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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  The Lemon - 2002 Honda Civic
  By LEO BALSOR - December 23 - 2:00 am

  This has 27,000 and has been in the shop for 15 quality defects. 3 times the drivers seat came unbolted from the floor. All 4 interior door panels were replaced - fabric coming off. The trunk lock failed. The windows had no track lube from the factory. The floor mats wore out. The steering and exhaust rattle. The drivetrain rocks when the car is started on a hill. The steering thunks, but the dealer cant duplicate. The car does not start and it stalls on the highway in 90+ weather which the dealer has not fixed. The car also does not meet EPA regulations. I would stay away from this Honda quality if I was you.

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  Good car, watch your dealer - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jholdrid - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have now had the car two months, and had zero problems. It cruises along with no complaints. It could use a little more power on the highway, but I did buy a small sedan, so I got what I paid for.

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  2002 Civic 2dr 5spd rallyered - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kbsexyman - December 23 - 2:00 am

  very good quality car, most reliable on the market.

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  My 2007 Accord 2DR 4cyl EXL - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Lewis - December 23 - 1:00 am

  This is my first non GM or Ford car. I was so impressed by my sons 2005 Accord sedan I test drove a 2007 two door coupe and love the ride and wood accents on the interior. The 4 cylinder has plenty of pep, averages 26 mpg city/highway mix (31 mpg on the highway at 70 mph on a recent 1100 mile trip) and the transmission doesnt search for gears like the 2007 Camry I test drove. This car is Lexus quiet inside, even at highway speeds. I am 6 ft 4 and have plenty of room in this car and the seats are sooo comfortable. Fit and finish on this car is EXCELLENT. 10,567 miles and not even a minor problem yet. The XM radio came with the car & I didnt want it, but after 6 months I love it.

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  Uncomfortable!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kimberly Smith - December 22 - 10:54 pm

  Driver seat is very uncomfortable along with no leg room. Disappointed.

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  Two days and Im hooked - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Leslie - December 22 - 10:25 pm

  I shall forewarn you, Im rather biased when it comes to this car because my first and only car before this was a 1999 CRV. Compared to that vehicle, this thing has EVERYTHING. Its sporty enough for me, and its features just keep piling on! Im used to the only way I could listen to the music on my phone/iPod was through a radio FM transmitter, so going from that to having USB, Aux, CD, Bluetooth... Im overwhelmed. Unfortunately Im also overwhelmed by the dash. There are about a billion buttons on the dash. I can kinda get the feel for how the designer tried to make it less confusing with grouping certain items on different parts of the dashboard, but itll take some MAJOR getting used to before I can do anything while driving. Another huge downfall is the visibility. Other reviews here have hit the nail on the head about backing out of a parking space; damn near impossible. My advice: go very slow and hope someone lets you out. If you adjust your mirrors out wide enough, though, you can easily get rid of blind spots while moving no problem. Also, it could be that since Im used to my CRV, but the doors are very long, and if you have to park somewhat close next to someone, it is a major struggle getting out of this vehicle. This car sits very low to the ground as well. I have not had problems yet with scraping at curbs, but I know for sure I have a hard time standing up after Im done driving. Again, this could be bias based on the fact all Ive ever known is a CRV. As far as the drive goes, its fairly smooth for a car that sits so low. However, coming out of a stop while the engine is off is a little rough, almost like the hybrid doesnt mix very happily with the CVT. This is the only instance where something like that happens, though. I am EXTREMELY happy with the sound system. I annoy everyone with the subs. The seating is very comfortable for a moderate sized person, forming to typical curves of a normal human body. Also for a sporty car, there is a LOT of leg room. Probably due to the fact that it has no back seat, which was honestly one of the biggest hesitant factors I had when buying the car. However, since it has extra cargo space under a decently revealing cargo door, I dont normally have problems with a space issue unless I have 3+ people that want to ride with me. Decent sacrifice to make for a car like this one. Oh, and the projected MPGs are a bit lower than what I usually get since I dont normally drive like a maniac anyway. Overall, Im very happy with this car, and I definitely turn lots of heads with it.

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  Our Experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Ty - December 22 - 6:35 pm

  This is a car that I insisted my friend should get after her first lemon of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Turns out that this Accord makes that lemon look heaven-sent. Its a shame because I drive a 2000 Honda Accord with over 210,000 miles. The suspension rattles and clunks, the engine burns oil, but it runs well otherwise and hasnt given me any major issues. The 2003 Honda Accord that my friend got has just 79,000 miles. The ride is infinitely better, the seats are much more comfortable, and the car is all around a significant improvement from the previous model. However, the number of issues that the 2003 Accord has way outnumbers my own Accord just 3 years older. The transmission is absolutely garbage. This car has left us on the side of the road outside of Vegas in the middle of the summer with an overheated transmission, pouring fluid all over the side of the freeway. After getting one part of the transmission fixed, it started to shift hard. The tail light switch failed and started killing the battery, which I had to fix on my own to save some money. The AC would only blow cold air through one half of the car. The list of issues go on. All in all, as much as I love this car, the quality of the mechanical components is incredibly bad. A car that I told my friend would be reliable and problem-free has been anything but. CarComplaints.com rates this car as the second worst car to purchase and suggests "avoiding this model year like the plague." Boy were they right. Be careful when thinking about buying a 2003 Honda Accord. As much as I love this car, I hate it just as much.

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  Mostly fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Uncle Jack - December 22 - 1:16 pm

  This car is amazing in many respects and disappointing in a few. Its very roomy and versatile, surprisingly comfortable, and handles outstandingly well. The performance/economy compromise is okay but only just. My city mileage is about 29 and on the highway it will get 32 to 37 depending on the speeds involved (note that this is 4-5 mpg less than the mileage meter indicates). A sixth gear would be a big help. Worst feature is the ride, which is a lot stiffer than other cars Ive had and driven of about the same wheelbase and weight. A lot of the interior seems to be made of flocked cardboard; Honda evidently thinks it has a good enough quality reputation to get away with this.

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  Its an economy, not luxury, car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brian McGlinch - December 22 - 10:53 am

  I bought this car to replace my SUV. After attaining 41 mpg at 70+ mph, Im finding fewer reasons to use the SUV. I dont feel underpowered when merging into traffic. The ride is more nimble and sporty than the SUV. The cabin is quiet enough, given the aerodynamic styling. Although the seats could be more comfortable and the stereo more powerful, I remind myself that I bought a low-priced car for great mileage. I bought a Honda, not a Lexus.

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  Gas, PAX tires, oil changes- what???? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By teasedntossed - December 22 - 12:33 am

  Mileage is poor despite the highly touted economy feature. Only the dealership can change the oil b/c oil changes elsewhere set off the check engine light and Honda charges $90 plus to reset and check. Dont get a nail in your tire. The entire wheel assembly must be replaced b/c no one can change or fix a flat PAX system tire, including Honda. Until they get their act together, out of warranty replacement will run $550 plus per "tire"- a most unpleasant discovery. Only Honda will have the wheel assembly available. With rear windows down, it is too noisy to drive. I was sold on this van by the comfort and handling b/c I drive a lot. Ownership has been a very frustrating experience.