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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  Drivetrain shutters at cruise speed - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By alesper - February 28 - 10:34 pm

  Maybe if enough people complain about the transmission shuttering at cruise speed on Honda, they will recall and fix. My wifes 2012 Pilot shutters. Her 2006 CRV did it worse. And, it got worse as it got older. Luckily, she automatically trades in at 4 years. The 2003 CRV was perfect, wish she had not ever traded it.

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  Great car with minor faults - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tominnh - February 27 - 10:24 am

  Ive owned my 2010 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 for 5 1/2 years. Outside of the rear brake issue that Honda had with this model, I have nothing but praise for this car. Its has smooth and quick acceleration. Its well put together and nothing has gone wrong mechanically. Its classified as a large car so theres plenty of room everywhere. Gas mileage is acceptable and on a 1400 mile trip I got 26.5 MPG thanks to the cylinder deactivation feature. My only real gripes are that the compass is useless. Whenever the car goes under an underpass that has electrical conduits under it, the compass goes haywire. Over the years, it seems to me that driver seats got so hard that a I had to get a cushion.

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  great car,hands down - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Austin Airs - February 26 - 9:03 pm

  My first car was a 94 civic lx non vtec.lI loved it so much i Didnt want an american car.unfortunatly brakes wore out alot,cv joint,innner and outer tie Rods and the allignment was very Fragile.but the style and handling when in.good.condition was terrific.long story short i wrecked it and bought a 2000 toyota corolla ,,girly and cheap interior but drove amazing then traded for a 97 nissan maxima which is v6 way more fun then a.4cyl but bad on gas and expensive repairs.so i sold and went back to honda and got a 95 civic ex 2dr for $1400 172k miles ive had no mechicals issues at.all and its my daily driver for the past 8 months i even have raced it on all stock at 123mph no problem

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  Excellent Service, DCH, Oldbridge - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By feel1 - February 26 - 7:36 pm

  Sales rep was very friendly and helpful. Did not waste anytime doing business with me. Very fast and on the point. I thank MR. Khalil. Quarashi for doing wonderful job, helping me by Honda Pilot.

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  Nice but with problems - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mj20 - February 25 - 9:42 pm

  I have had my Civic for 5 years. It has not given me any mechanical issues so far. The A/C is terrible, especially in the summer time. It takes the A/C about 5-10 minutes to cool down during hot days. I literally have to drive my car non-stop without hitting traffic signals in order to get the A/C to start cooling down. I will sit in my car a sweat and usually by the time I am getting to my destination the A/C will get cold. The Navigation is terrible. It is constantly giving me longer routes than Google maps. If i try to look something up, say Walmart, it will give me a Walmart in Alaska and nowhere near me. The bluetooth is also terrible. I never use it because no one can hear me.

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  Ticking noise is driving me crazy! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By pebbycree - February 25 - 3:58 am

  Have taken the car in at least 9 times (I stopped counting) for interior noises...in the dashboard, in the doors, in the glovebox. I now have to ride around with the glovebox open...that the only way to stop the ticking sound. Service dept can never replicate the noise so Im stuck. Glovebox door closed - ticking sound glovebox door open - ticking sound. You would think they could figure it out, but they cant. I plan to have them remove glovebox door and Ill try to fix on my own. Very nice car otherwise...but thats what I get for switching from Toyota. You spend $25000 on a car and have to drive around with glovebox open... Only 11000 miles at 14 months...because I hate to drive it.

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  Great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bsedgal - February 24 - 9:20 pm

  I owned this car from 05 (55k miles) to 2011 (140k miles). No issues whatsoever. That is, outside of ordinary maintenance. the only thing I remember is that the hood latch wouldnt close without pressing down on the cable with a screw driver. I kept good on sticking to the maintenance schedule with all the suggested items. Yes I replaced the tranny fluid so NO I did not have tranny problems. Seems most people dont take care of their trannys then blame the Honda for tranny failures. Great car, wish I didnt have to sell it but after 3 kids, had to get a minivan.

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  2014 Accord EX Sedan.....Love it! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Michael Trager - February 23 - 4:43 pm

  My new Accord EX is excellent with its CVT and new engine. Plenty of power, smooth, and great gas mileage!

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  The miracle car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By valuecarsonly - February 22 - 8:47 pm

  Not since the 2005 Scion tC do I think I found one of the best values in the market today. My wife and I fight over who drives it and we attempt to get the most of every drop of gas (we leave it on Econ and are averaging 40 mpg). Tall men are okay back there, and so are two cat crates and a tall gift and luggage we even fit a queen headboard in there. All the great features plus space and fuel-efficiency for about $18K after fees? We are both quite happy with this cool little red car.

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  Love my Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kristy Torpin - February 22 - 6:28 pm

  I owned my 06 civic for two years. Driving in between the valley and la everyday. Only repairs that I had to make was replacing the starter. Other than that the car ran great! It doesnt have too much get up and go on the freeway. But it got me around great. I loved it!