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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  I love this car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Patti - February 11 - 7:06 pm

  Over the past 3 years, weve never had any problems with this car. Havent had any repairs done, just the regular maintenance. When I drive the car, it consistently gets 45-52 mpg (depending on whether its highway or city; summer or winter and whether the bike rack is on the roof); my husband gets a little lower--probably 42-51. Driving styles will definitely impact the mileage. As a short person, I love that I can see out of the car and the blind spots are minimal. Only having to get gas once every 4-6 weeks is a major plus; and weve driven the car from Chicago to Syracuse, NY on more than one occasion (a 12 hour drive), using just one tank of gas.

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  Expensive Repairs - 1992 Honda Accord
  By rams007 - February 11 - 6:01 pm

  I bought a 1992 Accord EX wagon with 155,000 miles on it. First thing to go was the master cylinder - $200+. Then the the CV joints - $150 each. Then the key lock locked the key in the ignition - $100. After replacing the CV joints it took only 15,000 miles and the left one was out. These were OEM parts mind you. Then theres the timing belt that must be replaced every 90,000 - $600. I like Hondas but I would trade it before the warranty for sure. Buyer beware. I also had a Ford Crown Vic that got 24 mpg on the road and was still going strong at 260,000 miles. Repair costs - cheap.

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  This is a Honda? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By will - February 11 - 1:10 pm

  We picked up our new Accord today and all i have to say is WOW. We traded in our 04 Jetta and happy to see it go. The car drives amazing. We have looked at everything and we made the right decision with the Accord. IT could have a little bit more power, but over all its great. The Navigation is amazing. Its better than the one in our Z06, and that car is $60,000 more. It has all the features of a BMW and a lot less. I would recommend this car to anyone. There is some road noise, which many people have complained about, but the car makes up for it in everything else.

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  Suspension is crap - 2001 Honda Civic
  By boxter76 - February 11 - 10:11 am

  Bought brand new, careful maintenance, still issues. 20,000 miles - both front struts replaced under warranty. 90,000 miles - all 4 struts replaced, $900 cost. 100,000 miles - catalytic converter, 2 oxygen sensors, front control arm bushings replaced - $1500 cost. SRS light went off due to faulty drivers side seat belt buckle, dealer replaced under lifetime warranty of safety equipment. 120,000 miles - rattling started and at 40+ miles/hour sounds like Im flying a plane. Many suggested here that wheel barrings are out. Never left me stranded, but starting to require more than preventative maintenance.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ATL36 - February 11 - 9:43 am

  Best car for the bucks. Great pick-up and ride. Love all the standard features. Wish the stereo had a little more thump but Ill replace the back speakers with a pair of 6 X 9s and a small amp and enjoy. Other cars in the class dont come close to this one. Honda hit a home run! I went back to Honda this time and wont go anywhere else in the future.

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  Get the Service Bulletin 12-046 Vibration Fixes! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Rohn Butterfield - February 11 - 7:11 am

  Unlike many who complain here, I have been thrilled with my purchase (2200 miles) with one small exception: some minor vibration at idle (about 600 RPMs). Honda now has a fix for this, as well as two other forms of vibration at higher RPMs (termed modes 1, 2 and 3). I had the mode 1 fix for the idling issue done today, and, voila! NO VIBRATION AT IDLE! I am thrilled. My fix involved new transmission and lower radiator mounts, neutralizing the engine mounts and some software fixes. Everything seems tighter now, and am hoping mileage will improve as a result. Some have mentioned that you have to sign a disclaimer on mileage, but I dont recall that I did. Absolutely no charge and about 90 minutes of your time. Do it and be happy with your purchase again!!

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  At end of first 3,000 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JRoosa - February 11 - 6:43 am

  So far so good. Have also noticed the blind spot in rear, so have to be careful. Everything else is typical Honda, well thought-out and dependable.

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  Best Car to own for bigger families - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Sandeep - February 11 - 12:38 am

  More smoother than any other mini vans around the city.

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  Its a keeper - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Weather Lady - February 10 - 11:36 pm

  We bought our Pilot about a year or so ago, and still love it. Its reliable, quiet, and comfortable. Only fault so far is with the seat control panel on the left side of drivers seat; we are on the 2nd replacement; seems that the movement of getting in/out knocks it off the seat. Just a minor thing, but an convenience.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JohnSoCal - February 10 - 11:11 pm

  I have owned Honda Accords for the past 27 years. Last year I bought a new 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL. I loved the Accords but the Ridgeline is the best of all. I is another superior vehicle which Honda always provides.