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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  Wear & Tear = $$$$$$ - 1991 Honda Accord
  By aka The Maestro - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was purchased more than two years ago. I bought it with only 76000 miles. When I had it for the first year, nothing was wrong with the car. Then as months passed by I realized that I had to changed the radiator, wheel axle and finally the worst of all the window motor broke. They all add up , a lot of money. That sucked so much.

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  ALWAYS BROKEN DOWN - 2000 Honda Civic
  By notahondafan - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my civic because I needed a car that would provide reliable transportation with good gas milage. My civic has had nothing but problems. I will list them: ECU (Computer) replaced three times, transmission replaced twice (the car is one its third transmission!), and starter. Currently the car is having a fuel pump problem that two different dealerships have been unable to diagnose. Since the prerequisite for this car was reliability I am getting rid of it as soon as I get it back from the dealership.

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  Knocking Noise - 2007 Honda Accord
  By zhang - August 16 - 12:46 am

  Last October, I was excited to buy this car because I trust Hondas quality. Unfortunately, it is not true. One month after the purchase, I feel that the transmission hesitates when accelerating. Three months later, I always hear a KNOCKING NOISE coming from the front of the DRIVER SIDE whenever I stop or lightly accelerate. This made me very nervous. Now, it is even more trouble. One day, when I tried to break at a sharp turn at about 30 MPH, I could feel that the break suddenly stuck for a very short time. Does anybody have an idea? This makes me very nervous. I am considering trade in the car if the break keeps sticking when taking sharp turn.

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  A So So Vehicle... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JTNYC - August 11 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is a 2002 EX but I wanted to post this now! Hopefully it will help someone out if you are thinking of buying a Civic for reasons of low gas mileage! This model gives me 23-25 mpg, 85% highway and 15% local. I brought it to the Dealership at Hillside Honda in NYC where I purchased the vehicle and they said that no-one is getting the 32-38 miles per gallon b/c all cars are on oxygenated gas and they wont perform a fuel consumption test. This says a lot about the service behind the name Honda doesnt it...crummy services! I will stick with Toyotas or Lexus if I have more money! I have learned my lesson!

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  Uncomfortable Seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mackie - August 11 - 4:50 am

  The seats in my 2009 Accord are so incredibly uncomfortable that I cant continue to drive this vehicle. Even though I will lose money I will have to sell this vehicle. The Honda engineers really missed the mark in this regard. In the past I have owned a 1985 Accord, a 1990 Accord, a 1995 Civic, and a 1998 Accord the seats in these years and models were quite comfortable. Have been told by Honda of America that the Honda engineers decided to redesign the seats and I should have gone for a longer test drive. Needles to say this once faithful Honda customer will no longer be buying and driving Hondas.

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  Model EX-L is a rip off - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - August 7 - 2:24 am

  2016 Accord added a feature call "Honda Sensing" which is included in the navigation package that costs $2000, which includes FCW, LDW, etc. However, you guys need to know that 2013-2015 Accord EX-L include FCW and LDW as a standard instead of an optional package that cost $2000 dollar. I rather buy an ipad to be my navigation system.

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  clunking on front wheel - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Cisco - August 5 - 11:09 am

  We bought the vehicle almost a year ago and about 2k miles into owning starting getting a knocking sound when reversing. Took to Honda multiple times and no issues found. Took it in today mind you vehicle has 12k miles. Now they are saying brake pads are moving back and forth and thats what the sound is. I asked them to fix and they said there is no fix its not mechanical issue either so wont be covered. Not very happy with it since you buy Honda for reliability and I understand no one is perfect but to not fix the issue is pretty upsetting.

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  Honda Passport - 1994 Honda Passport
  By ktt - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ran good up to about 100k, then stuff started to go wrong. Water pump, cv boot(VERY EXPENSIVE), and lots of small things. Dont think it was make to solid, because it makes lots of small sounds and squeaks. The engine now may have a knocking rocker that may be expensive. Not a very ruged off road vehicle. It does have lots of room in it. I have a friend that has a 4 runner, and in the back of a 4 runner there is no leg room, but in the passport their is lots of room. It was a good car in the earlier milesf

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  Watch out for the tranmission - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Luv2drv - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is great. However, you got to watch out for the transmission. Not built for the power of the car. Lots of recalls on the transmission, and Honda is not supportive of issues with the transmission because of the numerous problems with it. Other than that, it drives great, looks great!

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  Not what I expected - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mitch B - July 25 - 1:50 am

  I have had the car for 2 days and 300 miles. I want to bring it back! Drivers seat extremely uncomfortable. Cabin noise excessive at highway speed. Doors and trunk do not close easily. Speedometer distracting. Radio sounds as if Im under water. Headlights are weak. Driving off the dealer lot a loud rattle in the dash stared as well as the airbag warning light coming on. I had much higher expectations for this car.