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:

• 

  Not quite satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By OK/Not great - November 8 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned my car about a year. The ride is good but too much road noise. The engine has given me no problems other than lag time after the pedal is depressed. Gas mileage is at its highest 24 mpg usually 22 mpg hwy. Interior is good but has quite a few rattles. Suspension is good. Handling predictable. Brakes have had rotors replaced due to vibration. There has been a click when placed in gear in the front CV joints no support from dealership. I bought a Honda because Ive owned several that were great cars. This one has great looks but more issues than the previous.

• 

  Sporty Mom - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Carleton Coleman - November 7 - 1:18 pm

  Dealer Internet discount $2000

• 

  Good car, not great - 2004 Honda Civic
  By steve lawrence - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car. Ive owned Hondas since 1980. Was somewhat surprised when I had to have the right front strut replaced (under warranty). Another problem is fuel guage which sometimes (about once a month)will read empty, even though there is gas in tank. Dealer says it is a design flaw and they dont know how to fix it. Otherwise, this is a reliable, solid car.

• 

  Maybe its just mine.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jlieb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  But Ive had a lot of problems with the brakes. The pads wore out in the first 5000 miles and had to be replaced. Now at 16000 miles, they are doing it again. Also, there have been some electrical problems as well as AC issues. Overall though, its a great car to own. Im averaging well over 25 MPG with a lot of city driving. Also, being tall, the redesigned interior is great. Accelleration could use a boost, but thats what I get for buying the 4 cylinder model. The trunk has a lot of room as does the backseat. All in all, I think the Accord is the best sedan on the market in its price range.

• 

  After One Year of Ownership - 2007 Honda Accord
  By zzzooom - November 7 - 5:16 am

  This is a follow up after one year of ownership. The strengths of the car are gas mileage (WOW - better than any econobox) build quality, low ownership costs. The fun to drive factor is not there - I miss my Mazda 6. One discovery is that even though I have a fully power seat with adjustable lumbar, the leather drivers seat is hard on the seat bottom and the seat back has no upper back support. This seat feels good for the first 10 minutes and then it becomes the most uncomfortable seat I have ever endured in any car or truck, including an old vinyl bench seat. Also, I have had continual problems with brake pulsation due to rotor warpage or pad deposits.

• 

  Clockwork. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By NCSUfan17 - November 4 - 8:22 pm

  Amazingly competent and RELIABLE ride. I purchased this car with 155,000 miles on the clock. Its now sitting on 185K, no major repairs whatsoever, still in excellent shape except for needing a motor mount (not so bad at 185K miles) and faded paint (13 years of non-garaged life take their toll). This car has been great to us, amazingly reliable, engine still pulls strong and transmission shifts smoothly. Decently fun to drive, comfortable, nice steering and handling, handsome if somewhat boring exterior. Great car, no regrets whatsoever. See you at 250,000!

• 

  I Love this Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By MARYLANDSBEST - November 4 - 5:04 pm

  The only thing I have to do is an occasional oil change. Im at 163,000 and it still runs well. I own a Lexus but I drive my Civic almost everyday. Ecept for sundays.

• 

  Very economical - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Brant - November 4 - 3:10 am

  Traded out of a V6 Accord due to my long daily commute and gas prices. Got 37 MPG first tank - 80% highway. This is a nice little economy car that is well equipped and reasonably entertaining to drive. I am 62" and could use a little more seat travel and the seats themselves wont be fun on long trips but that isnt what I bought the car for. The OEM Goodyear tires were "squishy" and didnt inspire confidence around corners or on the highway. I already swapped them out and am far more pleased with the replacements. My Accord had Michelin Pilot Exaltos and they served me well. The drive train is relatively refined and the 5 speed manual is less notchy than the 6 speed in my Accord.

• 

  I like it so far... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Superman3 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Accord about 3 weeks ago and it seems to be a great car. I have read many positive reviews on the car and they all seem to be holding true so far. The only bad thing I noticed is the paint is very touchy to pretty much anything. But overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone shopping.

• 

  Solid choice - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DRich - November 3 - 6:53 am

  I dont think you can go wrong with this car. Although the V-6 offers plenty of power, this is not a sport sedan. It is a great family car at a very fair price. Hopefully some day the American companies will be able to build something this solid.