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:

• 

  The Seven Years Overview - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Surly Luke - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is better than my mothers 2003 Corolla, and the only problems ive had are some leaky gaskets and the front axles. The engine is unbreakable - im sure ive overrevved it more than a few times in its 244,000 km and it still pulls as well as it ever did if not better. Only flaw right now is that it has a bit of an erratic idle, but I think its a voltage issue. I have the DX engine (i checked the numbers on the motor - its the 102 hp variant) so it feels like a 9 sec car, and it will laughably dust V6 Camaros and mustangs.

• 

  THE Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By accordian - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a delite to drive. As you can see by the miles, I really drive it. More support on the drivers seat and it would be perfect.

• 

  Honda tries to save on cost - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jkendall - January 11 - 8:10 am

  I just turned in my 2007 Accord for my 2010 Accord, and I miss my 2007 Accord. This is a nice car, but it screams cheaper to me. I really like the exterior of the 2010 better, however, the interior is assembled with a lot of the hard plastics, an audio display that is unappealing, a seat I just cant get comfortable in, and an engine that seems a little more sluggish. I will say it does seem to have more interior room. I sold my 2007 to my brother, and I think he got the better end of the deal.

• 

  Going Green - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gamecockrph - January 11 - 7:50 am

  Entering 3rd month of ownership and this car is delivering the mileage I hoped for. I commute 75 miles round trip and vs. the small SUV I traded in for this I am saving $30 plus weekly. It rides well, is plenty roomy and my worst tank was the first tank at 38.5 mpg. Best tankful 47 mpg. Love passing the gas stations.

• 

  Heater will not heat the floor. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By MMartin - January 10 - 4:59 am

  I have tried to put the heat controls pointing to just the floor and due to the small openings there is not enough heat to keep the floor warm. Just took a trip to Chicago and had cold feet all the way. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and was told it works just like the other 2017 units and that was how it works. Definitely not impressed with the outcome of the dealer visit. My 2003 Jeep Wrangler has a better heater than this new 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTS

• 

  Disappointed - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Klem - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Body integrity has been poor. Rattles in doors and wind noise at 60-70 mph is excessive. Would not buy another.

• 

  Waited 2 years for this car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By judi - January 9 - 8:16 am

  I finally found the car of my dreams, or so I thought. Not exactly. I still havent quite figured out how to use the paddles and when I do, the car seems to buckle and surge. One major problem, which I did not think of, the front of the Sport is very, very low. I live in the Northeast region. If we get a lot of snow in the winter, I will have to get out and shovel the car snow in order to move forward.

• 

  Another Conservative car from Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RichF - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my 1993 Accord with this. Couldnt pass up the $199 lease. Compared this to a Mazda 6 and Mazda has Honda beat in value for features provided. Similar priced Mazda 6 comes with 4 wh. disc brakes, dual exhaust (4 cyl.) radio button on steering wheel, auto. vol. control on radio. None of which honda offers on the LX model. Honda needs to start thinking outside the box. I know their conservative styling and functionality has worked till now but I can only assume that other manufactures are eating into their sales with more bang for the buck. I went with the Honda because of the lease price and the reliability. If low lease was not offered, maybe Mazda.

• 

  No more Honda loyalty. - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Czar - January 8 - 2:00 am

  There was a recall on the engine but I caught it before the recall. Messy. Jammed door lock because of bad actuator (250.00). Front driver window worn out and jammed (250.00). The 1st recall I got was about the electrical wire harness. Also caught it before the recall. Sigh. Two months ago, the engine leaked oil (400.00). The gasket needed to be replaced. I needed to pay first for the two recalls but reimbursed later. Hassle. The 2nd recall fiasco cost 800.00 because the timing belt was damaged ...

• 

  Indestructible - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Joshua Herod - January 7 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Accord is the most reliable, indestructible vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive been through 3 moderately serious accidents, and yet it continues to run like the day I first got it. With over 261K miles on the original engine, its hard to deny the fact that Hondas are one of the most reliable vehicles out there. Even with the high miles, the engine still has really good power for a four- cylinder. I have an automatic, and its geared exceptionally well.