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 Civic Si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jordanwells57 - October 26 - 6:10 am

  Well what can I say. Its a honda civic Si. So its going to last forever and its a fast for an economy car. Its not going to win any races with a Mustang or big V8 or V6. Its not built to do that. It is built to last, run with min maint and fuel eff. It provides both, most I should have to pay for repairs in a given year is $600- 700 and that is all the way up to 150,000 miles. It will more than easily make it there. Im coming from a Honda Accord 2001 V6, 101000 miles. Now the 01 would beat my new civic. But the fun to drive factor cant be denied. The civic is a blast, not to mention when Im running it up to the red line at 6800 rpm Im still able to get 27-30 mpg.

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  Problems with a Honda? - 1994 Honda Accord
  By HondaOwner - October 26 - 1:00 am

  Ive had this car less than 2 years. I bought it used with only 84,000 miles on it. Well, I figured it would last me a while, but Im trading it. Ive had problems from the start, one after another. And some of the problems are ones that are common with all ones of this year, and other ones are just crazy. Today, I was driving on the highway, and AGAIN, the tachometer started jumping and around and the car would turn off and on, ON THE HIGHWAY. And this is only one of the several problems totalling so far over $1700, and I havent gotten this problem fixed yet. What am I to do, probably be a little weary of any other Honda purchase in the future.

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  Not built like they used to be - 2007 Honda Civic
  By 07 Civic SI Sedan - October 25 - 10:20 am

  Im a bit disappointed with my 07 SI Sedan. Ive had several problems with it. Tons and tons of interior rattles that can never be fixed, buzzing in the speakers, and now my 2nd gear is grinding like crazy. 2nd and 3rd gear issues are VERY common on these cars, and Im now having trouble engaging 2nd gear at high RPMs, which is where the SI lives. The car is fun to drive, although it doesnt deliver what it should for its price. At almost 5k cheaper, you get the cobalt SS/ion redline with more performance. For a mere 1-2 thousand more, you get the mazdaspeed3/GTI which has a LOT more spunk and refinement to it. I would suggest checking out the Mazdaspeed3/gti before buying the Honda, sadly.

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  Still a top choice - 2002 Honda Accord
  By flyersfan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have close to 80k miles on this car and it hasnt shown any sign of age. With the 5-speed,4cyl, I average around 33-35 mpg and have several times bumped 600 miles on a tank of gas. This car is super-roomy and drives well with a full load. Consumer Reports honestly believes that the LX-V6 is a better choice than the EX-4cyl. I couldnt disagree more. Why give up a keyless remote, moonroof, alloy wheels and two extra speakers just for a little extra zip and a little worse gas mileage?

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  Love the CRV EXL but note what it doesnt have - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kreid - October 21 - 7:10 am

  I turned in my Honda Crosstour EXL (which I really liked, with the exception of the obstructed rear window) and leased a CRV EXL. I do like sitting up higher, the bodystyle fits in my garage better, and the cargo space is larger. I am disappointed however, that it doesnt have the Homelink garage door button, the memory seats or power tailgate. I wasnt aware I needed to purchase the Touring model in order to get some of the features I had on my Crosstour EXL. I am still very happy with my purchase, but please note, if you were used to the remote garage door button and memory seats, you wont have those options in the CRV EXL. Also, beware, my dealership set my lease at 39 months instead of 36, added $75 Oil Changes and $299 Antitheft Insurance without my knowledge. Apparently this is what they do on ALL new cars (whether you want it or not). I had to go back the next day and have them rewrite the lease to 36 months (which coincides with the 36 month warranty) and remove the $374 worth of extras they the automatically include (but charge you for). Im sure I will enjoy this vehicle for the next three years.

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  GREAT SAFETY FEATURES - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By supechief 20 - October 21 - 2:46 am

  GOOD: back up camera; blind spot camera [ except when sun glares]; collision avoidance; lane change warning; better acceleration than my 2013 model BAD: adjustable Cruise control slows car down around slight curve on highway when a car is in other lane.

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  Accord on Steroids - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By VanMan2001 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1996 Ody used in 1998. Since then we have put on 70k miles of virtually trouble free miles. At 86k miles, the ABS sensor went bad and had to be replaced but that is the only trip it has ever made to the service bay besides normal maintenance. Its smaller size and 4 doors make it ideal for our local city driving and the room for trips has been great. After we purchase our new 2001 Ody, we kept this one too because we like it so much.

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  Peppy sedan at 190k miles - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Tom Haws - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Beloved wife and I have owned our 1991 white Civic "Pegasus" since 1992. Along the way we have had trouble with CV boots, the heater blower and resistor switch, the rear driver side door latch. In the past 4 years we have spent $4000 on repairs to go about 50,000 miles. Not bad. At this point, with 190,000 miles, it isnt 100% reliable, but it is still a zippy little car and very fun to drive. Wish it had a clock and cup holders. We bought a 1996 Accord yesterday to replace it, but we will probably keep it around a while just for old times sake.

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  Poison Ivy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Last Accord - October 20 - 2:23 am

  First Honda, probably my last. Replaced 2005 Camry that was totaled in a rear-end collision. Have owned the Accord LX since November 07. 1400 miles. Over 60. Three months and I still cant get comfortable in the LX. In my opinion: hard seats, hard ride, more road noise than expected, disappointing gas mileage. For test drive(s), I wish I had removed the hard plastic from the drivers seat; tried harder to get comfortable in the non-electric seat; spent more time on rough roads. I did several back to back test drives with Accord/Camry. I admit I was caught up (a bit) in the new styling of the Accord... but I do miss the more comfortable ride of my 05 & 96 Camrys.

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  Honda SUV - good work horse - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By A.L. - October 20 - 2:11 am

  Good car if you need more space for hauling things than you can get in a sedan. Reliable with minimal maintenance of the past 11 years. Road noise is fairly high and the ride is stiff.