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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  Overrrateddd - 2002 Honda Civic
  By tom237 - September 18 - 11:58 pm

  I have a 2002 honda civic and I bought it for raliability but the trany at 73 went out while driving in country road So I got standed for so much time having no option except towing it.Now I need a new transmission.So to me Honda is very overrated and it is not worth the price at all.Nothing different than any other american made car or better say it much worst.

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  Love my Insight but not unconditionally! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By tutusue - September 18 - 9:58 pm

  14 months/4000 miles! After a lifetime of German cars and much research I decided on the Insight, my first hybrid, and I dont regret that decision for a minute. My driving is probably 90% city and, of that, 95% is flat terrain. The only regular incline is the first 50 of my condos parking garage entrance. My mpg pales in comparison to others and averages a little under 35. However, my previous car averaged about 15 so I feel Im still way ahead of the game! Yes, the "get up n go" got up and went but thats part of the hybrid/higher mpg experience. Im not picky about handling as long as the car feels safe and, for me, the Insight does. Ill re-up at the end of my lease!

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  new crv - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - September 18 - 11:49 am

  my wife and i went out on labor day to buy a new suv...we both liked the nissan rogue,but after driving the honda crv...it was a done deal...the vehicle is fun,roomy,4 wheel drive ...while this car only has 175 miles on it...will keep you guys posted,but so far...excellent

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  My first and for sure last honda car: Steering wheel problem persists for 2 and half years - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bibhuti - September 17 - 10:34 am

  I got the car 2 years and 6 months back. Within first month the steering wheel gave me noises. At first honda did tried to avoid it, but finally they changed. Since then I have vibrations in my steering wheel at 70mph. The dealer has not been able to fix it since then. The car has a very stiff and bumpy ride. My daughter (she is now 4 months) constantly groans when she is in the car. Wind noise is so loud that you feel less noise in Chevy traverse or subaru outback on highway with window half opened than the Accord with window closed! Leather seats are hard and uncomfortable

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  1990 civic hatch - 1990 Honda Civic
  By 90_mike_ef - September 16 - 6:41 pm

  LOVE this car!! ive had it for 4 years, and have loved every bit of it. this has been a great car for me, ive put 80k on it, and it now has 270xxx on it. i put the 5 speed trans in it, rear disc brakes, si seats, hx gold wheels, and tons of other little stuff here and there. over all this is a great little car, and is more fun to drive than you would think for 70 hp.

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  10 Years, 160K Miles, and Still Running Strong - 2001 Honda Civic
  By rtwoods - September 16 - 11:05 am

  We purchased this car from the original owner in 2006 with about 100k miles. We now have about 160k miles and this Civic has been super reliable. Simple maintenance only (oil, brakes, timing belt). A couple minor, weird issues: had to replace both automatic window regulators, throttle and acceleration are becoming slower. Overall, Id highly recommend this car. Plus Ive achieved over 40 MPG on numerous flat trips.

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  Trans Failure - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By pwinth - September 16 - 10:55 am

  Loved my 2003 Honda Odyssey till transmission suddenly failed going 70mph on the freeway with my children in the back seat. Trans suddenly downshifted to 2nd/1st then continued to wildly shift back and forth, just through good luck no horrible accident. For $100, dealer tells me trans is cooked. Found out via Internet this is a very common problem, in fact most people dont get as much use as we did. We took good care and was in beautiful condition prior to this incident. New trans -> $4800, Honda America refuses to help, they say warranty is 36,000 miles and I should be happy I got 160,000 miles. If Id have known of this potential issue, Id have sold it pronto while value was $5k.

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  Honest - 2012 Honda Civic
  By objectionist - September 16 - 6:30 am

  The exterior of this vehicle is very nice, a drastic improvement over the last model. The interior leaves something to be wanted. It really doesnt do anything for me. The ride is nice, and the fuel efficiency is great for a gas engine. I averaged around 42 mpg on the interstate. The greatest grip I have is the "eco-boost" of the HF model, and the transmission of all. I think some work needs to be done in both areas. The automatic transmission acts more like a manual due to poor downshifting, and make sure to be a complete stop before changing into Drive, even if you are rolling forward. Overall, its a Honda, so I expect to have it well past 300K miles.

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  140,000 and still going strong - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nolander01 - September 15 - 12:39 pm

  I use my 07 civic hybrid as a communter car to and from work. I average 35,000 miles per year and have had no problems. I do all the required maintanance ( most of it myself) and expect plenty of more miles to come. Intertior had held up strong with no issues whatsoever. All electronics work perfectly with no sign of impending failure. As for the IMA battery...I can tell it is going to go fairly soon. However, I do not plan on fixing it due to the nature of my driving. It will operate without an IMA battery, Just dont expect to get the accel youre used to. Overall, wish I would have purchased the non-hybrid version. But, Ill drive this one into the ground. Hoping thatll be a long time.

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  Before you buy one of these...!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dmarklin - September 14 - 10:18 pm

  Google "vibration in an 05 Honda Odyssey" and be prepared to read a snoot full about owners with brand new Odys with the problem. (Edmunds forums for example), And then be prepared, if you go ahead with a purchase, to experience it yourself. I just about guarantee it. I bought mine because theyre rated by Edmunds to be the best van but Hondas have had tranny and motor mount problems since the 90s and now this. Evidently Honda doesnt believe in testing their products. Also their batteries are too small to handle the electronics in these things. Get the biggest one you can find.