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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  THIS THING IS AWESOME THERE ARE NO BETTER CARS FOR THE MONEY! PERIOD! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jeffsmith888 - April 24 - 8:22 pm

  I have never been in a car that was so extraordinarily good at everything, and with an affordable price. I can not use words in my vocabulary to accurately describe how awesome this car is. These cars are very hard to find with manual transmissions. Keep on looking, and when you find one, DO NOT HESITATE! and buy it. SOMEONE ELSE WILL FIND IT FIRST AND BUY IT BEFORE YOU!. I can guarantee you will not be dissapointed. AT ALL... (I bought this car for $7200 from a dealer. my dad thought i was a [non-permissible content removed] for spending this much on my first car.. until he got a chance to drive it. He offered to trade me his 2006 accord v6 4 door because he loved the 6 speed manual that much.

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  Amazing - 1991 Honda Accord
  By c11h15no2 - April 23 - 8:58 pm

  Well.... I bought my 1991 Accord in Feb 2010 with 138000 miles for $1600. I have no idea how many owners its had. I am thinking about buying a new car but I worry that the new car I buy wont be as reliable as my accord. I dont drive much and have only put 13,000 miles on it, but I gotta say the thing runs like a champ. I had both front axles changed, thats it so far. My next repair is an A/C leak. No leaks other then a/c, starts everytime in -20 to +105. Best car ever. The clear coat has flaked away and some rust around wheel wells. Go Honda

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  2010 Civic Not What I Expected - 2010 Honda Civic
  By kcgent - April 23 - 12:03 pm

  Bought the Civic used with 11,700 miles in March 2012. Noticed a bit of abnormal tire wear at that time. Ive rotated and balanced the tires twice since then, still getting more wear, probably rear suspension issue. Front brakes went out at 30,000 and I drive mostly highway. This shouldnt have happened. Handling bumpy and it tends to skate over larger bumps. Wish it ran 1/2 as well as the Accord I had with 285,000 miles on it. Planning on dumping it soon.

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  Really glad I purchased this! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By aurora86 - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  I really enjoy this car. Its definitely saved me on gas with the econ feature. My old Elantra 01 would use up a full tank a week to get to work, with my Civic using econ I use 1/2 a tank a week. Only thing with econ is it drives a little slow going up hills and such, but that should be obvious because thats how it works. You cant hit the gas and take off, but Im fine with that! I drove it in the horrible road conditions from our last snow storm and while it was very bumpy from the poor plowing, I may have slid once or twice, where as other cars I watched were all over the road. Some of the blind spots could take a while to adjust to.

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  Honda Civic 2013 EX-L - 2013 Honda Civic
  By mcuyafx - April 20 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had the car for over a month now so I think I can write a fair review. I considered the Corolla, the Mazda 3, and Nissan Sentra and while I liked the colors available in all of those, I felt more comfortable driving a Civic. My old 2003 Civic was great and this is awesome! Bluetooth, spacious room for a 55 male. The car is just fun to drive and gives great MPG. Its quiet and climate control is great. I didnt like the wheels at first but I love the sporty look on them now. Trunk space is limited but spacious enough for groceries, sporting equipment, and the crap I carry around. Dealer wanted to sell me multiple warranties, my response.."Its a Honda!" I know it will start in the a.m.

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  the best looking hybrid ever built - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lam_9 - April 20 - 1:22 am

  I love my car. I got it because of the gas prices going up and I loved the way it looked. I dont regret it. I get about 45mpg because I like to speed. It is light, small, and fun to drive. The one thing that I just dont like is when Im driving up those crazy steep hill going to Las Vegas. I have to catch momentum and then keep it on 3rd gear.

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  Average car, not worth the money new - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By rlangsh - April 19 - 11:12 am

  Just traded in my Honda CRZ after 2 years. Bought it new, not at all worth the 20k I paid. This is a car that has all the potential, but none of the thought process it needs to be unique and worth it. The interior is typical cheap crap that scratches VERY easy. Since the car is low to the ground, youll mainly do this getting out of the car. The engine shuts off when you stop the car, and this car dents VERY EASY. Engine shutoff was getting worse in mine. Also, its slow as hell. Get ready for insane blindspots in this car. The hatch is not positioned properly, so changing lanes on the highway/backing up will be, lets say..fun LOL. My new Dodge dart is faster and gets the same gas mileage.

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  QUALITY, COMFORT, SAFETY - 2006 Honda Civic
  By molloy10 - April 18 - 6:46 pm

  I have had "0" problems with my Civic. the car has performed better than I expected when I received the car in 2006. I had a minor front end collision back in 2008 and the service/collision team at rick case handled the repair quickly and to my satisfaction. I hope to be a Honda customer for a long time thanks to the great service at Rick Case.

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  Good Specs, no creature comfort - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By ralcpa - April 17 - 8:03 am

  Ive owned this truck for approx. 4 years, 60k miles. Like the size, engine is decent (engine started to feel better at around 50k miles), tows fine (im towing just under the 5k lb. limit but not long distances). Heres my main beef..the wind noise is ungodly! Would buy again in an instant if quieter inside. Honda, would it kill you to drop in $150 of sound insulation? Keep the fluids fresh as it affects gas mileage greatly (3-4 mpg). If this were quieter its a 5 out of 5, but dont expect it to replace a full size truck, thats not a beef, just a reality. The Ridgeline was meant to fill a different niche which it does nicely, I just wish it did it with less interior noise.

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  Base Model Pilot Still a Lovable Vehicle - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By jmdrbp1 - April 17 - 4:55 am

  I purchase my 2013 Pilot LX having some regrets for not getting the 4wd model and a sun roof. I have since changed my mind. I like the spacious interior, solid ride and more than adequate pick up on the highway or when I need it. The seat adjustment gives me a high ride and excellent visibility. Spacious cargo space with the seats down. I love my Pilot.