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:

• 

  Really good... but - 2006 Honda Accord
  By gringoviejo - October 18 - 1:14 pm

  I bought this car for my wife 5 years ago. Attractive, well put together, sporty, economical, reliable, and still turns head after all this time. The car is pretty good, too! It reminds me a lot of the old Prelude, but a lot bigger.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By smalbanian - October 17 - 7:26 am

  We just wrecked and lost the best car ever, the 1996 Honda Odyssey. We have been looking for a new car replacement for several months, but nothing compares. Todays vans are gigantic by comparison and have those stupid sliding doors. Absolutely nothing today under $60K has seats as comfortable as the FOUR captains chairs in our 96 Odyssey. Closest available today are the Mazda5 or Toyota Hylander, but for long trips, we will have to live without the luxury seating of our 96 Odyssey. Only reason we are not just finding another 96 Odyssey is that the new cars have all those airbags and other safety features. Boo hoo.

• 

  Wonderful Little Car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By cindy67 - October 15 - 9:28 am

  ... just bought the EXL and could not be more pleased. I was able to get car $1000 below Edmunds. Before you decide on another small car just go and drive this one. I think that you will be pleased. As far as noise, I traded in a 2003 Grand Marquis with 38,000 miles on this car and there is no more noise than the Mercury. Driving is believing.

• 

  Not what I was hoping for out of Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By fuzz_nut98 - October 14 - 8:41 pm

  This car has been ok but I am glad we leased it. First it is white and when I got it the door color was different then the rest of the body. Honda paid for the whole car to be repainted but wouldnt let me trade it for one without paint issues even though it only had 15 miles on it. The car is a dog (hybrid) but it does handles pretty well. The interior has good fit and finish and is laid out well. I like some of the extras the Hybrid has but I really wish I bought a standard civic. At 30,000 miles the hybrid battery failed ($3000 Battery), but it has 80.000 mile of warranty. not impressive. Dealer said they replace 2-3 a month. Gas mileage says 40-45 mpg, I get 35-36 with normal driving.

• 

  2011 transmission issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By madjackson - October 14 - 5:25 pm

  the transmission shudders @ 15-30 mph took it to the dealer 1st time told me nothing was wrong 3rd time they are waiting for honda to figure out was is the problem no time line I have a child on a ventilator this is his primary transportation they said it is safe to drive how can it be safe if they cant even tell me what the problem is my concern is being stranded with 2 kids and one with a boat load of medical equipment spoke with honda directly they said they MIGHT get back to us in 2 weeks fine we told the dealer we wanted to trade it for a pilot and in so many words they said no we needed to wait for honda to tell them what they could do! btw we didnt ask for anything special on trade in

• 

  I wish I could get rid of my Honda - 2010 Honda Civic
  By maryam - October 13 - 10:09 pm

  I purchased a 2010 Honda Civic. It already had 6K miles. I should have known the original owner dumped it for some reason. Unless the road is just built yesterday, you can feel and hear the road roaring and the whole car is so light that it jumps over the smallest of lines on the road. I am extremely unhappy that I have put in so much money on this. Bought it for 16 grand. I wish I could get rid of it. Already I have changed a shock, which was under warranty and its brakes are going away. I cannot believe it . It has 18,000 miles only. I will be always discouraging people from buying this.

• 

  Great value car in long run - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kripsing - October 13 - 1:32 pm

  Lets see i got this car for $5.5K with 142K miles . Tranny cost me $2k. Have been driving in city for last 4 years and have 183k miles . Cant beat that .

• 

  I wouldnt buy again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By camrykiller - October 13 - 1:27 pm

  VTC Actuator failed (known issue) under warranty Power lumbar motor broke (400.00) Transmission pauses at cold start before shifting Honda service will not address Brake problems like everyone else. No thanks Honda....go find some other sucker TRADED!!!!

• 

  Honda Accord SE12 - 2012 Honda Accord
  By n_k - October 10 - 9:49 pm

  Super Smooth engine, refined ride quality. Respectable fuel economy from a 5 speed trans. Surprising that both 177HP and 190HP 4cyl share same fuel economy. Leather trim looks/feels sharp. Torque on up-hill start tends to kick-in at higher RPMs.

• 

  Happy Cowboy - 2012 Honda Civic
  By makerwright - October 10 - 3:29 pm

  Im a recreational shooter, and I do alot of highway driving on the weekends to participate in various shooting events. For many years Ive made these trips in 4X4 trucks and have wasted alot of gas in the process. I wanted a vehicle that gets great mpg, would effectively haul myself and my equipment, and has the comforts of A/C, cruise, auto, CD, power locks and windows. I also wanted to buy from a manufacturer with a lengendary rep for longevity and reliability. The Civic LX sedan fits my needs wonderfully. My trips regularly take me over the high mountain passes of Colorado, and even with the automatic transmission the civic has no problem doing the speed limit over the hills.