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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  Original Owner 3.5 yrs 60K mi - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 23 - 1:40 am

  I went from an Acura TL to the new 2013 Honda Accord XLE with Nav and V6 engine. First, the positives, very quiet ride, excellent suspension – barely feel the road or potholes, and the V6 gives excellent torque. I enjoy the blind spot passenger camera as well. Gas mileage and regular gas make it economical as well. Interior: USB plug and back up lighter socket were nice features. Cup holder in back arm rest also nicely placed along with pockets in doors that will hold water bottles. Head rests bend forward at such a severe angle it is impossible for a woman to have a barrette, or ponytail in her hair without having to bend one’s neck at an awkward angle. Fold down seats – usually requires two people, one to pull the lever in the trunk while someone else tugs on the seat. My latch had to be replaced while under warrenty and is still hit or miss if it works. Interior design - Very spacious in front and back, seems like a much larger car than it is based on design. For a top model, I was surprised to find interior styling not up to par - carpeting unfinished outside of sight line, plastic trimming easily dents and scratches, lots of nooks and crannies for dust and crumbs to accumulate so it is much more difficult to keep clean. Electrical system/Nav Pad in the dash: it malfunctioned in the first year I owned the car. After several “repairs” that did not work, they had to replace the whole system. Even so, it is very slow, not user friendly at all, and overall one of the worst in-dash nav systems I have ever used. Second, the radio does not display artist or song on the Dash. Lastly, the phone system is not compatible with IPhones, so you can’t access many of the features (text “I’m driving” auto message) if you have an IPhone. Entry/Keyless: Nice feature is you don’t have to dig out your keys, just have them in your pocket and touch the door and it unlocks. Also, touch button start also does not require fishing for keys. It is impossible to lock keys in car or truck, it simply won’t allow you to and beeps and pops the trunk if you accidentally try to shut it with keys in a bag in the trunk. There is a battery operated key fob that controls the entire push button start system. If you fob dies or malfunctions (as mine did in the first 18 months) your entire car will not work. There is no key or back up for this. So, be sure your key fob battery is in working order or you are stuck. Battery Died within the first two years of owning the car. Engine/Other: In less than 3 yrs 60K I have had to replace the starter as well which I have luckily never had to replace in any car I have owned. For this to go so soon was disappointing. Lastly, as many have indicated, it has a very rough “down shift” and you can feel and hear the car straining to go into a lower gear. I’m not sure if this will harm the car long term, but is awkward when you feel it. Overall, it has been a good, solid, reliable car. I just wanted to list all the manufacturing quirks that I would want to know about prior to purchasing this vehicle.

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  Everything is ok - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ling - September 22 - 11:28 am

  To much nois on the road.

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  sas - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sas - September 22 - 10:00 am

  What a machine! Only wish it had a V8! From the 1st look I had to have 1.

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  Bewildered - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dismayed - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a Honda owner since 1986. Moved up to the EX-V6 with some reservations due to sticker price but got a really good deal I couldnt pass up. On the way home from the dealer that is 125 miles from my home my wife thought the car wasnt running right. It took a few days to determine but sure enough there is a major acceleration problem that has gotten worse over the 3 weeks of ownership. Had the car in the shop three times and Tech Support at Honda cant figure out the problem. The jurys still out on how American Honda will correct the problem but I think another car would be in order.

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  2 problems - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kurt cain - September 20 - 10:16 am

  This Civic (07 Lx coupe, 5 speed trans) is fun to drive, peppy, has no problems handling the Ozark mountains, at or above the speed limits. Is stylish gets very good gas mileage, but the seats headrest sticks out to much and always seems to bump into the back of my head. Also the a/c vent for the driver is almost directly behind the steering wheel which blows cold air onto your hand. 2 very minor things. You get a great little car for a reasonable price

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  Quiet little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Megan Matney - September 20 - 1:40 am

  Its very quiet and overall a great first car, wish it would have been my first car. :) The gas mileage is excellent. I hate to get rid of her, but I need something bigger. If you have a teenage daughter, (Im a young lady, myself,) I would most definitely suggest this little companion.

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  Quiet little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Megan Matney - September 20 - 1:40 am

  Its very quiet and overall a great first car, wish it would have been my first car. :) The gas mileage is excellent. I hate to get rid of her, but I need something bigger. If you have a teenage daughter, (Im a young lady, myself,) I would most definitely suggest this little companion.

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  Its good, but not great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By djs - September 20 - 1:10 am

  Not sure how I got so lucky, but my gas mileage has been ranging around 36- 38mpg this summer. I like the interior and dont have any problems with the digital speedo or the parking brake lever digging into my leg (Im only 58"). Inside of windshield does get dirtier than in previous cars Ive owned. Squeaks and rattles are MUCH more numerous than in my previous car, the Mazda Protege. Body roll and handling in general is inferior to the Mazda, but I can live with it. Factory Honda stereo is significantly better than the Mazda, and I like the aux input on the EX. Seat comfort on long trips could be better (little too firm for me).

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  Losing its shine - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Scooterberrycrunch - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had no major mechanical problems with this car in 21k miles in 20 months, but it is literally losing its shine. The paint seems kind of dull, I always thought it was applied rather thinly. Way too easily chipped and the body panels are showing lots of dings from rocks and parking lot incidents. Doesnt take much. My biggest concern is the rattle from the dash. It used to be intermittant but is now a constant nuisance. My car and a friends 03 both share the same rattle from the exhaust near the muffler.

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  Single Cam is Weak get a Dual Si Model - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RomeoWu - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is awsome, only one thing sucks. The performaance is horrible. Everything else is perfect. Good price ,good mileage, no more worries of it breaking down. I just wish they made a 4 door Si model like in Japan.