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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  Fun, efficient, and reliable - 2009 Honda Civic
  By argimal - October 30 - 9:20 am

  Had the car for over two years now. Feels alot faster than it is. I love the high revving 4. Traded an S2000 for this because of family expansion. Havent regretted yet. Would prefer a little more power but am satisfied. I commute 82 miles round trip to work and get 28-33 mpg depending on how hard I drive it, usually 29 mpg in mixed driving. 33 mpg on long trips consistently. Great car.

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  Step it up Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By fab82 - October 28 - 5:26 pm

  Where do I begin? Aside f/my 08 Accord, I also own an 02 accord coupe. My old accord drives better, is quieter, and the interior appears sleeker. I am a tad bit disappointed in the 08 model. The paint used on this model is extra cheap, for a vehicle that has been garage kept I shouldnt be seeing rust where the paint has chipped away. The paint shouldnt be chipping @ all. The brakes/rotors are shot (although they were just replaced 4 months ago). The stereo system is nice, but the speakers are cheap! Outside noise is apparent, my old Honda rides like a spaceship!Hondas used to be flawless...not anymore.

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  update 9000 miles - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - October 28 - 4:53 pm

  Have 8 k on it now with the manual and till now it is ok ,but not more than that.If you want the "old" feeling of driving fun you better stay with a 8th generation civic.......... Its a commuter from a to b and relaible. Got some engine noise after 2000 miles,must come from the valves,a ticking noise,not used to it,my 2009 lx had 30k on it and still sounded new. See how this works out in awhile,will ask about it with the first service interval.Mpg is still great without the econ button 45 mpg...... Never use the econ button anymore,spoils the power and not that much different in mpg...

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  Honda brand is degrading over time - 2011 Honda Accord
  By pierre6 - October 27 - 10:44 am

  We have owned Hondas in the past (1995 accord) and present (2007 Civic, 2004 Accord) Purchased my 2011 Honda Accord EX and 11 months has passed and on 10,000 miles on the odometer. Below are my observations: First the Bad news: (1)At 500 miles brought the car back to the dealer because the Air conditioner appeared that it did not blow cold Air. Compare it to 2004 Accord which uses the same Freon type which there was a big difference. The Dealer said that there was nothing wrong. But when it is Hot it takes forever to get cool in City driving. On the Highway it cools faster. (2) The Auto lock/unlock system. When the Car reaches 10MPH, the doors automatic lock, if they are unlock for security. When the CAR stops and the gear shift is put in “Park” the Drivers door should unlock (Passenger door unlock if you program them, as per the Manual.) My problem is when the Car is put in “Park” then the driver’s door unlocks about 60% of the time. (3) Third problem is Interior Noise. There is a creaking noise coming from the back seat. It does not respond that much to bumps in the road. It seems like two pieces of metal clicking. Most of the creaking noise is on normal smooth roads, but is very annoying. (4) My last problem and the biggest issue are the front seats. They are very hard, and on long trips my legs and back side get numb. Additionally related to seating on the driver’s side, there is not comfortable place for my left arm to rest while holding the wheel. NOTE: Our 2004 Honda Accord EX and 2007 Civic EX has been great since we purchased it new. Good news: (1) Very nice body style, which is Aerodynamic. (2) Fuel economy is great, average 31 to 32.5 miles per gallon on the interstate (75MPH). Have not reached 34 yet as Honda has advertised. (3) Reliability has always been great on our Honda’s (4) This new style type is larger than older Accords like the 2004 accord. My plan is to bring the car back to the dealer and address the issues noted above, and hope the problems get resolved. As for the Seat problems, other people’s Seat complaint’s search (Websites) has no fix from the Dealers or the Manufacturer. Many people with this condition of the uncomfortable Seats have sold or traded in their Cars, with only a few hundred or thousand miles on the odometer. I am considering on doing the same thing. In closing, the Accord is better and worst in other areas. I still prefer to drive my 2004 Accord mostly because of comfortable seats especially on long trips!

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  Fun to drive, noisy, and unsure of quality - 2011 Honda Civic
  By hiker8 - October 26 - 10:18 am

  Had the left rear wheel bearing replaced at 10K miles. Do a quick search and you will see wheel bearings on this generation of civic are an issue, and Honda didnt correct the problem even on the last model year. The car seems to be well built otherwise, only a small rattle by the tweeter near the front left of the windshield.

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  the Fit is It - 2011 Honda Fit
  By dan_patterson - October 23 - 9:57 am

  I bought a 2011 Fit, base automatic, for commuter duty. I wanted Honda quality in a practical, non-flashy, and inexpensive package, and the Fit is exactly that. I could wish for more comfortable seats, a couple more inches of footroom, and a center console, but the list of standard features is quite long already. I like the fact that its tall enough that I dont bang my head on the door frame when getting in and out. It can hold a lot of stuff and is still small enough to be easy to park. Certainly it doesnt have a lot of power and it doesnt have unusually good handling- but it is unsurpassed at collecting groceries. 9k miles so far and no problems.

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  Great Van But Now Question About The Build Quality, Drivers Door Handle Broke within 5 days of delivery - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By lr3 hse - October 23 - 4:33 am

  I have a 2012 Odyssey Elite which I just purchased 5 days ago and the driver door handle broke. I didnt pull the handle hard or anything and the the locks were unlocked when I tried to pull open the door handle. I was not able to open the drivers side door from the outside but I can open from the inside. @ less than 300 miles, I hear engine knocking in with or without it being in the ECO mode. I will have Honda inspect it when in service. I traded in a car (2006 fully paid off) that gaved me very little problems for a new (2012) car that gaved me issues already. But everything else about the Van is great....

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  2010 LX-S Civic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By lukesh - October 21 - 11:38 pm

  This is an okay little car, its not a Mercedes and thats not what your buying so dont expect that, but its a nice little car. Mine has 18k on it and I bought it new for the wife. Got about 35mpg new hwy now being broke in if you drive easy on hwy 65-70 not running hard it gets about 41mpg. Couldnt ask for better mpgs. This car does seem to be cheap made plastic(y), a little noise on the road, but it has nice features it gets hybrid gas mileage it cost less than most. Great buy if you ask me. Wouldnt keep it forever but its okay for a couple years.

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  Pros outweigh cons - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By shadyoak - October 20 - 9:35 pm

  Pilot sometimes hesitates at highway speeds due to complexity of interaction between cylinder changes, transmission and torque converter. Pilot had been on lot for six months with 200 miles of test drives. Body had several minor dings which dealer fixed. Interior had several minor dings on hard plastic which could not be fixed. Tailgate is slightly off center. I purchased the Pilot with a $5000 discount and 1.9% financing.

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  Honda CRV best all round - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kazmaz - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Updating CRV bought new June 2011. Recent 3,000 mile trip across US, down to Mexico was a good test: 1) Excellent fuel economy -- ave 31 mpg overall 2) packed in more luggage than seemed possible 3) Very comfortable, fun to drive 4) smooth, excellent steering, sturdy suspension 5) amazingly stable to heavy cross winds