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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  New EPA ratings get it right - 2005 Honda Accord
  By T. King - May 6 - 11:13 am

  I purchased this car at the end of the 05 model year when my dealer was offering "employee pricing". I considered the hybrid and a new 06 non-hybrid since they were the same price. I gave up the larger wheels, moon roof and revised exterior trim for the promise of better fuel mileage. I felt a bit cheated for the first months until the EPA released its test results from its new (more realistic) testing method. The technology works seamlessly together, with no indication of the battery or 3 cylinder modes engaging/disengaging. The auto stop is the only item that takes a few days to get used to. When you are rolling to a stop the engine shuts off while the car is still moving.

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  Wheres the storage? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Ken69 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I was happy to have the Si back after a 7 year absence. Bought it almost sight unseen. Great performance. No shimmy in high winds and lots of power. No place to put anything, though. No coin box, no ashtray, power outlet doesnt take lighter. Seats cause acute bun-ache after long trips.

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  lemon - 2004 Honda Civic
  By gord - May 6 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 honda civic sir is the worst vehicle I ever owned. Gas guage never worked, parking brake never worked, cruise control quit, rain cutter mouldings came out, rear window washer motor and assembley had to be replaced. Gas mileage was poor. The engine ran rough cold and would cough and sputter when hot. The longer I drove it the rougher the clutch and shifting became. I put 31000 km on this car in 11 months. I dealt the car for a four door civic after a 11 months of trouble with the sir hatchback.

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  I Love This Car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jynni - May 6 - 12:30 am

  I was in the market for a new car because I questioned the reliability of my 2000 Alero which had been in the shop three times and was close to running out its warranty. I wanted something that was reliable with good gas mileage...first name that came to mind? Of course Honda. Since I cant afford the Accord I looked at the Civic EX. The Civic delivers outstanding performance...its got quite a bit of zip for a 4 banger...and it handles much better than the Alero ever did, even when it was new. The dealer was wonderful...even threw in the floormats for free. If you want a good car, but this one.

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  Super Satisfied - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tomcat - May 5 - 10:00 pm

  The O7 for my wife is the second in this series of Accord. I have an O4 that is leaving for a TL. Love the car. Obviously with the 04, as well as multiple Accords previously, we knew what to expect. Only regret is not getting the navigation system...wife chose the V6 over that, but I had to get her a Garmin Nuvi660 for Christmas!

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  Design Flaw - 2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DBurnes - May 5 - 2:10 am

  Only had the car for 1 year and the rear inner pads and roters needed to be replaced already. I bought the car brand new and now only has 18,000 miles. Honda is NOT doing anything about this known issue problem. If you google "2008 Honda Accord brake problem" you will see a thousand complaints about the defective brake system. Honda should be held responsible for defective brake system. Right rear inner pad wears out around 15,000 miles.

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  Wait another year or two - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Payne - May 4 - 3:33 pm

  Wait, and I say wait because I am experiencing audio issues. Hence this being a new car, I figured issues would be popping up. The center consoles bluetooth system fades in and out and the Apple Carplay system does the same. Some days it will connect to my phone and some days it works for a few minutes and says "no device connected." Aside from the audio issues, car is great on gas and is understandably one of the top ranked vehicles in its class after looking into the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla.

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  Wow! 48th car and found the perfect car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CyberGypsy - May 4 - 10:30 am

  I have had 48 cars in the past 5 years, loved most of them but this Civic is perfect! The car looks amazing inside and out, the look is so modern.The gas prices are rising and I was going to buy my 2nd prius, however fell in love with this little car, I am used to having BMWs and other high end cars, but you cant beat a Honda! This car is really amazing, dont wait run to the Dealer.

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  Lots of problems? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ron p - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I had several bad experince on this car. The first problem was theres a burning smell on the engine. Dealer said its normal for new vehicle. The smell went away only after 10K miles (or got used to it). The second problem is the clicking noise whenever I hit the breaks the first time after its park for a few hours. Dealer says thats normal. #$#@!! Anyway, Im stuck with it so Ill mention its a nice drive.

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  Great van - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By anjarat - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Possibly the best van out there. The 3.5L engine is smooth, quiet and quick. The amenities are excellent, especially ubiquitous cup holders. Very good stereo CD, auto climate control, and contrary to reports, power doors. These doors close and open at about the right speed.