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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  Honda Acc. V-6 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Osc - November 19 - 2:41 pm

  I just got my Accord a month ago and i love it! The car has a sporty look and it has good power, The only thing that Im not too crazy about is that the suspension is hard, I can feel every bump on the road, I replaced the stock Michelin Tires for some Sumitomos and it got better, (by the Sumitomos tires handle the road soooo much better than the Michelin) The transmission shifts a little ruff than what Im used to in other cars but when i had a Honda technician do a test drive he said it was normal. Besides this two things I really like the car!!!!!

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - November 19 - 1:03 pm

  Always owned Honda, Acura or Toyota due to the quality of the cars. Now I have this 2002 Honda Accord, 4cyl. I am very disappointed. I have 106k miles and the transmission is slipping. I had the major service performed and am told the transmission will need replaced. Honda will do nothing-says that my VIN# does not qualify for the 109k ext. warranty. Obviously, there are several others having the same issue & their VIN doesnt qualify either. Honda obviously has a problem with these cars and is not willing to do anything. Very disappointed. My next car will probably be a Toyota again. Wanted this car to last a long time but Honda is not taking care of the problem as they should.

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  What a car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Koos Smith - November 19 - 12:43 pm

  I bought a Civic EX with navigation system for my wife.The car is incredible. She loves it and dubbed it "Beauty". Build quality, design and looks are great. I score the car 10. I would have liked a leather option on the Civic though and had custom leather fitted. We have not yet had a lot of experience with the navigation system, but I have found it slow to react and inaccurate at times. My Garmin Streetpilot does a much better job. It takes some getting used to, but the integrated navi system/audio system that flips open at the touch of a button is great. The voice command feature adds a nice touch.The best car in its class, competitively priced with lots of features.

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  Miles Not a Worry - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Noah - November 19 - 12:01 pm

  I purchased my 1-owner (carfacts) used car in July of 2009 with 175,000 miles already on it. I have loved everything about it. Depending on the terrain and wind, the mileage has ranged from 36-54mph, with the worst coming from driving into terrible winds and the best from driving with a breeze (have yet to drive with a strong wind). Car gets about 49mpg in town when driving with care. I have put 5,000 miles on it since purchasing and its averaged 47mpg city/highway. Have had NO problems whatsoever to speak of, even with the high mileage. Have only replaced the oil/filter (once a year or every 10,000 miles). I would tell any and everybody that they would love a Honda Civic Hybrid!!

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  2009 Honda Accord Failure - 2009 Honda Accord
  By rockwell - November 19 - 6:46 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 Accord LX-P because of my pleasure with a 2003 Accord I own. I must say the drivers seat for a six footer is the most uncomfortable I have ever used. My back hurts after 15 minutes of driving the vehicle. I will try a seat cushion and hope it helps. I test drove the car before purchasing and did not notice the discomfort. But after driving it more I now notice. It feels like a lumbar support is engaged but the car does not have lumbar support.

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  Alot of "FUN" for your money!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Unbelievable Car!! - November 19 - 4:16 am

  This "little" car is fun to drive! It comes with loads of gadgets and is quite a speedy little car. I would recommend buying this car to anyone who wants a lot of car, in a small package.

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  Problem alignment not tires - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Joe R - November 18 - 7:50 pm

  I noticed that most of the 2008 CR-V reviews fault the tires and poor mileage. It appears the problem is alignment. I purchased a shop manual when I bought the car. Four attempts at the dealer to bring the alignment into spec resulted in the car pulling to the left (read head-on collision if not attentive with constant input). I took car to a local alignment shop. They said an after-market kit exists for rear camber adjustment. Installed kit and now, mileage is up and car goes straight down the road. Problem now, Honda Corporate and dealer say warranty is void. Appears this is a generic problem with the 08.

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  Great MPG and Spirit! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Kurt1217 - November 18 - 5:58 pm

  I am a high-spirited driver and drive 110 miles one-way to work, so needed a fuel efficient car that had zip. 10,000+ miles already since June 2008. Depending on my driving habits, I average 40+ highway/35 mixed (highest was 52 MPG for one trip at 60 MPH!). This car has great acceleration when you punch it for entering traffic and passing, but dont expect a rocket car. Maneuverability is excellent, although real tight cornering causes the back end to sway. The seats are not very comfortable for long distances, but I generally like the interior styling. Visibility is excellent, with nice large side mirrors. Nice rear seat flexibility for transporting my big dog and cargo. Great car overall!

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  I like it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Airwolf - November 18 - 1:23 pm

  Its a great car. Fun to drive and saves me some gas money. I love the new futuristic design. It moves surprisingly quick for such a small engine too. The insurance was even less than my last car which was 10 years old.

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  My first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By CarolynH. - November 18 - 7:38 am

  This is the first Honda I have purchased and so far, I am very pleased. The style of the car is what first caught my eye. I test drove every midsize SUV on the market before choosing this one for its size, style, cargo space, V6 not V8, and smooth ride. Great on gas for the size, love it for my family of four & dog on road trips.