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 commuter car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By theron - April 9 - 12:16 pm

  Besides looking like grandmas car, this is one dependable vehicle. No major problems in 13 years - new brakes, rotors, tires, 3 new mufflers, and 1 new tailpipe. My friends beg me to sell it to them for commuting. Avg 27 mpg. No sports car but re-li-a-ble. Ive had 2 Chrysler vans since 03 for my wife and am about to find a 3rd. Switching to a Honda van due to the reliability of this car and the junk from Chrysler!

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By kstyle - April 9 - 8:05 am

  I traded in my truck for This car and what a deal they gave me. I asked for the TMV and the dealership didnt argue! They gave me what I asked for. I got the LX model $16,200 w/ automatic, wheel locks, mud guards, and the trunk trey. I wish it had an USB to hook an ipod to it but other than that what a deal. The gas mileage is good for around town but the highway is where you will really see the difference. Its comfortable but it could be more. The quality is great and it is a solid car. Its a Honda.

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  gas milege - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Todd - April 9 - 7:44 am

  I do not know how people get more mileage but I am getting 20 MPG driving city.

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  Silver 2009 Civic Si - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Civic Si - April 8 - 8:17 pm

  Overall I love my Civic Si but I want to write an objective review. My Si is comfortable, reliable and built with quality materials inside. Its fun to drive, however Ive gotten used to the 197 hp and weak 139 lb ft torque torque should be improved in the future. MPG varies depending on driver, I get between 17-21 mpg city. The paint is not the best. It will scratch quickly and rock chips cause more damage than it should. I spend too much time and $ trying to care for the paint/exterior. Im not bothered by the two-tier dashboard. A noticeable problem with Hondas is road noise. Exterior design is getting old, needs to be overhauled IMO.

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  Buyer beware! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By benjen879 - April 8 - 3:32 pm

  This engine has a TSB on it for cracked engine block! Let me tell you now that it gives no warning, does not overheat or sound off any alarms. One day you are driving and the next thing you know you will have radiator fluid spewing out. Honda realizes that the problem was a "bad casting" of the engine block but since this problem only seems to start occurring (very conveniently for Honda may I add) around 70-80,000 miles (which is out of warranty) they will NOT help you fix it. We are talking about putting $7500.00 worth of new engine in your almost brand new car.

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  Not good in bad weather - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By paula - April 8 - 3:09 pm

  My sister had an older model and loved it. I bought mine just before winter hit and big mistake! This van goes absolutely no where in the snow (I have been through 2 winters with it and I am now trading it in because of how bad it is). It truly makes me nervous to drive in any kind of bad weather with my kids in the car. Also, both my nieghbor and I have had several problems with the doors. I would not buy or recommend this car to anyone who lives where it snows/rains until they bring back the all wheel drive.

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  Bad Brakes at 16,000 miles! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike D. - April 8 - 11:55 am

  My 2009 Honda Accord has only 16,000 miles on it and mostly highway miles. A few weeks ago I started to hear noises coming from the front end. I thought I was dragging metal or something. After a few weeks of hearing these random noises I took to my mechanic and he showed me the rear brake pads, which are completely gone and the front, which are 1/2 gone. I called the dealer and they said that it probably my driving style and this is "normal". I have done a lot of internet research and many are experiencing the same issue. I called American Honda Corp and they told me that there are no know issues and there is nothing they can do either. I now have a "new" car and I have to put out $400

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  honda settles class action on brakes - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bckrd1 - April 8 - 11:25 am

  Hi, so far I have not had any of these issues except for the rear deck rattle which Honda took care of under warranty but I have under 10,000 miles and have not had any brake issues yet.

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  Nothing comes close - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Pluded - April 7 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my SH brand new and basically drove the wheels off of it. It is by far, the best handling vehicle I have ever driven. It was more than enough power and the engine is a true gem. The drive train is refined and a step above anything in the Honda lineup even till this day. The Acura TSX/RSX comes close but I still prefer the Prelude overall. I sold it with over 300K and have regretted it ever since. I am currently looking for another one! If you have a chance to pick one up..just do it.

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  Good & Bad - 2009 Honda Accord
  By r2d2 - April 7 - 1:23 pm

  Pros: Ride, Handling, Acceleration and decent fuel economy. Cons: Honda is getting cheap. Front seat material showed signs of wearing out at 6,000 miles. Key fob had problems-dealer fixed. Drivers seat clunks. Dealer says they all do and I have to live with it. It is a design flaw common in all vehicles. But the passenger seat does not clunk so Honda is just getting cheap and doesnt want to fix a known problem with a bad batch of seats that clunk. I feel like the seat back in made of cardboard. My next vehicle may be a Hyundai. Less expensive and better customer service.