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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  Peeling Paint - 2011 Honda Accord
  By drfish - July 22 - 7:35 pm

  The paint on our new 2011 Honda Accord began peeling off after not quite two years. Both front and rear bumpers had paint peel off. Some pieces were 4X5 inches in size. The Honda rep allowed that Honda would repaint our bumpers as a "courtesy" because there was no evident cause. The body shop told be that the reason for the peeling paint was an improper repair of previous damage. Honda told me that they had no information on the car regarding previous repair history. They said that they just manufacture the cars and are not responsible once the car is delivered to the dealer. Seems that Honda lacks in honesty and integrity.

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  Great SUV but no where close do MDX - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By brwndoggy - July 20 - 2:36 pm

  Purchased 2012 EXl with Nav almost 2 years ago. Averaging 17mpg city, 21 hwy. Far less than rated but thats the case on all cars Ive driven save my 2008 bmw 3 series that gets more than epa ratings... Drives well, have issues with front tires on lose ground given the power of the suv, tires do slip especially given the tires since they are for mpg vs handling. inside, appointments are great. love the radio, blue tooth syncs well with phones via usb or blutooth. standard audio package is good, did not see need for upgraded audio. rear camera - mixed blessing. use it only as general help, do not rely on it. use your mirrors and turn your head. sensors would be nice.

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  First Honda Owned. 16 Months of ownership. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tmo1976 - July 15 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Honda (have owned two Toyotas, three Volvos) product. Purchased as a CPO vehicle and had one issue, A/C clutch was on its way out after 10k miles of my ownership. Covered under warranty. Ride is firm but that is ok with me as I like a firm ride. Buttons on steering wheel are OK. Wish there was a scan feature for radio like one of my other vehicles has. CRV handles well in rain, light snow. AWD is allright for what is. Kids like the sliding rear seats so they can adjust as they like (believe that is no longer available on new ones). Rear seat recline feature is good also. Decent cargo capacity for travel.

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  Scared - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bigjohn112 - July 14 - 4:56 pm

  I wish I had read more reviews before buying this car for my daughters first. I found this car at a dealer. One owner, 119K, no wrecks, no damage. Car looked a drove great. AC did not blow as cold as I thought it should but they checked it and replaced a sensor. I am going to change the transmission fluid as soon as possible. But with all the talk about tranny problems I find myself listening for odd noised and weird shifting . We have only had it a few days, but may end up wishing I had got a 2004+

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  adequate - 2013 Honda Accord
  By mhubert1 - July 14 - 3:39 am

  13000 miles and going. Interior a plus (leather and all the bells and whistles) Software is lacking. Audio has demonstrated software problems. delay in the Wiper system has already malfunctioned. Gas Mileage is amazing @ 36 average...sometimes 39. Extreme delay in initial acceleration with CVT transmission-Would prefer the gears. Overall a sharp looking car. So far has proved to be reliable. 89 out of 100

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  A GREAT car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By moderate1 - July 13 - 9:50 am

  I love my 2002 Accord sedan, but wish I had gone with the coupe :( and ABS. Its a great car I bought it used from the dealer in 2005 and luckily it still had some of its warranty left had it so when the trans started slipping they fixed it and gave me a rental car all for free and had it fixed in a day. The reason I love it so much is because its not like these new cars where you HAVE to take it to the mechanic to get it fixed because the engine is covered or its got comp glitches. I can change my spark plugs easily and that I like. Its very loud when driving on the freeway, you can barely hear the person sitting next to you. If you take care of your car you should have no problems.

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  Great on gas and reliable - 1993 Honda Civic
  By honda637 - July 11 - 8:50 pm

  I bought it when it had 97K miles original miles on it and at 130K miles I pulled out old weak motor and transmission aka d15z1 vtec-e out and put in a stronger sohc d16y8 and never looked back. I remember back then this car couldnt climb up a hill or beat my moms Geo Prizm, lmao! This car pays for it self within one year on gas saving powers! A die hard Honda fan! If you want a gas saver, this car is the way to go. If you want a monster horse power machine, this car is the way to go after a motor swap. What can i say this car is easy to fix/maintain and is awesome on gas. Plus mechanically, it will out last any other 1993 car, I swear! This car will probably be passed on to my kids.

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  Fun drive but audio and phone performance terrible - 2013 Honda Accord
  By mml43 - July 11 - 11:09 am

  Too many bells and whistles that dont work. This is my 4th Accord in 20+ years, and by far the worst, most annoying experience. Delivered with an inoperable CD player so the entire audio unit had to be replaced from the factory. Then the audio had to be repaired under a recall because the sound would fade in and out and be drowned in buzzing static. Virtually no bass/subwoofer - my 1999 and 2006 Accord had better sound. Will be going back to dealer for the third time in less than 6 months Ive owned it to find out why all speed dial settiings are sporadically erased but the voice tags remain. Also speed dial numbers arent always accessible even when theyre displayed/

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  Problems - 2012 Honda Civic
  By gwconklin - July 10 - 4:00 pm

  I like my car, but its broke down 3 times in the first 3,600 miles. The rocker arm bent the first, and the next time another rocker arm broke in two. This should not happen with a that only has 3,600 mile on it. Has anyone else had this issue?

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  Maybe Im picky - 2013 Honda Accord
  By phetzer - July 6 - 2:23 pm

  The car seems to have a stiffer ride than I would expect. Seems about right for the Sports edition but not a four door. Within two hundred miles the transmission had to be replaced. I am trying to work something out with American Honda for compensation for having a brand new car with a factory remanufacture transmission. I asked for a different car but they will not go for that.