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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  Solid as a rock! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Grantbo - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Fresco Blude lude! Ive had it for 8 yrs and just turned over 90k miles today. Maintenance has been limited to routine items such as brakes, mufflers. Always dependable, and honestly, still gets flattering comments on its styling!

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  Transmission Problems - 1998 Honda Accord
  By fenderkev - July 12 - 10:00 am

  At 69k miles my accord automatic tranny had to be rebuilt. Ive heard alot of incidents of accord auto transmissions needing rebuilding at 50k-90k miles (98-2002)... thats why honda extended the transmission warranty for 2000-2002 (i didnt get so lucky.. if you talk to them right.. they might extend 98s - 99s). If you get this car.. you might want to *possibly* look into getting a tranny cooler as well. This applies to both i4s and v6s. Overall its a good car with a reliable motor :)

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  2002 Hond Accord EX Sedan - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rudiman - July 12 - 10:00 am

  A relible, functional mid-sized car, but not suitable for taller drivers. It has sufficient pickup for todays driving.

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  Nice car, but hate those rattles - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jakebern - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Nice solid car, but has several annoying rattles.

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  Juuuuust Right - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By RayG - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a leftover with an internet special at a good price. That was in Oct 01, since then, not a lick of trouble. Just about the perfect size for us. Easy to park on our local city streets AND fits into our rented garage. Good mileage- just about 24- 26mpg of mixed city/mostly highway. Its great to be able to carry golf clubs AND passengers which was a bit tough in the old Neon.

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  Maybe A Lemon? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Matt - July 9 - 7:43 pm

  Since leasing my accord in Oct: 1: it broke down in December - had to replace the overhead cams, fuel injectors, battery and a few other things 2: in Feb I discover there is an oil leak 3: in Feb I feel a vibration when driving - have a rim & tire replaced and all tires balanced. Honda didnt have the specs to do a front end alignment and told me to wait 4: I meet with an arbitrator who then gets the car aligned - still vibrating 5: the car averages less then 20MPG in a good week. Sometimes as low as 17 6: Im waiting to see what goes next?

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  Corolla s plus to Civiic ex - 2016 Honda Civic
  By J. Huffman - July 9 - 12:21 pm

  In todays era of energy efficient lighting Honda has not installed HID or LED headlights on this model but they did think enough to install LED running lights on the front that only makes you visible to others and does not help with actual lighting to see by. I traded a 2015 Corolla for the Civic EX which had GREAT lighting with LED headlights so I took a GIANT step backwards on lighting. Civic does seem to have a better ride and of course more power and better MPG with the 2.0L engine. The Civic EX interior fabric seems to be tarnished a bit already with only 3 weeks ownership @approximately 1000 miles. The arm rest on the doors is CLOTH the same as the seats and it appears to stain easily. The doors should have at least a vinyl covering at minimum in my opinion. Also during this same 3 weeks period I notice the rear glass developed a film of some sort that needed to be cleaned in order to see properly out of it without obscured vision. These are my observations in the 3 weeks I have owned this Civic EX.

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  2000 Honda CR-V SE - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Tonya - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I notice a litle more road noise than I expected.

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  Low Mileage - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 9 - 2:00 am

  The sport model with the larger wheels is so low you will hit concrete parking slabs and curbs. Since the front end slopes down, it is impossible to see or judge just where the front end is. Also I am getting much lower mileage-averaging 27 mpg if I coast a lot and never tromp on gas pedal and I use A/C at all times. The car is very nice looking with an exceptional interior and comfortable seats. The paint is very shiny but seems to scratch very easy or I didnt see the scratches when I bought it because it was sunny and car shiny. I wait to hit a pot hole or speed bump too fast and take off the sport attachment to the front bumper. Other than the above I really like the car and interior room.

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  mileage wrong--84 mpg - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Rob Fenwick - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Drive from Southern Maryland to Northern VA everyday to work. Great commuter car. Advertised at 61-70 mpg but my lifetime mpg is 84. Mileage always better in warmer weather, but Im not sure why. 75 miles 1 way, and over 35k per year. Already over 60k miles. My guess is this baby will go well over 200k during its lifetime.