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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  Reliable car - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Donna - December 1 - 7:30 pm

  I have owned this car for 4 yrs. Very reliable, rides smooth, steers very well especially turning sharp for parking, runs great and good gas mileage. Only con to this car...the seats are very uncomfortable, especially on long rides, even using the lumbar support doesnt help. So if looking for comfort rule it out, but a very good car

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  some issues - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Dan - December 1 - 5:42 pm

  Have had my HRV back to the dealer twice during my first two months of ownership. Check engine light and parking brake light came on and wouldnt go off until a few days passed, then the cycle returned. First time they replaced no.2 O2 sensor, problem returned. This time, wiring harness and starter motor replaced- fingers crossed.

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  Honda EXL- Coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By maddysnan - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Honda I have owned and I have good luck - until now. This particular car has wind noise and squeaks in the moon roof, the radio console has a rattling sound, the hood latch that you pull to open the hood broke off,and a bolt came off the driver side seat. Hondas make a great car and I have loved the ride, quality of workmanship, virtually everything about an Accord. I have had it to the dealership two times- and it still has problems. The last time it rained hard the moon roof leaked- a small amount- but still leaked. I am beginning to wonder if I got a lemon. Oh, yes, after the last time they worked on it my clock light doesnt work.

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  Civic Hybrid Delivers - 2007 Honda Civic
  By selinz - November 28 - 7:26 am

  Purchased it to get CA carpool sticker before they disappear. I have been very pleased so far. With 4 tanks of gas, I seem to get around 45MPG overall. The dash calculated values are a bit lower than when I do the miles divided by gallons purchased calculation. If you keep under 70 mph, you seem to get closer to 50 mpg. If you go closer to 85 mpg, it goes down into the low 40s. Stop and start commute traffic gets you in the highto mid 40s. Nothing I do results in the mileage leaving the low 40s. The radio sounds great with my Ipod. Im not thrilled by the tranny but it seems to get the job done in terms of mpg. Acceleration seems fine as long as you dont stomp on it. Overall, Im pleased!!!

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  2005 EX-L Accord Coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Nate - November 28 - 5:23 am

  This is my second Honda. I wanted to have more fun driving so chose the EX- L with a 5 speed 4 cyl engine. The auto version was just too dull and slow. The gas mileage is amazing. Coming from a 2001 Accord coupe EX V6 I can see the improvements but I have some complaints too (see below). Over all I like the way the car feels and the handling is greatly improved. I shopped everything before deciding on this car. Im tall and could not fit comfortably in most cars. Thanks to telescope steering and the power seat the Honda won.

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  not as good as it used to be - 2005 Honda Accord
  By B. Rescigna - November 28 - 12:43 am

  New Accord has bad wind noise. The rear defroster doesnt seem to work when theres snow on the window. Dealer said theres nothing wrong w/defroster. They didnt check the wind noise. Ive owned 3 Honda Accords. This one is a disappointment. The dealers have not been good in terms of service.

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  Poor seat design - 2009 Honda Accord
  By void - November 28 - 12:13 am

  Ive driven the car for 2.5K mile and is still searching for a comfortable seating position. This never happen in any cars Ive own before. I wont buy Honda anymore no matter how reliable it is.

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  Bogus gas ratings - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AC - November 27 - 4:36 pm

  I have some issues with the car. The sub rattles the interior, water comes in the door panels, and the sun visor broke. 30 mpg city and 40 highways? I only avg 27 mpg and I drive normal. I do like the feel of the car and drives very nice but very disappointed with the overall quality of the car and the gas mileage. My ford Taurus with 67,000 miles had no issues.

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  New CRV a lot of vehicle for price - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By vtlsu - November 26 - 8:40 am

  Researched 5 small/med utility-Honda CRV, Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4, Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester. Honda & Toyota were best. But Honda CR-V best for price, 5-star safety/crash rating, 5-star depreciation. Honda has standard sunroof, lift tailgate, spare tire hidden inside. Toyota doesnt include standard sunroof, side-hinge tailgate, & spare tire outside. Toyota side- hinge impedes curb loading & opening inside garage. So far CRV avg 22-24 mpg town & 25-28 hwy, but mpg to increase 2-3 mpg after 1st oil change. Smooth/stable ride & shifting, solid braking, good traction wet cond, roomy interior, easy reach int gadgets, back seats easy access, roomy cargo, rear console food/drinks.

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  Best for the price - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Max - November 25 - 6:33 am

  Did a lot of research and wanted something RELIABLE. Everything else was not a big deal. My definition of reliable was: asking mechanics, owners, reading reviews, and just looking at the road; how many old Civics are still on the road compared to the other makes.