving, I have never had a clutch go out in 11000 miles. As far as i am concerned Honda is not living up to its hyped up reputation. I am selling the vehicle and buying one that I can drive and have a company stand behind its product. Randy pope

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  No Title - 1994 Honda Accord
  By dpcrlsn - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Reasonable car to own. Fair value overall. Disappointed with the front drivers seat - poor back support. Fair performance for a 4 cyl. Adequate gas milage (22 - 25 on average). Terrible rust spot developed on the passenger-side rear, just above and slightly in front of the wheel-well (sp?).

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  Poor Overall Quality/Workmanship - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Air Force Family - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought our 1999 Odyssey in Nov 98. Now has 107,000 on it. Major Problems: EGR Valve/Sleeve must be replaced every 30K miles at $200+ per visit--clearly a design defect. Sliding door in for numerous repairs: Sticks in cold weather--very poor design. No transmission problems (yet). Many trips to dealer for recall (warranty) work the first few years for many items. Front brake pads must be replaced too often.

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  Read this before you buy! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Rufus Stone - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Accord EX sedan in 2000 new. For me it has been dissappointing car. The car rattles from the front dash. The worst feature is the seating, it is very uncomfortable and I can never seem to find the right driving postion. On long trips, you will be fidgeting trying to get comfortable,the lumbar support is poor. The engine lacks and torque. I would advise the V6 as the 4 cyl isnt any fun to drive, it is what it is. The air bag computer has been replaced twice plus recently the a/c compressor exploded and there is an oil leak behind the timing belt which is $770 to fix. I would not purchase another Accord.

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  Poor Acceleration on Steep Hills - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Khush Cheema - November 20 - 4:25 pm

  Looking and comparing between Honda Civic LX with CVT XMSN and Mazda 3. The engine of civic roared when climbing up a hill without increasing or maintaining the original speed. The engine rpm didnt go higher than about 3400 and the car slowed down while climbing small hills. I think this is an attribute of CVT. I also rode a Toyota Prius in Pennsylvania that has CVT as well and it reminded me of that. Also, Mazda 3 has much more technology features than civic. I found civic interior dull and flat as compared to Mazda 3. I think Im going with Mazda 3 since these two cars are very close with every other feature and Mazda 3 has traditional 6 speed automatic XMSN.