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 when new - long term not so great - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Paul Anderson - February 6 - 2:11 pm

  When I bought my 2008 Civic Coupe new, it was a great car for its class. It got great mileage, drove well, and for a compact car, had what I was after - bare bones, simple transportation with good mileage. Since I only drive 20 miles round trip to work everyday, I dont put a ton of miles on my cars, and I take great care of them, washing them frequently, doing regular maintenance as scheduled, not allowing my kids to eat in the car, and generally trying to keep them spotless. Unfortunately, it didnt take long for my initial feelings about my carbegin to change. At less than 20,000 miles, I went to pull the driver side sun visor down one day, and it fell apart in my hands. A few months later, a recall was issued on the sun visors, and it was fixed with no charge. Then at 24,000 miles, the alternator went out and had to be replaced. Again, a warranty-covered repair, but still ... for a car with the reputation of Hondas quality behind it, this was a bit disappointing. After those two items, things seemed to be going well for a while. Then at about the 5 year mark in 2013, I started noticing some slight fading of the dark blue paint. This one REALLY disappointed me. As a person who buys cars and holds onto them for 7-10 years and 100,000 miles plus, I try to ensure that I buy cars with high long-term reliability ratings, and I had done a lot of research on Honda before buying this car, and all the indications were that Honda made extremely high-quality, dependable vehicles. By the time I got rid of this car in 2016, at 8 years old, the paint was completely faded on the top and sides, the interior was starting to come apart, the front end was groaning and making all sorts of noises (suspected engine mount wear). I ended up donating the car to charity for a tax write off. Overall, I was very disappointed with the workmanship of this vehicle, as it just didnt live up to my expectations based on everything I had read and been told about Hondas. I went back to Toyota products, and this will be my only Honda purchase. I had owned Toyotas exclusively since about 1992, and never had these types of issues with any Toyota products, ranging from Camrys to Highlanders to 4Runners. When I went to replace this vehicle, I went back to the Toyota family and bought a Lexus - hoping to continue the better reliability and quality Ive had with Toyota products for the past 25 years.

• 

  Great when new - long term not so great - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Paul Anderson - February 6 - 2:11 pm

  When I bought my 2008 Civic Coupe new, it was a great car for its class. It got great mileage, drove well, and for a compact car, had what I was after - bare bones, simple transportation with good mileage. Since I only drive 20 miles round trip to work everyday, I dont put a ton of miles on my cars, and I take great care of them, washing them frequently, doing regular maintenance as scheduled, not allowing my kids to eat in the car, and generally trying to keep them spotless. Unfortunately, it didnt take long for my initial feelings about my carbegin to change. At less than 20,000 miles, I went to pull the driver side sun visor down one day, and it fell apart in my hands. A few months later, a recall was issued on the sun visors, and it was fixed with no charge. Then at 24,000 miles, the alternator went out and had to be replaced. Again, a warranty-covered repair, but still ... for a car with the reputation of Hondas quality behind it, this was a bit disappointing. After those two items, things seemed to be going well for a while. Then at about the 5 year mark in 2013, I started noticing some slight fading of the dark blue paint. This one REALLY disappointed me. As a person who buys cars and holds onto them for 7-10 years and 100,000 miles plus, I try to ensure that I buy cars with high long-term reliability ratings, and I had done a lot of research on Honda before buying this car, and all the indications were that Honda made extremely high-quality, dependable vehicles. By the time I got rid of this car in 2016, at 8 years old, the paint was completely faded on the top and sides, the interior was starting to come apart, the front end was groaning and making all sorts of noises (suspected engine mount wear). I ended up donating the car to charity for a tax write off. Overall, I was very disappointed with the workmanship of this vehicle, as it just didnt live up to my expectations based on everything I had read and been told about Hondas. I went back to Toyota products, and this will be my only Honda purchase. I had owned Toyotas exclusively since about 1992, and never had these types of issues with any Toyota products, ranging from Camrys to Highlanders to 4Runners. When I went to replace this vehicle, I went back to the Toyota family and bought a Lexus - hoping to continue the better reliability and quality Ive had with Toyota products for the past 25 years.

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  Test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Pitsch - February 6 - 8:09 am

  This vehicle had too much road noise for my liking.

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  Love it - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ashley - February 6 - 7:00 am

  I love my new car! I looked at and test drove car after car after car .... and as always fell in love with the Honda. It drives great and is very easy to handle. Its also very roomy and comfortable.

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  Best Economy SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By blick138 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent economy SUV with all the features the average person needs. Like any Honda you never have to turn on wrench. They will run forever. This was my 3rd Honda and never had one single repair with over 250,000 miles total.

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  a good car to buy even used - 1997 Honda Civic
  By rocky1318 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car from a private seller and it runs great. no wear and tear except for maybe as couple scratches on the outside. a good car to buy new or used.

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  The Odyssey of Comfort - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Alex - February 5 - 10:23 pm

  I was totally against the idea of buying a minivan, until I sat in the Odyssey. It blew my mind! I always assumed that a minivan was boring. This van is nowhere near boring....you can not put Odyssey and boring in the same sentence. I love the comfort of it. Most of all, I love the easy access in putting in and taking out my daughter from the van. I no longer have the back problems from bending in the car to get her car seat in and out. It drives like a BMW. Its a Smooth ride. It hugs the road and thats comforting to a new mommy. (Especially in the rain).

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  3rd time is a charm - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sean - February 5 - 8:53 pm

  This is my third Honda vehicle and the best by far owned 89 Accord Lxi sdn had a 2006 Accord EX-L 4cyl now the best 2007 EX V6 love the car it had great performance love the way it hold the road and the mileage for a V6 is the same as the 4 cylinder I had last year this is a great vehicle and I am a proud Honda owner. My wife drives a 2005 Accord so we are hooked on Honda Accord owners to the end. GREAT JOB HONDA GREAT JOB

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  2004 Civic Si - 2005 Honda Civic
  By VInce - February 5 - 2:40 pm

  My overall expereince wit hthis vehicle has been very good. This is the 3rd Honda vehicle I have owned. The first was a 1992 Accord EX that was going strong at 130k miles. I also have a 2003 Odyssey L. My only complaint with the Civic is very poor low-end (below 2500 RPM) torque. Best performance is between 3500 and 5500 RPM. With gas prices at $3.50/gallon, the 33MPG is a welcome situation. It also handles extremely well at all speeds, although you will need a set of rain/snow tires, if you live in wet regions. The original rubber is good only on dry pavement.

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  Good solid sedan - 2009 Honda Accord
  By hutch7 - February 5 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this car after a bad experience with a Hyundai. The Honda is head and shoulders above its Korean cousin. The Accords handling and road manners are impeccable. Interior is roomy and very ergonomic. The engine is very responsive and smooth for a 4 cyl. Gas mileage is pretty good (currently getting 23 city/ 30 highway). Road noise is higher than other sedans in this class but not horrible. I expect that when I eventually replace the OEM Dunlops that road noise and handling will both improve. Trunk is not huge but big enough. Appearance is of course very subjective but to me the car looks an awful lot like a 5 series BMW. Fit and finish is without equal in this class and for around 20K