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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  Satisfied customer - 2002 Honda Accord
  By tmalik - February 25 - 6:56 am

  Bought our EX-V6 new days before the all-new 2003s were launched (didnt like their styling for the extra price). Very satisfied so far. Have put 45k over 3 years. Only issues: -steering wheel mounted audio controls didnt function properly, replaced under warranty - driver side headlight bulb replaced twice in 3 years, had similar problems on my 93 Accord - front brake pads & tires close to replacement at only 45k - not as quick at normal acceleration as I thought 200 hp would be. - auto climate control isnt very smart (tends to run the a/c even at a high temperature setting). The above are minor issues, in my opinion and dont keep me awake at night. Overall very pleased.

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  crv-se for me - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By r.g. - February 24 - 5:41 pm

  For me its the perfect vehicle: Sit high & comfortable without needing a ladder to get in, fit in normal sizes parking spaces, get 23 mpg & smile when filling up next to a totally unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly gargantuan suv, front wheel drive in normal driving and 4 wheel drive when necessary (automatically), 8 inch ground clearance, good cargo room and surprisingly roomy passanger room, excellent fit and finish and reliability youd expect from Honda.

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  My New 6-Speed Accord Coupe - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DavidS - February 24 - 9:43 am

  I decided to wait to write this review until owning the car for a month. I love this car and have no idea why people are complaining about the ride? Ride is not stiff enough actually, a little more body roll than I would like. But overall I think this car does an amazing job of balancing luxury, sport, reliability, and comfort in one vehicle. The 6-speed/V6 combo rocks!

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  Great used car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By E Sather - February 24 - 2:14 am

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  I Love My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lee - February 23 - 9:43 pm

  I have had this car for over a year now & just love it! I have been on many road trips and the hwy mpg is great! City mpg could be better but I do have a heavy foot and the ac is always on full blast with the Houston heat. I have had a few rattles but again, Houston is pothole city, and I have had to take it in for a suspension problem. I do agree with others when they say Honda should tighten up on Quality Control with all Hondas made in the US. But I know this car will last for 15 years and have very little or no problems. Nothing is perfect. But this car is very close. I love the Navigation and the whole interior and all the standard features. I also feel safe with all the airbags.

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  Just what I needed. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Siggie - February 23 - 2:00 am

  The car hanles very well, shifts incredibly smoothly, has just enough power to make it fun to drive. You rarely see SIs on the road, so people are always checking it out. I wanted the reliability of a Honda (my last Honda had 150,000 miles on it and still ran like new when I sold it), the versatility of a hatchback (its like a little station wagon when you put the back seats down), and decent performance, so this car was the logical choice. The performance and fuel economy have improved over the first 1l,000 miles, but the 26 mpg Im averaging is lower than I had expected.

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  couple of flaws - 2004 Honda Civic
  By spencer52 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the car and while it does get great fuel mileage, the gas tank is too small. I drive just over 80 miles a day and have to buy gas every thrre days. The tank filler tube is bent in such a way as to make it difficult the get the fuel nozzel all the way in. Filling must be done slowly. I would like to have a radio with a volume that increases as the speed of the car increases. The engine is a bit noisey.

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  Accord LX6 great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ZGuy - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful performance, and mileage. Lots of power w/ this V6 and 32mpg on freeway, 23 city.Excellent sound system w/ 6 disc changer. Frigid air and immediate hot heater.Love the power seat.Superb exterior trim and paint. Only non super thing is wind leaks on both front windows and 3 trips to Beaudry Honda have yet to resolve the problem. Everything else is very fine.

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  2nd accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By trwalker - February 23 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THE BODY STYLE OF THE CAR I TRADED IN A 2000 ACCORD BEFORE HAVING THIS. THE ONLY THING THAT REALLY ERKS ME IS THAT IS A SQUEAKY/RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. VERY ANNOYING.

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  Honda 2009 3 month review - 2009 Honda Civic
  By BADGES - February 22 - 5:10 am

  The Honda Civic is a great car to drive. It handles well and it is fun to drive. The air conditioning on warm days takes a little while to get cool. Have not experienced the mileage that Honda claims the car gets. The Ipod connection is great. I am experiencing a noise that is coming from the passenger side dashboard that I cannot locate. Taking back to Honda to see what their service people tell me. Once this issue is corrected I would recommend this car to anyone.