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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  Very Reliable ! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ozansan - June 19 - 1:26 am

  I bought a Honda Civic 1999 Dx in 2011 November, I Paid 3.000 $CAN The Mileage was 152.300 KM When I bought it I replaced the timing belt and water pump, Paid around 500 CAN$ the mileage now 197.300 km and I had one one problem only Heater motor (Blower) I bough the part at used part shop , paid 40$ and Replaced myself ( I watched some videos on Youtube to replace it, Thank you Youtube ) Civics are safe in winter Because Front wheel drive and low this days Civics are 1.8L but still would not buy a 1.8L Civic . if u have 3 or 4 passengers on up hill gives hard time to the driver .

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-FWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv3 - June 18 - 8:13 am

  I debated for a long time after reading reviews detailing problems with vibration during operation of this vehicle. Ive owned two Honda vehicles and I still drive one with 295,000 virtually trouble free miles. Since Ive had good experiences with Honda I went ahead and purchased a 2015 CRV. I love this vehicle and have had no problems with vibration. It drives as smooth as silk. Ive driven it on a long trip and also short in town errands. I am so happy I didnt let issues some customers are having sway me. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Dont Buy - 2012 Honda Accord
  By taranm1985 - June 18 - 1:49 am

  I have a 2012 Honda Accord ex 4 cyl. It hesitates when pulling out and when changing gears. Its still under warranty and Im having to go through a consumption test on the oil because its using so much oil. I had a Honda Accord LX 2000 V6 that I wish I still had it was a great car. I decided against leather interior and went with fabric. The interior is a dark black plush fabric and is a total nightmare to clean and to try to keep clean. I wish I had never purchased this car. Also the seats are not comfortable.

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  Happy with the new CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe6699 - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I just bought the EX-L AWD 2015, the car is very nice and confortable, i DONt sense serious vibration like many customers do maybe i am lucky? The vibration is barely noticeable. I recommend this car. -From Québec city, Canada

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  Great Car Overall - 2008 Honda Accord
  By chiney_whale - June 15 - 11:43 pm

  I purchased my Honda as a more affordable alternative to an Audi A5 and BMW 3 (now 4)Series coupe. The exterior of this car is sharp (especially in the Belize Blue Pearl). The exterior design has aged very well. The interior design has aged very well and I find the button layout to be very logical. I was surprised to see so much hard plastic on the dash at this price range ($30k +), but visually it looks good. The car has way too much road noise however. The car has a taunt but comfortable ride, which gives it a sporty premium feel I like. The engine has tons of power once your hit 3000 rpm, but below that its pretty gutless. Fuel economy is right in line with EPA estimates.

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  Our 4th and last Accord Coupe, and our last Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By bass56 - June 14 - 5:08 pm

  We have owned 4 Accord Coupes starting in 1999. All purchased new and each new model has been progressively worse, in quiet , comfort and reliability. I am fastidious about car maintenance and the detail of maintenance of this Accord has been excellent. The car is noisey and has rattles . The braking system has been nothing short of unreliable. All brakes and rotors have been replaced 2x and now it appears as if we must replace a brake caliper... it is locking up on us after short trips. We have also replaced wheel bearings and have had an on going oil problem. This oil problem is related to the same issues that prompted the class action suit.

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  Could be better - 2015 Honda Accord
  By stylebynature - June 11 - 6:53 am

  Im not very happy with the Honda Accord. Below are my issues

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  Love my Civic SI - 2015 Honda Civic
  By kb24goat - June 10 - 2:27 pm

  Overall the 2015 Civic SI is a great vehicle, I use it as my everyday driver commuting 30 miles daily. This is the first Honda I have ever owned and I fell in love as soon as I test drove the car. Because of the short shifts, the car definetely feels faster than it really is, but do not get me wrong I still think it is a little underpowered, but for what I paid for the car, it is something that I can live with. To me the sedan option seems like a no brainer since either way you still get the same power, and in the sedan you get a very comfortable backseat. The wheels are usually a love or hate thing and to me they are easy on the eyes.

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  The car is just amazing!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By melhalbi - June 10 - 11:36 am

  Ive purchased this car used with 21k on it and so far Ive made it to 32k without any single issue. The car drives awesome, the CVT needs to get used to, and it becomes just fun and awesome to drive. My only concern is the noise that comes from the dash sometimes. Also, the car is a wide car for a person who came from a small Honda Civic, so I suggest to be very careful driving at the first time until u get adjusted to the size of the car, I already had 2 major scratches on the paint. Other than that, the car is great! LOVE IT

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  horrible noise from front passenger side - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By suzannened - June 9 - 3:52 pm

  the dealership and Honda reps have tries to fix this noise 3-4 times and it still is occurring. Last time they reset the computer hoping that would help...really! Aside from this nightmare,the car is roomy but cup holders for the driver should be switched so the retractable cover on the console doesnt have to open all the way. The Dvd player should be a larger screen as there are 5 passengers trying to view it. Windshield wiper in the back window is loud when turned off and sets back in the holder. Yes all minor issues compared to the squeaking noise up front. Would I buy Honda again, probably not. (sad since have bought 3 hondas so far).