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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  11 years later - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By preble - July 5 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in 2002. After 11 years, we have had so few problems. I live in constant fear of the A/C compressor exploding, but that is about it. Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle for our Golden Retrievers.Recently looked at the new Crvs, and they seem much less spacious. Wont ever trade this in. Ever

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  Improved appeal - 2013 Honda Accord
  By oldkid - July 5 - 1:26 pm

  I just purchased on the 4th, car has 85 miles. Initial impressions- fit/finish/materials quality are among the best if the best combination in class. Ride, while not a quiet as some perhaps, is still plenty quiet and smooth enough without sacrificing handling. However comparing to my last car, a c5 corvette, just about anything would seem smooth to me :). -MSRP $30,070 -paid $28.500 However Im sure many in the mainland do $1-2k better than us here in Hawaii. -Hondacare 7yr./80,000 w/$100 Deductable- $895 So, FYI- shop the Hondacare Warranty price options online before you buy as you can save a lot in the Finance office. I am going to stop mine before it is submitted and get better.

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  1000 Miles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lowin - July 4 - 9:47 pm

  We bought this car as a safe, reliable and long lasting vehicle for my wife. The crash test ratings are beyond approach and Honda reliability and long lasting cars are as well known as the brand we left - Subaru. Given we have driven nothing but Subarus for years, I cant be picky about the ride, noise or anything. To us, this car is smooth, quiet and far more confortable than any car we have had for a long time. The CVT is fine for us too (and drove better than others we tested). Yes it hiccups now and again, but so what? The electronics are a little funky, but lets face it. Nobody is getting this right and most do a poor job, even many luxury brands.

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  STRONG,SUPER CAR - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By hindi - June 30 - 5:56 pm

  we parached 2011 honda crv 4cyl from honda ,till now moves strong we drive it state now it 25000 miles its very strong,all my friends like my car,somtimes i smill the tires bad smill.other wise no problems till 25000 miles.

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  Best buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By marcko24 - June 30 - 12:53 pm

  The best car I ever had by far, I was very happy with my accord, but....I trade it for a cc passat 2010, what a mistake !!!! People who bought my accord is sooo happy, and my CC is in the workshop! 3 years I used the accord with zero problem, nothing at all, the best car by far

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  Final Honda Car Purchase - 2012 Honda Accord
  By devilsdefence4 - June 24 - 10:05 pm

  After owning two previous Accords I can say this will be my last. Having been very satisfied with a 98 sedan 5 speed and an 05 coupe 6-speed I can honestly say Im very disappointed with this 12 6-speed. My expectations of a 6 cyl. 6 speed "sports" car are not even close to aligning with this vehicle, the only performance upgrade is the motor and gearing, which result in a 6 mpg loss with comparable driving. If youre not quite as concerned in performance and decent gas mileage this car is comfortable for long road trips and has a fairly large backseat for a coupe. Also an excellent looking car in my opinion if Honda had oriented it more towards its Prelude roots I would be very pleased.

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  Accord ex sedan 6 cls - 2006 Honda Accord
  By marcko24 - June 24 - 12:08 am

  Best car I ever had,I trade it for a cc passat and just ne month needed to be regret ,my cc is in the workshop , u want no problems? Buy accord

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  Excellent commuter car... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By freddys555 - June 21 - 8:40 pm

  Living in Chicago and having a hellish daily commute, I decided to take my younger brothers Honda Accord with 156,000 miles. The reliability is simply amazing. There has been no mechanical/electronic problems since purchase in 2001. The VTEC engine loves to rev and performs very well for a family type sedan. The double wishbone suspension is solid and gives back exactly what you put into it. There has been some minor interior issues but nothing abnormal. The transmission, in which Hondas quality suffered between 1999-2003, is starting to feel jerky. The headlamps made by Stanley are showing its age. Overall, this has been an impressive sedan with impeccable reliability.

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  Honda CRV Door Lock Problem - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gcan3 - June 19 - 6:45 pm

  Recently I have began to experience malfunctioning door locks. I have read many similar complaints where the door locks spontaneously unlock while driving and relocate the remaining doors after opened. This is a major safety concern and I am shocked that Honda has not dealt with this safety issue. I see a class action law suit has been initiated in the US. Shame on Honda, I thought you were better then that. so far customer service at Honda Canada has been less then hospitable! Keep the documentation coming.

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  Locked inside car once security system engages - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dmc812 - June 19 - 3:07 pm

  I have a complaint with the security system Honda uses. I have been inadvertently locked inside my 09 Accord and unable to get out. Apparently, once the anti-theft system engages after 30 seconds, there is no way to manually unlock the car doors nor will using the key fob "unlock" button work from the inside of the car. The car can only be unlocked from someone on the outside or by starting the engine, which disengages the security system. I find this to be a huge safety issue for people that are inside the car and are accidentally locked inside w/o a key to start the engine. I have complained to Honda with no resolution to this safety concern.