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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  Great car with minor faults - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tominnh - February 27 - 10:24 am

  Ive owned my 2010 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 for 5 1/2 years. Outside of the rear brake issue that Honda had with this model, I have nothing but praise for this car. Its has smooth and quick acceleration. Its well put together and nothing has gone wrong mechanically. Its classified as a large car so theres plenty of room everywhere. Gas mileage is acceptable and on a 1400 mile trip I got 26.5 MPG thanks to the cylinder deactivation feature. My only real gripes are that the compass is useless. Whenever the car goes under an underpass that has electrical conduits under it, the compass goes haywire. Over the years, it seems to me that driver seats got so hard that a I had to get a cushion.

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  Great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bsedgal - February 24 - 9:20 pm

  I owned this car from 05 (55k miles) to 2011 (140k miles). No issues whatsoever. That is, outside of ordinary maintenance. the only thing I remember is that the hood latch wouldnt close without pressing down on the cable with a screw driver. I kept good on sticking to the maintenance schedule with all the suggested items. Yes I replaced the tranny fluid so NO I did not have tranny problems. Seems most people dont take care of their trannys then blame the Honda for tranny failures. Great car, wish I didnt have to sell it but after 3 kids, had to get a minivan.

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  2014 Accord EX Sedan.....Love it! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Michael Trager - February 23 - 4:43 pm

  My new Accord EX is excellent with its CVT and new engine. Plenty of power, smooth, and great gas mileage!

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  Love my Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kristy Torpin - February 22 - 6:28 pm

  I owned my 06 civic for two years. Driving in between the valley and la everyday. Only repairs that I had to make was replacing the starter. Other than that the car ran great! It doesnt have too much get up and go on the freeway. But it got me around great. I loved it!

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  Exceeded expectations - 2015 Honda Accord
  By akaubrey - February 22 - 3:21 pm

  I bought my Accord EX-L 2.4L in November, 2014 and have 2200 miles today. For my new Accord, I was a little worried about the CVT, but became quickly impressed during highway driving with cruise control. There’s no constant downshifts with high engine RPMs and then shifting back to normal ‘drive’. The only thing you notice when going up a hill is the RPM gradually creeps up to maintain cruise speed and then slowly returns to normal low RPM, which is around 1400 RPM at 70 MPH. I love the passenger side camera/display for right lane changes. This car has the lane detectors for monitoring the center and right paint striping on the road. It ‘beeps’ at me around 8 inches away from stripes.

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  New owner of a seasoned red DX cpe 5-spd - 1996 Honda Civic
  By coastie_in_va - February 17 - 12:22 pm

  Id looked for a reliable gas sipper to give my Tacoma a rest and found a retired nurse selling her car. So, for $1,600 I had my civic with only 89,8XX miles! Yes, I know. So with some small parts from the junkyard, brakes, new tires, a little body work, paint job, and new timing belt/water pump I have my jewel. If I didnt have a car in the garage, Id keep this one in it and only take it out in good weather, lol. So, great car for running around the DC area. If you can find one in good shape go for it!

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  Reliable, Solid Transportation. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By richssss - February 15 - 8:07 am

  I really just wanted something that got great gas mileage and was a car that will last me for years. I HATE car shopping! My reason for selecting a Honda was my last car was a CR-V that had 324,000 when I traded it in.

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  Update after a Year... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - February 12 - 11:18 am

  I have now owned my 2013 Civic EX sedan for about a year. I initially had issues with seat comfort due to the aggressively tilted headrest but have fixed that by modifying it somewhat. I must say the car has performed flawlessly for the year I have owned it. It delivers a quiet, solid-feeling drive each day to work. Honda knows how to build a solid, easy to drive car unlike any other manufacturer. The "connected" feel of the driving experience is something only Honda really does well in this price range.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By davidgarzon98 - February 10 - 1:33 pm

  My car has close to 10.000 miles and Ive not had a single problem with it. After cleaning it it still looks 100% new outside and inside. The average fuel consumption has been around 24 miles per gallon (including city driving in Atlanta and highway driving) which is similar to what I was getting with my previous car (civic 2009). Ive done a few long trips (12 hours) and is a comfortable ride. Ive only visited the dealership for oil changes. The only issue is that I didnt have a good experience buying from Curry Honda.

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  Excellent - 2001 Honda Accord
  By zdoyle1 - February 6 - 9:49 am

  I own a 2001 Accord Ex-L V6 with 218k miles. I tend to be quite hard on this car but it doesnt seem to mind. I have owned it for 5 years now with no major issues- I did have the timing belt replaced around 175k miles and a new hole drilled for the oil pan around 215k miles. I still average 25 mpg around town! Anyone who rides in my car is always surprised to learn how high the mileage is. This car has made me loyal to Honda and I will never understand why people would choose to own anything of lesser quality.