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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  Nice car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By joe - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic with 40k on it. I had to replace the headliner because it was sagging. I am a hated car salesman so I do get a big break on items I also replaced struts a few and cabin filter. The car does very well in the snow and gas mileage is excellent. I paid 5500 for it. I will replace timing belt soon. I am very happy with this car

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  Lots of problems - 2010 Honda Insight
  By 2010 insight driver - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Battery/IMA does not work as it should. Been to 5 dealerships more then 10 times just getting the run around. Honda knows they have a major issue but will or can not offer any fix. MPG is: in city about 35 and on the highway 42. You dont need to spend 8K more to get this kind of mpg it is similar to regular Civic with a msrp of 15k. The paint job is poor. Car always feels like is having a hard time to change gear and to accelerate when going up the roads. The miles I put on this car the more issues are pumping up!

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Michael Petersen - November 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Honda as a 2002 closeout and have never looked back. While the car has picked up a few dings and scratches here and there over the last 8 years, it has not failed to perform. We put 1500 miles on it over 6 days this past summer while running the A/C and got 36 mpg (all before the 110K checkup). Great gas and oil car. Only issues weve had were replacing the front struts and replaced the V-Tech valve. Only complaint is the front disk pads wear all too quickly (40K miles), but other than that, its a great car.

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  Reliable but has issues. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By run04 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord Coupe brand new. Almost a year later, the clear coat and paint is starting to corrode. Honda is refusing to do anything about it and is blaming the issue on bird droppings. I have never had a car where the clear coat and paint just start to corrode this easily. The A/C really struggles in hot weather (90 degree outside temp)to make the cabin comfortable. Finally figured out that you have to run the A/C on max and recirculate the air for it to be marginally comfortable.

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  Fantastic! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Warren - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the old girl with a little less than 30 000 miles on it. I was was warned never to buy a used rental. ten years later the car has 232,000 miles on it. In those ten years the car let me down once. (A freak electrical thing that ended up being a 50$ fix.) I have not been kind to this car. The thing is gutless (Good lord is it gutless) so I always seem to be over revving the car. I have towed WAY over its rated max weight. Im terrible at maintenance. NEVER changed the oil on time. The car has pocks from a Kansas hailstorm. I,ve been rear ended. I cannot kill this car for love or money. She is starting to show her years now. Just like her owner.

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  What a car! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Harry - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 100 miles on it. It just turned 30,000 miles, since I take public transit to work and garage it the rest of the time. It is in showroom condition - not one door ding or dent on it! Absolutely mint in and out. My 5-year warranty came and went without me taking advantage of it, as I know i paid for it upfront. It drives like new. The only complaint I have is that the acceleration from a stop till about 50 mph is not that great. Then again, that may be the norm for a 4-cylinder car, though it is a V-Tec engine. I intend to drive it for a long time or give it to one of my kids.

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  Better than expected - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Bill Gadbois - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This was a white EX with 12,000 miles. Paid $16,000 before closing cost. Am still on my original tank of gas indicating 51 mpg, which is better than I had hoped for. Am driving with the Eco lite on and trying not to accelerate too hard. Have plugged a USB flashcard in with my favorite music. Will not subscribe to the Sirius capability. I find the car fun to drive with all the power I need. Have always been a heavy user of cruise control given sufficient room in front of me.

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  Transmission - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ANITA - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car only 3 yrs ago, have had to put rear brakes, general maintenance overall. the only problem that hurts is that the transmission went out at 93,000 miles. The mechanic said that is a Honda flaw. Good fun car to drive. my teen did well learning to drive this car, even though i feel there is a blind spot in the rear.

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  Great car - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had many cars and this is maybe the best one yet. I have had 3 full size custom vans and one minivan. So I know what I am looking for. The interior room is great and I am 64" with many grandkids to occupy the second and third seats. The car has many tech features and the ride is really really great.

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  I Love My Honda Civic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Marilyn Burtis - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Honda Civic and love it. I give it an excellent all the way around. I feel like the car is built for dependability and find it a joy to drive. I have no negative comments about the car. All I keep saying is I Love Driving My Honda and I am glad I made the decision to purchase it. I would recommend a Honda Civic (or any other model Honda) to anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle.