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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  watch out for falling snow - 2001 Honda Civic
  By a little aggravated - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I would have to agree with some of the other reviewers who say that even Honda does not make a perfect car. There are little idiosyncrasies that you have to either get used to or get rid of the car. I guess every rose has its thorn.Last winter we didnt get much s New England. This winter we have. Now I know that my cars trunk is designed to dump any and all precipitation on the top of the trunk directly INTO my trunk when I open it. This is particularly fun when you are coming home with twenty bags of groceries. Because paper bags and water do not like each other very much.

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  Good car, watch your dealer - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jholdrid - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I have now had the car two months, and had zero problems. It cruises along with no complaints. It could use a little more power on the highway, but I did buy a small sedan, so I got what I paid for.

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  Mostly fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Uncle Jack - December 22 - 1:16 pm

  This car is amazing in many respects and disappointing in a few. Its very roomy and versatile, surprisingly comfortable, and handles outstandingly well. The performance/economy compromise is okay but only just. My city mileage is about 29 and on the highway it will get 32 to 37 depending on the speeds involved (note that this is 4-5 mpg less than the mileage meter indicates). A sixth gear would be a big help. Worst feature is the ride, which is a lot stiffer than other cars Ive had and driven of about the same wheelbase and weight. A lot of the interior seems to be made of flocked cardboard; Honda evidently thinks it has a good enough quality reputation to get away with this.

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  Gas, PAX tires, oil changes- what???? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By teasedntossed - December 22 - 12:33 am

  Mileage is poor despite the highly touted economy feature. Only the dealership can change the oil b/c oil changes elsewhere set off the check engine light and Honda charges $90 plus to reset and check. Dont get a nail in your tire. The entire wheel assembly must be replaced b/c no one can change or fix a flat PAX system tire, including Honda. Until they get their act together, out of warranty replacement will run $550 plus per "tire"- a most unpleasant discovery. Only Honda will have the wheel assembly available. With rear windows down, it is too noisy to drive. I was sold on this van by the comfort and handling b/c I drive a lot. Ownership has been a very frustrating experience.

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  Okay For Its Price Range - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LS - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love and hate this car at the same time. Love the interior/exterior styling of it. Having the Navigation is great. But its no fun to drive. Choppy and hesitant. Dont know if its throttle or transmission related. Post service to address this issue has been in vain. Very unimpressed with Honda service. Feel like Im stuck with a car thats not quite right. Will probably trade the car in this coming year.

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  Dissappointed in my 2016 CR-V EX-L - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Cary Babinec - December 19 - 6:05 pm

  Buying a new car you shouldn’t have to worry about mice eating it for lunch. My new Honda, along with many new cars is equipped with “soy based” hose lines that mice LOVE to eat. Donna went to hit the washer fluid lever and nothing came out. Instead the fluid drained down the firewall over the engine. My Honda dealer acknowledged the problem they have with mice eating the wires and the fluid lines. Now I have to find the anti- mouse tape and set traps under the hood of my CR-V at night! To say I was pissed was an understatement. The Radio and Satelite system SUCKS Wait till you "try to make anything work" while driving! YOU cant! You have to pull off tyhe road and figure out the screens! What a mess!

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  Building Fuel Efficient Cars? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 18 - 9:46 pm

  The Accord is indeed a nice car. Very disappointed in mileage. Nowhere near the mileage the sticker shows. Only getting 21 MPG on highway while driving speed limit. I also have a Honda Odyssey that "implied" I could get 29 MPG. I can only get 22 MP. Both vehicles are the 6cyl with the VCM. I think Honda needs to correct this. One of the driving factors for the purchase was the fuel economy. Outside of that, the car is excellent.

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  not bad for a sedan - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aerohead - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car, but I dislike the handling so I installed a sport suspension to give it a tighter feel. The drivers seat cusion could use a little more support because mine is getting soft from everday driving. other than that it still drives, feels, and looks new. love it then,love it still. Great performance from the 200 hp

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  Squeaks and Rattles - My Last Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jja guy - December 17 - 10:00 am

  After owning 5 Hondas, I never thought I would have to take one in for repairs at 40k miles... but my 2001 Accord just proved me wrong! The air vent fan has already gone, just after it came out from warranty (figures). Sure, the Accord drives nice and the engine is very quiet, but the squeaks and rattles from the interior make up for that. From the dash board to the glove box, new rattles emerge every day, testing my patience and driving me nuts! Also, some of the exterior trim around the dash board is coming off. Sometimes it feels like I am driving an American car. Honda seems to be in a quality rut and they just lost another customer because of it.

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  Honda Civic - From a Toyota Lover - 2003 Honda Civic
  By bzymn - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Brand new Civic on March 26th. Great in gas. Overall handling is good. The car needed wheel alignment in the first week itself. Ride is bumpy.