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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  Buy one for reliability - 2003 Honda Civic
  By carterpuma - June 18 - 8:40 pm

  I struggled with constant repairs on domestic cars for years before purchasing this car. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Bought at 47K miles in 2007 and now have 120K. In that time only ONE thing has ever gone wrong and that was a sensor that only cost $150. It just blows my mind how reliable this thing is. This car is such a smart choice and can be found for under $5K atm. Will be one of the best vehicle investments you ever make.

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  LX Sport Check your tires - 2013 Honda Accord
  By manning4 - June 18 - 6:34 pm

  After several months of searching, researching and test driving everything from a Subaru Impreza to the Lexus IS, I came across the Accord Sport almost by accident while at a Honda Dealer having another car serviced. I was amazed! The base LX was light years ahead of my 2002 model, and the sport version was equipped with just the right options, and not thousands of dollars worth of fragile high tech nonsense. An extensive test drive over more different roads than the salesman was used to confirmed my initial impression. While no one will mistake the Sport for a 3 series, the handling was precise and nimble, far superior to your average family sedan.

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  Good gas savings - 2001 Honda Civic
  By x_danger_x - June 18 - 2:57 pm

  Awesome gas mileage but definitely no race car. Worth the money you save on gas. I accelerate and brake hard a lot and average 33 mpg. I havent had any major repairs. I highly suggest this car to anyone

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  Best For The Money Bar None - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hondas_rule - June 16 - 3:03 pm

  I shopped around and drove a hard bargain. Bought my 05 Accord between Christmas and New Years of 08 which Ive read is a slow time for dealers and a good time to buy. Got a nice clean EX 4 cyl with 38,000 miles on it for $12,800. Was easily the most car I could find for a 100 mile radius for under my $15,000 limit. I now have 120k miles on it. Only maintenance besides brake pads, rotors, fluids and filters is replacing a squeaking serpintine belt and a burnt out brake light. Easlily the best car I have ever owned. A dog with 4 people and luggage but does fine with 1-2 adults. This is my second Accord. I drive the old one to work and with 262k miles still a good driving decent car!

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  I got a lemon but still love Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By iadara - June 15 - 4:52 pm

  I purchased my Civic about 2 years ago from a college kid whod lost his license and was really happy with the car initially. However, I think mainly due to very, very bad mechanics (took mine to a national chain that shall remain nameless) Im pretty sure theyre the reason why my head gasket went after only owning the car 1.5 yrs. I paid 2k for the car and put over another 2k into it for repairs. Horrible experience but I still love Honda. I was trying to buy another Civic albeit a newer model, but ended up with a Corolla instead-the price was right and Ive owned a Corolla before. Id still buy a Honda in a heartbeat as this was a solid vehicle until it was mistreated by idiots.

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  Glad Im not alone.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mrsag - June 12 - 4:18 pm

  I bought my 08 with 16k miles on it. Currently it has 48800 on it and Ive replaced the brakes once (front and rear) although I am feeling like I am close to a second set already. I am also having the rattle at cold start and losing oil like crazy. Also seems to drop at idle and has even stalled a few times which is terrifying when you are at a stop on a highway!!! Dealership where I bought it is a toyo dealership so are unfamiliar with Honda issues. Did purchase a warranty through them so hoping they can figure it out after Ive managed to do all the research for them.

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  Lowest cost per mile, lowest carbon foot print outside of an EV. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By genegenre - June 11 - 8:04 am

  The car is quiet, comfortable, lots of leg and rear seat leg room. Trunk is shallow but tall and will fit two small suit cases. Very areodynamic and does well in strong cross winds, is light weight (2848lbs. for the CNG) yet steering is a little heavy but not that bad! Few minor quirks the radio volume isnt loud enough to hear clearly (on max) when playing classical music, miles til zero range indicator fluctuates and settles esp the first half tank, trunk squeaks, car sputters when you first start it and hesitates when initially pressing the gas. As well it frequently acts like its in neutral when you come to a stop so will roll backwards slightly on a hill. No coolant temp guage!

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  Ignore pro auto reviews! - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By patriot76 - June 8 - 7:01 pm

  Just bought "13" Crosstour. It was the only car that filled all our needs. Build quality is flawless. We are first time Honda owners. Loaded with tech goodies that all work as they are supposed to work, not like Fords MY Touch by MicroCrap and GMs gouge you every month OnStar. If you are not a race driver "want a be" and dont want to spend 50k on a Benz or BMW show me a car that does what the Crosstour does without breaking a sweat.

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  i want to love this car, but - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dean40 - June 8 - 11:58 am

  i talked my wife into going from a Lexus rx330 to the 13 crv, and for the most part i am happy with the decision, but there have been a few small headaches. Driving home from the dealer is realized the right front turn signal was inop, then when i got home i saw the roof rail was coming up on the rr, and 2 valve stem caps were missing. Took it to a different dealer the next day and he replaced the bulb on the drive, but i had to come back to have the roof rail replaced. So a car with under 100 miles on it has been to the dealer twice. Hopefully these little gremlins are just a fluke, and from now on its just oil changes and basic maintenance.

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  Sport car performance, Honda reliability = win win - 2011 Honda Accord
  By deemic - June 8 - 9:16 am

  I knew I wanted an Accord for my next car. Honestly, before researching I didnt even know Honda made an Accord Coupe though. Once I started researching this vehicle, I knew it was the one for me. It has every option imaginable in this version, except navigation which I havent missed. The look is definitely Accord, but much much sportier than the sedan version. Also, the handling is improved with the 18in. wheels and tighter suspension. You can paddle shift down a couple gears and take the hair pin curves and freeway ramps with incredible speed and precision. For that handling dynamic, the ride quality suffers slightly. But with a 6 second 0-60, Its well worth it.