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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  98 Honda Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jess - July 12 - 8:15 pm

  I recently sold this car for a Honda CR-V but I owned her for 8 1/2 years and sold her with 178k and had very little issues other then Normal R&M. I always did the recommend maintenance and changed the oil every 3k.

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  Just Traded my Civic In... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jbchickenhead - July 12 - 3:29 pm

  I bought my 08 LX 5-speed brand new (with 10 miles), and it was a great car through and through. Although it is pretty weak in acceleration, it more than made up for this in gas mileage and reliability. Over the 2 years I owned the car, it was in the shop a total of 0 times! All this while averaging 34-35 mpg throughout the life of the car. A great car, but needs more luxury. I traded up to a fully loaded CR-V, but do occasionally miss the old Civic. Good car to buy, great reliability, great mpg! I traded it in with 50k miles on the ticker and Im pretty sure another 150k miles would have been equally as trouble free...

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  2010 Honda Accord Coupe V6 - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Mike S - July 12 - 3:09 pm

  We bought a Belize Blue 2010 Honda Accord Coupe from Bryan Honda in Fayetteville, NC on May 31, 2010. We were able to get the car for about $5k under the sticker price, supposedly because Honda is motivated to sell cars. We also got some post-sale options for dealer price, saving us about $150 on options. It pays to ask about a discount on options. The reviews for this model unanimously rate this car as having loud road noise. This is true for our car also, primarily on old/unimproved asphalt/concrete road surfaces. On newer surfaces, it is reasonably quiet. The V6 performs great, even with AC on. Mileage seems good, tho still determining actual mileage. Excellent Bluetooth and radio features

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  AC blows up - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dave - July 12 - 3:07 pm

  I had a Honda accord hatchback in the 80s that was great. I bought my wife an 04 c-rv and it held up pretty well until this weekend . At 59,000 miles the ac locked up and the clutch assembly violently was ejected from the car. We limped home from Iowa to Oklahoma,and lo and behold there are at least a thousand other people online that have had similar experiences. Honda, shame on you for not fixing this. Hello Ford, we will be in contact shortly.

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  Never a Honda Again - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rod - July 12 - 10:29 am

  It must not rain in Japan. Honda routes the air intake toward the bottom of the engine, resulting in sucking in water when driving through a not-that-deep accumulation of water in a road. Cost, $4,000 for a replacement engine. The drivers side window motor failed after four years. Cost, $600. The two oxygen sensors failed after five years. Cost, $500. Now there is a problem with the keyless entry/alarm, which wont lock and arm. All this on a car bought new and currently having 18,000 miles on it and 8,000 miles on the engine. Also, we only get maybe 16 or 17 mpg in town. Should have listened to my wife and bought another Toyota!

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  Never Honda again - 2010 Honda Fit
  By no_honda_eve2 - July 12 - 12:27 am

  After I bought this car I found numerous customer reviews reporting uncomfortable head restraints and seats. I cannot drive my brand new Honda Fit for more than 15 minutes without feeling pain in the neck and back. Head restraints push too much forward and hurt your neck and it seems to be a problem for many of Honda models for 2009 and later.

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  Sudden Transmission Failure - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Terminator - July 11 - 9:39 pm

  Purchased this coupe brand new. After 107K while driving at 75 mpg on the interstate, car lost acceleration suddenly and engine just rev. Auto trans failed without warning and almost got into a big accident as truckers frantically maneuvered to avoid hitting me. Hondas are supposed to be reliable but a complete transmission failure without prior indication of such is a safety issue. Also, the necessity of a complete transmission replacement or overhaul instead of just a torque converter and a trans oil pump replacement is a bit stupid design. Never buying another Honda again. Hyundai here I come.

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  23+ MPG - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Big Lew - July 11 - 6:32 pm

  My wife and I + 2 friends just finished a trip of just over 1100 miles. We could not be more satisfied with the gas mileage on this trip. Our friends could not believe the room and comfort in this vehicle. So quiet! My brother says its like riding in a car. We were able to put all of our luggage in the trunk (4 people traveling for 1 week). The transmission shifts extremely smooth. Fit and finish are perfect. You have to love the lift up rear seats. My computer (in its case) fit perfectly under the passenger side rear seat. There is just so much storage room! My wife says she loves it, loves it, loves it! Gotta love the large door handles for closing the doors. This is the perfect truck!

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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Lippster - July 11 - 10:52 am

  Ive had the car for a little over a year now. Ive put almost 25k on it! Definitely not overpowered, but its fine for me. Great gas mileage, comfortable and reliable. I love it!

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  Satisfied beyond expectation - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hybrid Convert - July 11 - 9:22 am

  This review is an update to my earlier review. Driving the car for over 2 months now, I can say it is the best Hybrid money can buy today. Fuel economy is impressive, second to none. Averaging over 45 miles to a gallon so far. Read a lot of negative reviews on other web sites. I dont know what are these people talking about. I wouldnt be surprised if they are coming from Toyota camp. Car is an absolute pleasure to drive, you wont break your bank account buying it and monthly savings on gas purchases are enormous. Even the smallest economy box presently on the market will not deliver the MPG of Honda Insight. For under 20K you get fully loaded, roomy, good looking, very reliable car.