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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  i would stay away from honda at least CIVIC - 2013 Honda Civic
  By juanc_15 - January 26 - 3:08 am

  i purchased a 2013 civic on december 2 2012 two weeks after i started hearing a "thunk" sound from the gasoline tank and the gasoline sloshing in the gasoline tank, the thunk is really aparent when i brake and the car stops i took it to honda and they say its normal, its a really anoying sound u can hear and feel the "thunk" the dealer FREEWAY HONDA in santa ana california no help at all,(stay away from this dealer) that means im going to have to live with that noise untill im able to trade the car in for a different brand with out taking any lo$s, the dealer doesnt even answer my emails now it seems that HONDAs quality is going down Buyer Be WARE!!!!!!!

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  Great gas mileage, everything else meh. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By paule4 - January 25 - 8:03 pm

  I get great gas mileage in this car... I average 30 city, 34-37 highway. I once got 40 mpg and thats going through mountain roads. The only problem is the build quality, my engine went at 85xxx then my tranny at 146xxx. I could understand the engine because at the time I was doing deliveries with the car plus it was an unbearably hot summer. The tranny it just all of a sudden gave out without any warning. Ive read from other sources that many people have this problem with the early 2000 civics (bad trannies).

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  Wow, the engine - 2012 Honda Fit
  By lateshift32 - January 25 - 3:26 am

  I went from a 2010 Scion XD with a 1.8 to this 1.5. I hate the engine. I seems that it is in 2.5 to 3 rpms most of the time. The engine is very loud. I didnt realize that I would miss an engine or that it would even be a big deal. The combined mpg of my Scion ended up being 36.5 on a regular basis. I get 30.1 in the Fit and terribly upset. Furthermore, I just went to go try to trade it in, only having it for two months and they said I am already upside down and never have any hope of overturning my situation but they could offer me a 30,000 car. PS dont buy a bunch of warranties, it makes it hard to get your next loan! Lessen learned, horrible!

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  Nice to own a honda again... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By gutzzz13 - January 21 - 8:24 pm

  10 Jetta lease was up. I dislike the styling of the new Jettas so I went in for a 13 Accord Sport and left with a 13 Civic LX. Both great cars but I enjoyed the handling and overall feel of the Civic a bit more. I now prefer the Civic dashboard over a typical one (surprisingly). I also own a 12 Subaru Impreza which seems a lot zippier to 40mph but its also not nearly as quite (loud CVT and road noise) which for a daily commute of 120 miles is very important. My daily commute broken down is 40 miles city and 80 miles highway. I average 37mpg not using ECO but I use cruise control often. Over 400 miles per tank. I get compliments from my co-workers for what it is...a nice compact car.

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  Very solid purschase - 2009 Honda Accord
  By booth1986 - January 21 - 1:17 pm

  Great car, love the interior and exterior. Have not had a single problem in 35K miles, just went on a 2,000 mile road trip and it was great! Very comfortable. I wish the fuel economy was better though. I only observed between 25-27 MPG on the whole trip and it is only a 4 cylinder engine... It had no trouble getting up hills, and the transmission did a flawless job holding speed down steep grades.

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  96,000 miles in 4.5 years - 2008 Honda Accord
  By khansen0522 - January 21 - 11:41 am

  Great car, not excellent. No major problems after 96k miles. pluses are DECENT gas mileage. I get 27 combine with the 4cyl. very roomy, no mechnical failures. Good solid, dependable car. Minuses are the same as others (maybe my experiences arent quite as bad). i just put my 3rd set of rear brakes on. thats $260 worth. 2nd set of tires at 70k miles for $880 and a battery at 80k miles for $80. other than that its has been normal oil changes. I am slightly dissapointed with the paint, its not bad but i do a lot of highway driving and it doesnt hold up to the chips and bugs from the road. Paint seems very thin. also the center console bubbled on the leather, same as others.

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  Love my Fit 07 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sharonartist - January 18 - 5:47 pm

  I bought my Fit used with 45K on it. Mileage is 92K now PROS: Im 53" & find it very comfortable on my round trip commute of 50 miles and 4 hour trips. 2. It has huge cargo capacity for its size. Hauls all my art and display equipment. Brakes work fine. Tires were new when I bought it & still have them after 47K more miles. I rotate seasonally. It runs like a champion!!! Ill buy another one! CONS: the quality of the seat covers & floor covering - sub standard. Carpet has worn easily and everything sticks to it. 2. The front bumper is very low & doesnt clear average bumper stops -beware & stop before you hit it. 3. Automatic trans. shifts a bit rough...just minor problems.

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  149,000 Miles and still strong - 1997 Honda Passport
  By mfredrickson - January 15 - 11:09 am

  When purchasing a fifteen year old car, one must be wise. There are a plethora of aspects within an old car that can go wrong, no matter how well built the car is. However, I lucked out. I purchased my 97 Red Honda Passport 4x4 Loaded out with everything but leather and a sunroof over a year ago now. I bought it with a low 130,000 miles and since have put about 20,000 on within the one year of ownership Ive had. It has been a fantastic car. Only problems I have had was an old alternator and a bad window motor. My Suv has brought me through many a snow storm in one piece and keeps on running strong day in and day out. Overall, I love my passport. It isnt perfect, but it is darn good.

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  Dependable Friend in the Garage - 2002 Honda Civic
  By herman_wiegman - January 9 - 9:18 pm

  The Honda Civic is one of the best expressions of the economy sedan. The basic concept of offering as much room as possible to the passengers, while also providing fuel economy and nimbleness is well served by the Honda Civic.

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  Cheap Air Conditioner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By anthonysch - January 9 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my Pilot in 04 and it has been mechanically reliable and comfortable with the exception of the AC. After 45k the compressor went out and I was quoted 1500 dollars for the repair. I also had another Honda with the same problem. The dealership was willing to give me a small break on the repair, no doubt because they are fully aware of the problem. I have 200k on my Camry and the air works great. Honda, please upgrade your cheap ACs.