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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  Most expensive car to maintain, Ive ever owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bikestwo - August 9 - 1:41 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Honda LX-SR in Sept 2008, expected to get many years of troublefree motoring,.... it has 30,100 Kms on it now,... Ive replaced 6 shocks, one has been replaced 3 times. had the brakes serviced,, had to have the rotors machined at 30,000 Kms,... couldnt believe it,.. even purchased the extended warranty, nothing was covered.... so much for many years of troublefree motoring,... Ive spend more money on service on this vehicle, than on any other car Ive owned... Wont be buying another Honda product anytime soon

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  Transmission denial for Honda Corp. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amd6577 - August 9 - 12:24 pm

  Purchased 2005 Odyssey EX-L DVD in 2011 from Hendrick Honda in Easley, SC. Bad idea. 1 year later with <100K miles, trans shakes and stuck between 2nd&3rd gears. Take to trans shop (we were out of town) and they repair trans (including replacing torque conv) for $2500. 4 months later we get a letter from Honda Corp. that the issue is being covered under ext warranty and to submit documentation. Today, I got a call from "Ron" at Honda Corp. (who said he has *no supervisor* and refused to provide his last name), saying that our trans. issue is, in fact, not covered. Oh-- and no appeal process. I am 100% done with Honda. Not a quality product anymore. Buying an Odyssey is flushing $ away.

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  Disappointed by this model - 2008 Honda Civic
  By lafreewarian - August 8 - 2:38 pm

  I have owned Hondas for over 25 years. While the gas mileage of my 2008 Civic is good, the interior noise is irritating, the headrest not in a comfortable position, and after 22,000 miles I had to purchase 4 new tires. The passenger side automatic door lock stopped working and had to be replaced. As of 2012 the car has only 28,000 miles. My last Honda, a 1990 Acura Legend, was a great car and is still going strong. Never any problems with interior and few with engine. I wont buy a Civic again.

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  Confortable Ride but dull engine - 2012 Honda Civic
  By marc_bar - August 6 - 8:25 pm

  Ive been looking at a compact sedan to replace my Mazda 3 hatchback. My list is down to Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic Sedan EX. I test drove a Civic today and the engine is very dull, no fun at all particularly for someone used to the peppy Mazda3 160 hp.

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  I loved my Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By cadyyy1993 - July 26 - 7:54 pm

  I got a "lemon" my honda has had 5 transmissions, the driver window wont roll down anymore, lots of electrical issues. My car only has 155,000 miles on it and its way too much to fix now its having engine problems.

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  Disappointing - 2012 Honda Fit
  By azdriver3 - July 26 - 1:58 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about 6 months, 6,000 miles. Im not impressed. I drive this car like an old grandma, slow acceleration, early deceleration, maximizing coasting and momentum.. and I dont even come close to the advertised mileage in town. I get maybe 22-24 in town, compared to the 27 its supposed to get. I got better city mileage in my last car, which was 600 lbs heavier with a much bigger engine and almost 300hp, and I drove that car like I stole it. And on that note, this car is slow. Anemically slow. It gets me from A to B, but I have to make sure I have looots of room before I pull out into traffic.

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  Poor Decision - 2012 Honda Accord
  By keibie40 - July 25 - 2:47 pm

  After being an avid Ford Car man for 24 years, I succumbed to the many suggestions from friends and family to try the Honda Accord Sedan. On 6/30/12 I test drove the 2012 LX-P Sedan for only the standard 10 to 15 minute interval. The roads surrounding the Dealership were considerably bumpy, pitted and consistently crowned. The car felt good and the price was excellent so I bought it. The final 17 miles of my 50 mile drive home, was newly paved expressway. Oh God, what did I buy? Significant pulling to the right and shimmy/vibrations began and never stopped. 26 days and 10 visits to Honda, the alignment is correct but I am told that have to live with shimmy/vibration. Worst Decision Ever.

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  2005 Odyssey - Disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By - July 16 - 5:35 pm

  I purchased a 2005 LX new. Things started well, but excessive tire wear, sliding door issues, interior lighting issues, bad starter, bad wiper motor and A/C have soured me. After the second major A/C issue I ask Honda for help. The Honda customer service folks did not care that I was a Honda supporter on my 4th Honda. When I needed Honda they turned their back on me. This will be my last Honda and I will give them the same support I was given which is ZERO. I am moving on and you should to when you buy your next car.

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  I will never buy a honda again! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By hatehonda1 - July 12 - 11:48 am

  Like I said I will never buy a honda again... prior to this car I had a Pontiac Sunfire which was way less expensive!! And more reliable. I have gone through 4 sets of tires (97ks)... and ignored by my local Honda. Then contacted Honda Canada who told me that my local Honda said they only did a visual inspection of my tires for my wear!! Honda Canada as been less then helpful that I gave up. I am so mad at Honda I will never buy another Honda car sucks as bad as the service!!!!!!!

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  Body Integrity - RUST !! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By huskerfan_1 - July 7 - 3:44 pm

  I would encourage all to check the bottom seal area of the doors for rust. Three weeks ago while while wiping down after a wash I noticed rust on the inside bottom of the back right passenger door. It freaked me out !! HOW ??? Took it the dealer ... it will get repaired next week under warranty (and it should). My car was purchased New Years Eve, 2010. Not sure if I will be keeping it.