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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  2015 Accord - 2015 Honda Accord
  By cliknclak2 - January 13 - 5:18 pm

  Rears seat folds down but doesnt split. Serious flaw when needed.

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  11 years and still Awesome! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dossca - January 12 - 9:21 am

  I bought my Accord brand new, in November of 2003. I have always taken it to the dealership. I have had all of the problems that everyone else has. To date, I only have 72k on it. I have a work vehicle and dont drive to and from work. First was a recall on the transmission, then the radio went out, then just scheduled services. Then just recently, I have been having flickering headlights. Took it to the dealership, had it checked, bad battery(not it), then changed out the Alternator(not it), then read that the ELD goes up on 2003/2004 accords around 100k or ten years. After 2k of fixes it is brand new. Now just looking for the transmission to go up soon. Its all worth it, I love this car!

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  WISH I DIDNT TOTAL IT - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaebuena96_ - January 11 - 2:41 am

  This car was passed down to me from my dad and my brother. When I got it it already had 150K miles and when I got it was the first time the check engine light has ever came on and the only issue was my coolant level which was an easy fix. Loved this car so much and was so devastated when I totaled it running into a pole. It was totalled because of frame damage. Thankfully I was okay but my car was done for. Great commuter car and would have to fill up every two weeks. GAS IS AMAZING. GREAT FIRST CAR I LOVE IT.

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  Sport CVT - 2015 Honda Accord
  By bigboic08 - January 9 - 8:35 am

  Ive only had this car for about a week now but I love the Sport. its simple, good looking and I got it for a great price. I was deciding between the Altima and my Accord. The Altima might be just a tad bigger on the inside but the Accord feels more modern and its a better value. The gas millage is way better then the Edge I traded it in for but I feel like it could be better. Im averaging 27.5mpg driving anywhere from 65-80 on the highway and a lot of stop and go traffic in the city. The seats are comfy, and the exterior styling of the Sport compared to the rest of the lineup is hands down a winner.

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  Front end suspension noise! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By vabeach1 - January 9 - 1:07 am

  We bought this van brand new in September 2014 and just traded it in with only 2300 miles on it this month. The Odyssey has a horrible creaking front suspension noise that the dealership wont fix. The van is nice and new, but sounds like an old car that needs new shocks. After allowing the dealership to attempt to fix the problem four times and the van being in for service for over 39 days, we were told by Honda that they are aware of the problem and that they do not have a fix for it right now, so Honda is calling it normal noise. Long story short...there is no fix for it and Honda refused to do the Lemon Law. So, we just decided to trade it in on a better vehicle.

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  Head lights are awful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kvalenti - January 8 - 1:12 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and hate it at night I cant see the road even with the high beams on. The road noise is very loud. When I go down hill the gears dont down shift and the sound is awful. And the other day I had the ABS light the Power Steering light and the Traction control light come on so now I have to take it in for service I am trading it in as soon as I can and not for another Honda. Very disappointed.

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  Nice auto (2011 Civic EX) with some issues - 2011 Honda Civic
  By honkytonkman - January 8 - 11:44 am

  Performance is above average for a 4 cylinder engine. Comfort graded a 4 based on small-compact size car as seats are okay but room space is adequately better than other cars of same size. Value well above average and does not depreciate quickly due to Hondas quality and reliability. Fun to drive especially with Moon Roof. Interior design - depends on the person. Exterior design is nice .. does not look like a space ship or a box but has its own distinctive appearance or sporty flare. Build ... noisy in winter climate which is caused by cold and snow. Needs a better sound proofing under carriage and wheel well area or just keep turning up the Radio till you hear nothing. Reliable - yes!

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  Constant computer glitches! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By tovalady - January 7 - 3:19 pm

  Our 2014 CR-V has had nothing but computer glitches from the day we bought it,it is in the shop again as I write this! 10 attempts later and the car is still not working correctly,So far we have sent a certified letter to corporate to lemon law this vehicle but we just keep getting the "let us fix it " song and dance! It has come down to having to lawyer up and demand a refund or replace the car...Tired of trips being cancelled and being inconvenienced and PAYING for a car that has obvious factory issues! One would think Honda Corp. would be more than compliant with doing the right thing! Very disappointed!

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  Great all around car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By horrowitz - January 7 - 9:05 am

  I bought this car new in May of 2013. I now have 10k trouble free miles on it, only requiring two oil changes. The car starts, drives, and runs flawlessly. Gas mileage around town in the winter is not great, but highway mileage is excellent. Maneuvering and parking in NYC is a breeze in this car. Interior is comfortable, and instruments are well laid out. The stock tires are fine for spring/summer/fall driving, but leave much to be desired for winter driving in snow and ice. get a second set of wheels with dedicated winter tires and you will be fine. This has been/is a great car. It is comfortable, economical, and adequately powerful. I consider it a good buy.

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  Fantastic Commuter!!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By honda_life - January 6 - 1:41 am

  My 02 Civic LX Sedan is the most reliable car I have had. Got it for free from my father with 145,XXX miles, since my other car broke down. It does FANTASTIC on gas mileage. I can go to eastern Washington and back on less than 1/2 a tank. I have had no needed repairs. I wish I would have gotten this as my first car.