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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  It Rattles, Rattles and Rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ccpoe - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It is a fantastic car. Great Engine, Fun to drive and excellent design, except the rattles from Passenger side door frame, driver side door. Its annoying, very very annoying.

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  A little disappointed - 1995 Honda Accord
  By ( - September 4 - 6:09 am

  I bought this used Honda Accord, 3 years ago for my daughter. I paid $5K for it and had expected it to go for her thru college. It started out with some overheating problems and replacing the radiator. Not so bad, but 3 years later more over heating. This time the engine was bad. I decided to put a new (used) engine in her because it is a Honda. In 3 years I have pumped ~ 5K into a a 5K car. Im not too thrilled. Ive always had luck with Honda in the past, but I expected more. I thought this would just be a gas and go car for me and my daughter. In 3 years it has not worked out that way. There is always a risk buying a used car. You dont know how well the prev. owner cared for it.

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  SUPER RELIABLE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Jarrell - September 4 - 5:24 am

  The one thing that happened that was major was the battery died well i was having a delicious dinner which it is my fault because the battery was 5+ Years old fuel prices no matter how high they got the never eat you wallet cuz i got about 360-370 miles in full tank this car is great for a new driver not to fast not to slow(like a grandma)

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  SUPER RELIABLE - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Jarrell - September 4 - 5:24 am

  The one thing that happened that was major was the battery died well i was having a delicious dinner which it is my fault because the battery was 5+ Years old fuel prices no matter how high they got the never eat you wallet cuz i got about 360-370 miles in full tank this car is great for a new driver not to fast not to slow(like a grandma)

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  Accord has improved over the years. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By leonides samaniego - September 4 - 2:18 am

  I bought my first new Accord in 1987, then in 1996, my son is still using my 2004 Accord, but this is the best Accord I have owned so far.

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  Good vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob - September 3 - 9:41 pm

  I bought my 2004 EX 4 cyl., navi package brand new. I have been very happy with my purchase. I live in a walkable urban setting so I dont drive that much. I have 54K miles on the car. The only things I have done to it is have the oil/filter changed and fluids topped off (this is done for free every 7,000 miles by the dealer as part of the purchase) and the sunglass holder on the ceiling broke at around 50K miles so I had that replaced. The car didnt need to have any tweaks done when I bought it. There are still no squeaks or rattles. I have bought one new navi CD for it about 3 years ago so I will probably buy another CD next year.

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  Where is the legendary quality??? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By NM - September 3 - 9:30 pm

  All I hear about is Honda quality and reliability. So I decide to pick up a Civic for the supposed worry free experience. First night I get the car, I hear a squeaking sound from the driver side front wheel area on any road imperfection. Take it for service, and I am told they had to inject foam into an area between two body panels that were rubbing against each other. Pick it up the next day, and notice a rattling sound from the rear while turning on way home from dealer. Take it back to test drive with master tech. While doing so with tech, I lower window, and hear a squeaking sound. Tech laughs, I curse. All of this before 90 miles on car. First and last Honda.

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  So-So CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HondaFan - September 3 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my V new in 07. Its been a good car with its versatility, roominess and comfortable on trips and great road manners. But it has had some problems engine replaced, drive pulley replaced, constant high pitched squeal with AC on at low fan speed (found TSB for- lets see if dealer will honor), and several squeaks and rattles. Ive owned other Hondas, including a V, which is still in the family w/ 189K miles, but I dont think this one will last as long. Im def. looking to trade it in already. Im not saying people shouldnt buy the CR-V, but I would advise not to expect the same longevity as previous Honda models.

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  First Hybrid, FUN to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RI N8TIV - September 3 - 2:28 pm

  Purchased in KC for $11,000 with 76K miles. Traded in a 2006 Mercedes E350 for this gem. I have only owned the car for one week, but I love that I am averaging over 45mpg on my 70+ mile commute to work. Snappy handling and decent highway pickup make for a fun drive. Acceleration from a stand-still will not break your neck, but it is adequate.

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  Just what I was looking for - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gold2Golden - September 3 - 12:06 pm

  Bought the Crosstour as it provided the right combination of elements I was looking for : 1) Space; 2) Utility; 3) Reliability; 4) Uniqueness; 5)Price. So far I have been very happy with it. It has very good build quality overall. Gas mileage has been better than expected - 29 mpg on my first tank, mainly on highway commuting miles. It is a fun car to drive and own if you dont want/need an SUV but are looking for more utility than a regular sedan.