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:

• 

  ITS A GOOD CAR, BUT NOT A GREAT CAR - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ALYN - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage, decent sound system, relatively comfortable interior.A bit noisy on the interstate.OUR DARK BLUE PAINT HAS A NUMBER OF DEFECTS OR MISSES. Buy silver.One week out of the showroom, replaced powersteering pump. At 4000 miles winshield scarred by faulty wipers, no recourse at agency, 13000 miles, engine tappets chattering loudly.

• 

  Reliability.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HONDA ACCORD? - February 7 - 1:13 am

  This is my 2nd Accord that I have purchased. My first was a 94 Accord, I put 275 thousand miles within 8-10 years. So I figured that Hondas must really be some good cars, b/c I had NO PROBLEMS at all out of it, I just got rid of it due to high mileage. So I traded it in and got an 04 Accord Coupe, ex V6, got around 53,000 miles, and so far, my moonroof has had to be replaced, brakes went out, and so did my transmission, while in traffic, as soon as I picked it up from the Honda dealer, realized that my motor mounts was bad and they had to get replaced as well. Just hate that everyone in my family drives Hondas and this particular one that I have has caused me soo much trouble.

• 

  99 Civic Lx - 1999 Honda Civic
  By CarGUy - February 6 - 9:05 pm

  Great car so far, no problems what so ever. Added some upgrades and have turned this blah looking car into something real cool to look at and drive, really a chick car but worth the money for a reliable small car.

• 

  It keeps going - 1990 Honda Accord
  By vlad - February 5 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car as a student in Waterloo, Canada with 250,000 kilometres. Added 50k in 3 years. Its my second car after a 1979 Renault that I owned back home in Europe. Engine, transmission are still great. The engine does not burn oil. A small leak was cured by using Honda oil. Transmission runs smoothly after drain and refill and changing the PCV valve. I had several issues: cv joints and leaking radiator. Gas mileage drops to below 20mpg in cold ontario winters. Close to 30 mpg in summer. Rust around rear wells is not a killer if you rust proof once a year.

• 

  About as perfect an SUV as you can get - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Timus - February 5 - 1:09 pm

  Ive had my Pilot 2006 AWD for about 4 months now. It replaced a Nissan Titan so Im not as squeamish about the mileage as others are. To me the mileage is pretty good and I drive 80 miles a day round trip and fill up about once a week on average. I was buying a half tank a day in the Titan!!! I have a family of 6 so we need the room and the third row is a necessity. Everyone who rides in it is surprised by how roomy it is inside. Its all Dr. Who Tardisy in there. Way bigger inside than it looks on the outside.

• 

  Sporty and fun, with a few glitches - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Cathy - February 5 - 11:20 am

  The stiff sport suspension lets you feel every nuance of the road, making this little car seem fast and responsive. It gets in and out of tight spots easily, making parking a breeze. The interior is bigger than it looks from the outside, and the flexible seat arrangements are genius.

• 

  Not impressed - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Megan M - February 4 - 5:12 pm

  We bought this car because of the advertised gas mileage and we wanted a reliable family vehicle. We chose Honda because they are a reliable company and Honda resale value holds up really well. Overall the car is a great point A to point B car. We bought our car brand new with 15 miles on it. It drives smooth and has a surprising get up and go. Its also idles incredibly quiet. When I first got the car the only way I knew it was on, was by looking at the ignition! The most Ive ever spent on a full tank of gas has been $25. Its usually only about $10 for 3/4 tank. My husband is a mechanic and does the oil changes at his shop so Im not sure exactly how expensive maintenance fees are. We have not had to make any mechanical repairs at all. The car has 30k miles on it and it still runs really well. However there are some major flaws in the design. Just 1 year after our purchase we realized there were chips all over the hood and front side of the paint. So we repainted it. But again there are more chinks. It doesnt matter how closely I follow someone, the paint is just poor quality. Also, you cant hit even the smallest pothole or you will have to replace a rim. My rims are dented all the way around. The stock tires were so poor that they only lasted 6 months before being replaced. And even our replacement tires are horrible on any form of precipitation including rain. I also have a young son so I have a car seat in the backseat. I have to move the front passenger seat all the way up to allow him in and out of the car. So it makes having extra passengers almost impossible because whoever sits up front has to have an up close and personal relationship with the dash board. Also, the backseat has headrests that fold all the way down over the seat. Its incredibly uncomfortable for anyone sitting in the back seat without pulling it all the way up. And if they leave the headrest up it causes a major blind spot for the driver out of the back window. In the winter dont even try to use just the heat setting. Your windows will fog in 2 minutes. You have to use the defrost setting only for cold weather. Which is fine except when youre behind a stinky truck or you want to recycle your air instead of inhaling fumes. The cup holders up front are impossible if you have a cup bigger than a 12 oz. You have to pull your cup carefully out at an angle to avoid crushing or spilling your drink. The option of using your ipod through the second glove box is wonderful but if you have more than 100 artists on your ipod youre going to spend 10 min scrolling through artists until you find the one you want. It doesnt allow for playing by genre and it doesnt read all of your playlists. Even the max volume is comparatively low. We also had to replace our wiper blades within the first year because they were so poor. Overall this is a good car. But I dont recommend it as a family car. This is perfect for someone to drive to and from work only. Its great for long distance drives. Maintenance oil changes dont happen as frequently as they do with other cars. Gas cost is incredibly low. But if youre looking for comfort look elsewhere.

• 

  Sorry I bought this car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Milton - February 4 - 6:30 am

  Engine is great, handling not too bad. However, the clutch engages so high off the floor, it makes smooth shifting very difficult.This was not a problem with my S-2000. Clutch evidently cannot be adjusted. I wont have this car very long. I found out now ( way too late ) that this ia a known Honda problem for many years. Thats inexcusable. This is my last Honda.

• 

  Review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Civicac - February 4 - 6:00 am

  I traded in my RX-8 for better gas mpg. I only average 28 mpg city/highway. I like the car but have some complaints. The fit & finish is OK, not great, my subwoofer causes a vibration noise in the car. This car is very hard to judge because you cant see the front or rear of car. The ride is very nice. I like the car but I am somewhat disappointed in some areas. I hope the mpg improves.

• 

  Perfect for a 1st time driver - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Smart Wins - February 3 - 12:24 pm

  I bought this car approx. 3 months after I got my license almost 3 1/2 years ago, and I was smitten when I got behind the wheel. If your a 1st time driver, or a person who just wants a car to drive, and isnt concerned with "fun" driving this car is 100% perfect for you. But for myself, now I want more power, and huge fun factor when Im driving, so off to the 08 G35x