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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  Does no one else care about the harsh ride or am I just an old guy who doesnt like the feel of the streets? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By jimbo1937 - March 26 - 10:26 am

  I posted once before about the harsh ride of this car. Only one other post refers to it, yet to me it is very noticeable. I traded in an 04 Prius, which, although a lighter car, was MUCH smoother over road imperfections. All other family members notice the difference. If youve ever been in a smooth driving car, you know what I mean. Cant believe Honda hasnt fixed the problem by now. Tire pressure at 35. If you go over a speed bump, the rear end flies up with a noticeable bang. Maybe Im just an old guy who expects more comfort that an under #30,000 car provides.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By motormind123 - March 25 - 5:31 pm

  A very good small car only problem are the tires which were not very good on snowy roads and did not wear well. But this is a small price to pay for so much fun and a roomy interior. Iam glad that I did not get the sport model as their have been a lot of problems with the front spoiler.

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  Quigz Review - 2011 Honda Insight
  By quigz - March 24 - 1:56 am

  I traded in a 2004 Pontiac GTO! I had a 5.7 liter V8 gas monster, and traded this in for a gas saver. I dont care to much about being green, I care about saving money, and the Insight allows me to do just that in gas. I love this car! I save so much money in gas it is unreal. I have a 10 gallon gas tank and get over 60 MPG! I get triple the gas mileage now. I get $30 in gas every seven days as opposed to $45 every three days. I am using a solar panel now to increase my MPGs [violative content deleted]

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  Love My Honda XD - 1998 Honda Civic
  By jamie_taylor - March 23 - 9:24 pm

  I love my little red Honda! It currently has 199,602 miles on it, I have had it for about 3 years now and I have never had a car that has has this much fuel economy and power and still runs like new at 200k miles! I have done some minor modifications on this car, and now have about 55+mpg highway and about 45+city. All I did was put in performance spark plugs, wires and distributor, run full synthetic oil, and cold air intake with a k&n Filter (It cost me all of about 100 bucks)! I was always sceptical of Ricers (this car was a gift from my fiance) and I WILL NEVER GO BACK!!! I love my Honda :) It has been nothing but an exceptional vehicle, I am planning on making it last to 400k miles..

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  Some drawbacks but pleased - 2010 Honda Accord
  By wyomatt - March 23 - 12:37 am

  Glad for a car this loaded under $26k. Snow tires for these 18s are $1k so we just relied on ESC/ABS. No winter problems but Id be torn if still in the Dakotas. With spirited driving expect 19mpg city/27 hiway @82. Use low octane for best results. Dont use high-octane on Accords as they do not have high-compression so not only is it wasteful but actually reduces mileage. Low octane doesnt mean inferior gas....it means it burns quicker. Accords all suffer with road noise, even after using several can of rubberized undercoating its still almost unacceptably loud. This is surprising as they obviously attempted an upscale feel. If you want peace and quiet better get the Acura.

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  Best Car I have owned - 1996 Honda Civic
  By sfluver007 - March 22 - 10:18 pm

  I bought my 96 Civic about a year ago, used, after not owning a car for 7yrs. I live in San Francisco. Everyone thought I was out of my mind because the car had 257K miles on it.....I did take it to a mechanic and he told me that he has Hondas coming in with well over 300K. So I bought it......it now has almost 300K on it and shows no signs of slowing down. Its still very quick, solid, reliable and most of all, a damned lot of fun to drive. Oh, and I have spent less than $400 bucks in maintence and repairs. I will buy another Honda before anything else....ever!

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  Was this car built on a Monday after intoxicated weekend? - 2011 Honda Accord
  By pierre6 - March 22 - 8:54 pm

  Bought this 2011 Honda Accord EX 4cyl in Jan 2011. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but am getting use to it. The Drivers door does not unlock every time the car is put in park, maybe its getting broke in? My biggest concern, is the Air Conditioning. The Car has 1400 miles, and the AC is barely Cool, not cold.My 2004 honda accord EX A/C is perfect. My 2011 Honda Accord is spending the night at the dealership because I did not want to go another day with a disapointing A/C, so left it with them! Today was 80F outside and the A/C was barely Cool. I traded in my 2004 c230 Mercedes for this Car, just hope this Honda is not a lemon! No problems with my 2004 Honda. Very concerned!!

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  I love it! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mizzsnap1 - March 22 - 11:24 am

  I bought this car to accommodate my son and I. I wanted a vehicle spacious for family trips but not too bulky, reliable, comfortable, and durable. Of course I chose the Honda Accord. I recently took my Accord in to be serviced and was given a Civic as a loaner. I dont regret my choice with the Accord! The Civic brought a lot of road noise that I dont have with mine. The Accord also provides a much smoother drive for a more calm and luxurious ride! I also like the steering buttons which make it much easier to navigate the stereo system. My 1996 Honda lasted me until 2009, and I plan on keeping my 07 for as long as it lasts!

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  My pick for best value overall - 2006 Honda Civic
  By aleighs9 - March 21 - 12:58 am

  I recently purchased my 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid w/ Navigation and it had 79,000 miles on it. I was a bit worried because the hybrid battery expired at 80,000 miles and as we know, theyre quite expensive. So far, so good though. At 85,000 miles and going strong. I love the design of the car and feel its perfect for a young person. I have been getting 36 mpg in town, but its been under 30 degrees in Iowa and mpgs have improved with temp increase. Love having the 12.3 gallon gas tank, fueling is a breeze. I think Priuses are ugly and love the way my hybrid looks. Everyone else seems to, too. CVT transmission took awhile to get used to - no shifting. But overall, dont hesitate! Buy today.

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  Perfect Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nutsnbolts1 - March 20 - 9:19 pm

  2002 that I purchased for $2K, Had to replace the cyl Head due to a Bad Camshaft, Now Im re-ringing the whole motor at 163K. This Honda was not properly maintained, Owned by Teenager that hardly changed the oil. so Im replacing all bearing, re-honing the Cylinders, The best part...I dont have to remove the engine, wish all cars where like this, makes my life very easy, Had it all torn down to the pistons less than 3Hours. Used Head pulled at 43k $250 Piston Rings, Rod Bearings, Head Gasket, Timing Belt, Tensioner, Waterpump $230. New Clutch $125. The Only other car I can rebuild as fast and cheap is my good ole Chevy 350. Love cars with simplicity in mind, everything else is wast a time.