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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  2012 Honda Accord EX-L-dissapointed - 2012 Honda Accord
  By taylor ford - March 11 - 3:02 pm

  This was my first car, I recently traded it in for a BMW X1 and couldnt be happier. While I am not someone who can tell you car specifics, I can say the overall safety and appeal of the car is not good. I am 54" and could not see out at all. Whether it was changing lanes, backing up or even seeing in front of me. I only test drove this car once and in the moment, I didnt notice it too bad because I didnt have a lot of previous experience to base off of. However, over the two years I owned this car I only put 20k miles on it because I felt so unsafe driving. I tried everything to be able to see out better; moving mirrors, changing the seat up and down, nothing worked! Also, this car was extremely loud on the road and the longer I owned it the louder it got. The interior of the car seemed very busy and cheap to me. The whole interior was really a bummer for me, it looked cheap, was hard to clean and the leather seemed very low quality. With all of the negatives being said, I will say the car never gave me any engine problems and did seem fairly reliable. The car served its purpose as a first car but I will never recommend this car to anyone for safety and overall appeal, I am much happier with my BMW!

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  Thanks edmonds - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken weinstein - March 11 - 2:41 pm

  I got a better deal because I went on your site

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  Ya got to get one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ken32851 - March 11 - 5:20 am

  I enjoy the truck a lot. It is loaded and rides great. I dont know I am crusing at 65 MPH on the highway. My only mistake, I wish I got the Navigation system, but couldnt swing the extra cost. For the first truck out - Overall, Id give it a 9 - then again - youd prob like it more - I am picky - LOL. You got to get one - it is fun truck and rides and handles great. I own my truck for 6 months and have 11,000 miles on it with NO problems.

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  Issues with the Honda Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - March 11 - 4:40 am

  I have almost 5000 miles on my new Odyssey, and I love the vehicle. However, there have been some issues with the vehicle. Switching from an SUV that got 12mpg, I wanted fuel economy. The 20/28mpg on the sticker is not at all what I have experienced. I have averaged about 16mpg and that is including two 1400mi highway trips. Also, my DVD sound goes out periodically on the wireless headphones. This is frustrating on long trips when the kids are yelling that they cant hear the movie every 20 min. I am taking it into the dealer today for the second time. Finally the very low 4-5inch ground clearance in the front has caught more than one curb, scraping underside paint off both corners.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 10:17 pm

  Maybe I was one of the unlucky few who got a lemon, but this is by far the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Im currently driving a Toyota and would never go back to a Honda out of pure fear. We purchased this car used in 2014- we had to have it rewired immediately after purchase. $200. 2000 miles later all the valves bent while driving on the 101 and stalled in the middle of the freeway. $500. 2000 miles later the spark plugs went out. Began overheating. $75 3000 miles later the transmission started slipping and going out. The Engine light turned on. Read as a misfire to cylinders. Over heating was off/on. 500 miles later head gasket blew. Overheated stopped. $500. 500 miles later began over heating again. 200 miles later head gasket blew again and the radiator, fan, and switch needed to be replaced $400. 2000 miles later the radiator began to leak and we had to fill the car up with water up to three times a day. The car had been maintenance by my mechanic: oil changes every 3k miles, tire rotation every 6k miles, topped off fluids after every oil change, etc. The car broke this fast after so little use. We did end up selling it after only driving it 10,000 miles. The appearance of the car, however, was spotless! Easy to clean and maintain- the car looked brand new up until the day we sold it. This car and I had a love/hate relationship. I loved it when it worked- when it didnt I hated it. Will personally stick with my Toyota! Im sure Honda Civics are lovely cars, but I would personally stay away from the 2001 model.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 10:17 pm

  Maybe I was one of the unlucky few who got a lemon, but this is by far the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Im currently driving a Toyota and would never go back to a Honda out of pure fear. We purchased this car used in 2014- we had to have it rewired immediately after purchase. $200. 2000 miles later all the valves bent while driving on the 101 and stalled in the middle of the freeway. $500. 2000 miles later the spark plugs went out. Began overheating. $75 3000 miles later the transmission started slipping and going out. The Engine light turned on. Read as a misfire to cylinders. Over heating was off/on. 500 miles later head gasket blew. Overheated stopped. $500. 500 miles later began over heating again. 200 miles later head gasket blew again and the radiator, fan, and switch needed to be replaced $400. 2000 miles later the radiator began to leak and we had to fill the car up with water up to three times a day. The car had been maintenance by my mechanic: oil changes every 3k miles, tire rotation every 6k miles, topped off fluids after every oil change, etc. The car broke this fast after so little use. We did end up selling it after only driving it 10,000 miles. The appearance of the car, however, was spotless! Easy to clean and maintain- the car looked brand new up until the day we sold it. This car and I had a love/hate relationship. I loved it when it worked- when it didnt I hated it. Will personally stick with my Toyota! Im sure Honda Civics are lovely cars, but I would personally stay away from the 2001 model.

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  It Fits Me!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Grasshopper - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  So far I have only had my FIT about 24 hours but it has been long enough for me to give it an A+. It handles very well for a subcompact and the gas mileage is great. I am the first in my region to own one of these new Hondas and everyone stares at you when you drive by. Over all it is more that what I expected this car to be. With the Honda name added to it, you cannot buy a better car.

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  From Car Crash to Crosstour! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By cargrl313 - March 10 - 4:33 pm

  ABSOLUTELY ADORE my black on black fully loaded EX-L. Shes my baby, I named her Stormy because shes a beast. On 11-15-10 my 2009 Acura TSX was totaled in a horrible car crash. I made it out alive thanks to the framing of my Acura, seeing it was manufactured by Honda and the ZDX was not in my budget the Crosstour was at the top of my list. I love that theres so much head & leg room, my dogs love the room back in the hatch area. This car has absolutely everything I was looking for. The Crosstour is a head turner for sure! Ive had it since Black Friday and couldnt be more impressed, the more I drive it the more I love it!

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  The economical pocket rocket - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jakeo - March 10 - 4:10 am

  The value and performance of the Si are 2nd to none. Handing is perhaps best of any front-wheel drive car due to perfectly-tuned suspension and limited-slip differential. I get 34 MPG highway with 200 hp! Of course, this drops if you drive in the 6K-8K RPM VTEC mode, but I still get 28-30 MPG in mixed driving. Seats are nice, with good side bolstering for cornering, and comes with 8 airbags, a killer 350 watt, 7 speaker system with a sub. I cross shopped the VW GTI, but I know that car will lose its value must faster than a Honda and everything will go wrong.

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  WOW what a car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Carlos - March 10 - 3:16 am

  Ive been a Toyota Guy my whole life and I must say, this Accord blows my Toyota Camery Solara away. The wheel feel as well as the interior are far superior. I couldnt be happier with my purchase