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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  Dead Reliable, just not an enthusasts car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 68oramac1 - February 13 - 3:14 pm

  I bought my 08 LX in June of 2012 with just under 92,000 miles on the clock. Now, it has 134,000 miles and is still going strong. I have had only minor issues with the Civic overall eg. visors and clutch master cylinder. The car is very spacious compared to others in the class, which was helpful being 62". The only exception is the placement of the e-brake being where you rest your leg, which you get used to rather quickly. I hardly ever drop below 30mpg even in mixed driving. But it does come at a cost, below 4000 rpm, you are lucky to have as much torque as a mid 80s Mazda Rotary engine at idle! The lack of torque can make it a chore to drive around town/city.

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  EGR Valve problems - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sg15 - February 8 - 11:23 pm

  I like the way the car drives. I would have given better ratings if it werent for a couple of reliability issues: 1) The EGR valve warning has been a recurring problem. The first time at 74K miles I did not know Honda had a TSB to replace it and replace a tube with a wider tube. I got the valve replaced at a repair chain. Through its TSB Honda increased its warranty to 80K miles. Now, the EGR valve warning is back at 87K miles. Honda refuses to cover this under warranty. There is a lot of discussion about this problem on the web. Clearly there is a problem with Hondas EGR valves. I think Honda should stand by its products. I dont understand why number of years matters for this.

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  I really wanted to keep this car for the long run - 2015 Honda Accord
  By nomorehondas5 - February 8 - 9:02 am

  Ill start by saying Ive been around Hondas my whole life. My father purchased his first in 1978 and has had 5 since. I have had 2 already and my 2002 Accord went through hell and back with me so I wanted another one. Except this car feels like it was made by Daewoo. About 6 months into ownership the car lost power. When I try to punch it, it feels like Im dragging an 18 wheeler . It is clearly electrical but they insist in acting like its all in my head when I take it to the dealership for a check. Best part is, Ive already told them in two occasions I tried to set the speed for cruise control and it wouldnt, Again, clearly electrical but they wont own it. Buying Hyundai from now on

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jollygrnjiant - February 1 - 1:10 am

  We bought this car in 2008 with 15k, it currently has 120k. It has been a fantastically reliable car. Other than normal maintenance the only thing Ive had to repair was the starter. I do all my own work and it has been a very easy car to work on. Changing the timing belt, it has the easiest to read timing marks of any car Ive worked on. Its those little things that you dont usually see that tell you it has had a lot of engineering put into it and it shows. I fully expect this car to last for another 120k easily.

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  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gkh3 - January 30 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my 2006 Civic LX coupe new in July 2006. After nearly 9 years and 85,000 miles this car has been just about problem free... averaging over 30 mpg consistently. Yes, the ride is bouncy and yes it can be loud but I knew that going in. If you want super quiet and cushy... get a Cadillac. My only regret is not getting the ex version.

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  Fun car, but buyer beware - 2015 Honda Fit
  By hondaowner34 - January 28 - 12:07 pm

  I have owned my new Fit for about 6 months. Overall I love the car. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, is easy to park in tight places, and looks great. However, Ive been having a major problem with paint chipping. I consider my daily driving to be less than average in pretty average conditions, and yet my car has sustained considerable paint damage. My 10+ yr. old Toyota never had this problem, and I think it reflects poor paint quality on the part of Honda. Dealership and Honda Customer Service dont consider this a "warrantable" problem, so I guess this is supposed to be acceptable for a brand new car.

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  This car is literally bullet proof - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mikey281 - January 26 - 9:52 pm

  My mother bought this car new and Ive had it for the past 3 years and 50k miles (190k total now). It has handled everything I could throw at it. Last summer we took it through 4000 miles of mexico and all the bumps and pot holes that that entailed. I even drove it through a river that washed out my road. It has only had standard maintenance done to it (fluids, timing belt tires) and a few other parts to replace some damage i caused when I went off the road (ball joint, new wheel) Someone even shot a gun into the hood and the support brace stopped the bullet so no damage was done to the engine! Hows that for bullet proof!

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  This Accord is better than me - 2014 Honda Accord
  By glastonbury - January 24 - 11:50 am

  I rent all makes and models of cars for work (I travel quite a bit). I dont work for, or have any affiliation, with any car brand. I can say the Accord (I have a 2014 EXL) was my favorite in the mid-size lot on build quality, engine design, ride, and comfort. Its as if Honda knows this is a big seller car, and so puts in even a little extra engineering thought into their top seller. Paradoxically, yes, the Honda is a toaster in one respect (there are so many out there) however, its this very reason the car is so well designed.

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  Overall its a good van, but feel dizzy driving it - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By popoton - January 22 - 9:29 am

  Just pull this minivan back home from dealer yesterday. when test drove another way everything seemed great. now after taking home another one (different color), I feel very dizzy driving it. the front window seems curved... and it makes my eyeballs and brain feel twisted and dizzy looking to the front. has anyone experience this before?

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  the things no one tells you - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bsturman - January 17 - 9:51 pm

  When your stopped with your foot on the brake the car vibrates. Honda cant find anything wrong. Also if your car ever gets bumped on the front passenger side, theres a chance that your windshield washers wont work because the pump is right behind the bumper. Even though I see just a small scratch there, they said it was hit and that is what broke the pump. After 1 year and $250 I have a new pump. Hopefully no one else hits my bumper there or this could get expensive.