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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  Battery fails, Honda wont replace - 2009 Honda Civic
  By socaldude2 - May 25 - 1:18 am

  Please do your research before considering this car. I was hoping to keep this car for >5 years and get excellent milage and help save the planet. What initially was a great hybrid has turned quickly into a disaster. After 1 year, the battery stopped holding a charge. after 15 months, the check engine light came on. Honda performed an irreversible software upgrade that bascially minimizes the cars use of the hybrid battery (basically making it a non-hybrid car). My MPG has dropped 10 MPG!! The hybrid battery is now basically non-functional and Honda will not fix it despite being under warranty. There are many many simiar complaints (look online). I will never buy Honda again.

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  Wouldnt touch this car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By gardner3 - May 22 - 11:56 am

  After two weeks, the car was towed in with a failed speed sensor (feels like the transmission but I was told it wasn’t). Two weeks after that the car was towed in again with a failed speed sensor and Honda replaced that and put in a new transmission too. The day I picked it up with the new tranny, the engine light went on. I then drove back to the dealer they said, “Oh no, your IMA battery just needs a scheduled software upgrade.” Sothe engine light goes on for an upgrade, if you leave your gas cap loose, or any other major problem.

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  Brakes, brakes and more brakes! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By namip1972 - May 20 - 8:08 pm

  This car goes through brakes like I go through shoes, but are 5x more expensive. Dealer claims its normal for the rear brakes to wear before the front...BS! Now theres a grrrrrrrrr noise when I start the car for which the dealer said will cost about $800 to fix (cant remember what he exactly said was wrong). Also, windows dont automatically go up all the way in cold weather. Further, the air-con is loud. Will never ever never buy a Honda again!!!!

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  Bad transmissions - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rmars1 - April 12 - 9:56 pm

  Starting at 35K I serviced the transmission every 15k at the dealers recommendation. About three years ago while the car was still in warranty I complained to the dealer about the car shifting had and jerking at stops when cold, the dealer said that was normal and didnt write it on the service ticket and said it was almost due for a trans fluid service. Now the transmission is lurching at stops and stalling in intersections. Honda has offered very little in the way of assistance and jacks up to price of the replacement transmission to compensate. Essentially they make you do an abnormal amount of costly service to keep their defective transmission working while in warranty.

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  Honda customer support/warranty....fool me once! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 53classic - March 16 - 8:59 am

  At 16,000 kms, the transmission in our new 2007 Civic broke down. Honda claimed that this was due to abuse! My wife and I have driven manual cars for many years....we are both in our 50s and do not abuse our cars. Honda refused to accept any blame and we were forced to pay a $4,000 repair bill. We had no support from anyone at Honda - not the dealer or Honda Canada. Would they consider cost sharing the repair bill or giving us a break on the parts or labour cost? NO! Our lease is now up - the Honda dealer called to see if we wanted to lease another Civic....Are you kidding me?? Fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice....shame on me! Never again.

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  READ REVIEWS BEFORE YOU PURCHASE!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By shawnamk - March 8 - 9:47 pm

  I am so upset with Honda and this car! This was my very first new car I have had. I went with a Honda because I wanted something reliable and long lasting. This is the complete opposite. I had same problem with brakes at 17,000 miles, had it in the shop b/c paint was chipping around windows and bumper. Last night it broke down and I had to get a jump at midnight in the middle of no where. Seriously my 2.5 year old car broke down?? Its now in the shop for that and also b/c my engine sounds crazy loud and sounds like its ticking. Dealer said the ticking and loud engine are normal. I need to get rid of this car so I guess I paid $15,000 to drive for 2.5 yrs. Dont BUY!!

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  What happened to Honda? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By laxguy95 - February 16 - 9:05 pm

  Bought this car to take over daily driving duties from a 96 Accord. As others have mentioned, the front seats are uncomfortable after 15 minutes of driving. The clutch pedal is very smooth, but it provides no feedback to the driver on dis/engagement. The steering wheel has a very cheap feel from all of the plastic pieces. Sight lines look good from the outside, but there is a jump in height of the interior trim that cuts several inches off the bottom of the rear windows. The car feels as if it was hurried to be finished. Look at how the mirrors are only 2/3 painted and the dash is about an inch short of the the windshield showing foam insulation as examples.

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  Beware: Battery goes right after warranty - 2003 Honda Civic
  By formerhondafan - February 7 - 12:24 pm

  Just a warning to those looking at this car. I bought in 2002 (2003 model) and have been the only owner for just over 8 years. Five months past the warranty, the battery failed and now I have to pay $3000 to have it replaced. The car has less that 80,000 miles, but because Ive owned it over eight years, the warranty has expired. This is simply too much of an expense to be reasonable or fair. It certainly doesnt justify the gas savings. I am very disappointed in Honda and will not buy another one, because of this experience.

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  Steer Clear of Civics - 2010 Honda Civic
  By pmdclassics - January 22 - 8:38 pm

  If you live in a cold climate do not buy a Honda Civic, the heater is very, very poor at best. Your car will not heat up if the temp is 20 F or colder. Worst heater in any car I have owned the last 30 years. Not only that the gas mileage is like driving an SUV. 24 MPG in town and highway mix. I leased my Civic and boy do I regret it. Cant wait until the lease is up to dump this car.

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  For how everyone seems to love these Hondas, we do not love ours - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By delta125 - January 14 - 11:06 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007. Top of the line CR-V. A major disappointment, three weeks after puddles started dripping under car. We take it back to the dealership and for ten days we had a base Nissan Altima model loaner as they had to wait for a part to come in and Honda wouldnt allow us to take it unless fixed. Highest model and does not even have power seats, very uncomfortable on long trips, fuel efficency could be obtained on a V6 and the engine is very weak. Steering wheel shakes like crazy at 73 MPH and above. Pathetic. I will be sure to stick with a GM or Ford product from now on.