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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  Its a honda!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By z - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 2000 Accord EX. I have 97,000 miles on it now but bought it used. So I only put 30,000 on it. Runs good. Its a honda!! My backlight to my clock went out - they want me to pay $150-200 to replace and I have an extended warranty up to 100,000 miles. What a rip off. Someone needs to come up with a better program where you can get these 15000/30000/50000/etc. maintenace intervals done at a more reasonable price. Come on you already pay thousands for the car. Should not some of these non-major problems be taken care as part of what you are already paying for.

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  Great Car But... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By violettj - February 22 - 10:00 am

  WE bought a Civic knowing that in 5 years it will be paid off and ready to go to college with my daughter. But I love it so much I may keep it for myself.

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  poor craftsmanship for a honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By sivi - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I am a Honda lover but after iginition problems, headliner replaced due to leak, multiple rattles and squeaks from various locations, and horrible customer service... I am dissapointed in Honda craftsmanship. I just wonder how bad it will get 5 years from now

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  Ugliest Car in the World? - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hunter - February 21 - 3:46 am

  I thought it was until we went to Italy and I saw some of the Fiat vans over there. We love our Element. We put 200k miles on a 1987 Real Time Wagon and thats why we bought Honda again. Were still driving the wagon to keep the local round-town miles off the Element. Element has entirely adequate power, tons of interior room if somewhat excessive headroom. Handles OK, rear seating is comfortable, but visibilty is limited from back there. Whats with the sunroof in the back where you NEVER use it? Should have made seating for 3 in the back. Theres room.

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  Good but some. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By First Honda - February 17 - 2:43 am

  2000 miles. 4 cyl avg 20 miles. 50/50 freeway/local. No doubt that it is one of best- selling car in us. Interms of riding, handling and power good. But "whistling noise" on acceleration (turbo charged sound kind of) too annoying. I am worry about vacuum leak. So went to dealer 3 times but no one found out its problem. Really loud outside noise compare to Camry. And sm trunk. Overall it is ok. Its previous generation was great looking and mpg.

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  Quality discomfort - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Dave - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  This car was a big disappointment after driving it for a couple of weeks. The engine, build quality, fuel economy, and fun to drive factor were all there. However, the seating position and lack of a dead pedal left me feeling very uncomfortable. The gas pedal is too close to the driver, which resulted in constantly lifting ones foot off the accelerator in order to properly control the throttle. Move the seat back too far and you cant reach the clutch and steering wheel. Also the lack of a dead pedal (or even a flat spot), leaves ones foot on a round bump. This was such a shame because the car really zips around and is fun to drive.The new FIT is out this fall & I advise to wait.

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  Honda CR-V EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Pete Doddato - February 16 - 2:40 am

  We bought the Honda CR-V for the Honda reputation for quality. Basicallly we are satisfied with the car so far. We have been experiencing a problem with the check engine light coming on quite frequently. So far the problem hasnt been resolved by the dealer. I hope it isnt an ongoing problem.

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  My CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Willie - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I use primarily for towed vehicle behind my 34ft. RV and for local and near out of town driving. To date I am well pleased with the ease of towing 4 on-the-ground and the ease of handling in traffic. Very responsive for a 4- cylinder engine. Good mileage. Overall excellent vehicle for towing and general useage. 5 passsenger capacity a plus A little noisy on some roads and driver rear visibility slightly limited for short persons due to rear 3 headrests jutting up. A good vehicle for the dollar.

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  Cant beat a Honda - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cheap - February 16 - 2:00 am

  A great car few problems 5 speed sometime feels hard driver seat feels loose

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  Great value for a car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By ms dean - February 14 - 4:49 pm

  It was not that hard to make decision to buy this car. This is our third Honda. Being the car of the year was also an incentive. We also looked into the WV Passat but the reliability issue of the European car was the thing that steered us back to this car. With that said we had this car for almost six months now. It ran flawlessly. There was some issue with the torsional cable in the trunk that came loose and it was an easy fix with a wire-tie. The tire pressure sensor alerted and had to re-calibrate couple times with that touch screen. Nothing major. The car drove nice and sure foot. Turbo is preppy. Not as nice and powerful like our ten years old V6 Accord but it was nice for the money spent. The car has nice curve and look. Some people dont like bulky rear but I think it look OK. I usually hand wash my car during summer and I do notice that the fit near the rear tires and passenger door are not that well made. I had to pop the body panel back in. Look like they need better glue or rivet to hold it in place. Inside cabin has very nice material and fit compare to my Accord. We got 35MPG so far with this car. Havent driven on HW that much...may be less than 20%. All in all this is a value buy. If this cars Turbo engine and CVT lasted us ten years then it will be a good buy. If not we will have to switch brand or not buy a car with CVT again. We paid $23K ($20.5K for the car + Taxes + finance) total.