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:

• 

  Update after a Year... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - February 12 - 11:18 am

  I have now owned my 2013 Civic EX sedan for about a year. I initially had issues with seat comfort due to the aggressively tilted headrest but have fixed that by modifying it somewhat. I must say the car has performed flawlessly for the year I have owned it. It delivers a quiet, solid-feeling drive each day to work. Honda knows how to build a solid, easy to drive car unlike any other manufacturer. The "connected" feel of the driving experience is something only Honda really does well in this price range.

• 

  2015 accord ex - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Kishin Ratwani - February 12 - 8:25 am

  not fun do drive not getting estimated mpg in city or highway cvt is lackluster passenger seat very uncomfortable went to dealer they thought i was crazy and looked at me like so never owned a honda but took advice of family members never again

• 

  Excellent Small SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By davidgarzon98 - February 10 - 1:33 pm

  My car has close to 10.000 miles and Ive not had a single problem with it. After cleaning it it still looks 100% new outside and inside. The average fuel consumption has been around 24 miles per gallon (including city driving in Atlanta and highway driving) which is similar to what I was getting with my previous car (civic 2009). Ive done a few long trips (12 hours) and is a comfortable ride. Ive only visited the dealership for oil changes. The only issue is that I didnt have a good experience buying from Curry Honda.

• 

  EGR Valve problems - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sg15 - February 8 - 11:23 pm

  I like the way the car drives. I would have given better ratings if it werent for a couple of reliability issues: 1) The EGR valve warning has been a recurring problem. The first time at 74K miles I did not know Honda had a TSB to replace it and replace a tube with a wider tube. I got the valve replaced at a repair chain. Through its TSB Honda increased its warranty to 80K miles. Now, the EGR valve warning is back at 87K miles. Honda refuses to cover this under warranty. There is a lot of discussion about this problem on the web. Clearly there is a problem with Hondas EGR valves. I think Honda should stand by its products. I dont understand why number of years matters for this.

• 

  I really wanted to keep this car for the long run - 2015 Honda Accord
  By nomorehondas5 - February 8 - 9:02 am

  Ill start by saying Ive been around Hondas my whole life. My father purchased his first in 1978 and has had 5 since. I have had 2 already and my 2002 Accord went through hell and back with me so I wanted another one. Except this car feels like it was made by Daewoo. About 6 months into ownership the car lost power. When I try to punch it, it feels like Im dragging an 18 wheeler . It is clearly electrical but they insist in acting like its all in my head when I take it to the dealership for a check. Best part is, Ive already told them in two occasions I tried to set the speed for cruise control and it wouldnt, Again, clearly electrical but they wont own it. Buying Hyundai from now on

• 

  Excellent - 2001 Honda Accord
  By zdoyle1 - February 6 - 9:49 am

  I own a 2001 Accord Ex-L V6 with 218k miles. I tend to be quite hard on this car but it doesnt seem to mind. I have owned it for 5 years now with no major issues- I did have the timing belt replaced around 175k miles and a new hole drilled for the oil pan around 215k miles. I still average 25 mpg around town! Anyone who rides in my car is always surprised to learn how high the mileage is. This car has made me loyal to Honda and I will never understand why people would choose to own anything of lesser quality.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jollygrnjiant - February 1 - 1:10 am

  We bought this car in 2008 with 15k, it currently has 120k. It has been a fantastically reliable car. Other than normal maintenance the only thing Ive had to repair was the starter. I do all my own work and it has been a very easy car to work on. Changing the timing belt, it has the easiest to read timing marks of any car Ive worked on. Its those little things that you dont usually see that tell you it has had a lot of engineering put into it and it shows. I fully expect this car to last for another 120k easily.

• 

  Worst car I ever owned - 1992 Honda Civic
  By stuckinutah - January 31 - 7:27 pm

  I purchased this car on its reputation. That was my first mistake, the second was keeping it. I have owned it for two and a half years and about 40,000 miles, but it seems like it has been in the shop more than on the road. Items fixed/replaced, head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, alternator, radiator and hoses. Plus I have to check the oil and radiator fluid every 100 miles to top them off. I put 5 quarts of oil in between each oil change, which I get every 3000 miles. It is going to be sold ,or driven off a cliff, this spring when I get a more reliable car.

• 

  My first and last Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By phillipotto - January 31 - 12:04 am

  We bought this car on the recommendations of several friends who have owned Hondas in the past. I had previously owned Fords and Dodges. We have had nothing but troubles with this car. 3 sets of rear tires worn on the inside in 72k miles. When I took it to the dealer under warranty, after wearing the first set out in 17k miles, I asked to have the car put on the alignment rack and have the rear camber checked. The Joliet Honda Service manager was arrogant and said that we must have overloaded the car and that the camber was within specs. When the second set wore out they refused to even address the problem. There was a recall for the camber plates and was told that it wasnt a safety prob

• 

  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gkh3 - January 30 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my 2006 Civic LX coupe new in July 2006. After nearly 9 years and 85,000 miles this car has been just about problem free... averaging over 30 mpg consistently. Yes, the ride is bouncy and yes it can be loud but I knew that going in. If you want super quiet and cushy... get a Cadillac. My only regret is not getting the ex version.