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:

• 

  used 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By june1986 - December 7 - 12:10 pm

  just bought this baby for 11k with 101k miles, looks new, runs great. 41 mpg so far avg(first week) im still learning how to drive more efficently and its fun! i was looking at the FT-86 but decided to wait and got this in the meantime. i thought i would be disappointed but once i saw it in the metal and sat inside that all changed. great for adventures and wallets(30$ to fill up and first tank i got 460miles).

• 

  Best car everrr! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By andreroman21 - December 6 - 8:13 pm

  Purchased the car from my brother 2 years ago. A few things were done to it including an engine swap from a japanese civic SiR-II(170HP) and cloth seats from a 2001 Integra, as well as 2001 Integra GS-R rims. It is amazing on gas averaging about 40mpg hwy and has alot of oomph when I need it. I use it to commute to my job about 26 miles a day. I use synthetic oil and change oil as suggested as well as spark plugs. I have had no problems with the car as of yet. I love the looks of the car. Very unique... Honda really should put out a new hatchback model. I wont be getting rid of this car for a long long time. Exterior is stock except for coilovers and fresh paintjob. I get alot of compliments

• 

  the perfect car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mpb666 - December 5 - 10:54 pm

  I bought my 98 accord in 2002. it had about 30,000 miles on it. was kept in great shape by previous owner..it is now december 2011 and i still own this great car. i am at 175,000 miles now with not 1 major problem in 10 years of owning it. still runs nice and smooth, quiet. i can trust and rely on this car to start and run great anytime. even in the dead of winter, will start up no problem. only thing ive ever had done major is replace the catalytic converter and starter. on my second set of brake pads in 10 years. i get 3 month oil changes and once a year maintenance checkup every year. im sure it would last another 10 years easy. great car, will miss it when i dont have it her anymore!

• 

  MOST RELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED - 2007 Honda Accord
  By scar_cle - December 2 - 11:25 am

  This car is great! Virtually unbreakable. has 85k on it now, and only ever replaced a 20$ sensor in the radiator. Besides tires/brakes/oil changes, its a SOLID car.. Heated seats & mirrors are a great touch, and the 6 disc CD changer is awesome for road trips! Only downside, is that the MPG is really based on how much of a lead foot you have, if you are constantly flooring it, expect about 20-25 MPG. The v6 model is a little more peppy, but has known issues with the transmission, also the 4cyl has a timing chain, and the 6cyl has a belt that needs to be replaced at 110k miles.(about a 500$ service) If features arent important, check the VP, not many bells & whistles but same drive/engin

• 

  I love it - 2002 Honda Accord
  By trevohnco - December 1 - 3:19 pm

  Since April of 2002 ive had a 2002 Honda Accord ex-l and its still kicking i love the ride quality and really cant understand why other people say that the accord doesnt last past 150k. So far ive driven a little over 306,654 miles in the past nine years and i dont plan on trading it in or buying a new car until it cant be driven anymore. I can also say that ive never changed the engine ir transmission only have changed a sensor.

• 

  1994 Accord - still running strong ... - 1994 Honda Accord
  By lneller - December 1 - 1:53 pm

  I bought a 1994 Accord LX coupe in November 2005. At the time, it had 177,000 miles on it - just getting broken in for a Honda. Had no hesitation about buying it. I kept it for 4 years, until I moved to Hawaii. In the 4 years that I had it, I had little problems. I burned the clutch up (I was new to 5 spds). I got some new brakes. I did have to replace the engine at about 220K (it was about $1000). That was about it. I sold it to my ex-boyfriend, who drove it for 2 more years until selling it. It was still running strong (and will do so for a while). Loved this car!!

• 

  Smart Purchase - 2012 Honda Accord
  By jwilliams17 - November 30 - 8:28 pm

  The 2012 Accord is a very nice vehicle to drive and own. The value for the quality is excellent. After looking at several models in this class and the luxury class I decided to buy the Accord. The EX-L V-6 gets great mileage for the size engine and still has enough get up and go. If you are looking for excellent build quality and getting all the upgrades dont waste $10,000 on buying a name like Acura (chosen because it is a Honda). The upgrades are much better value on this model. You will be happy with this vehicle.

• 

  Going strong after 6 years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By viccard - November 28 - 3:14 pm

  Bought this car in Jan 2006, since then put 110K miles on. Had all the common problems described here: had rear bearings replaced by the dealership at 20-30K miles. My sun-visor is held by couple giant paper clips. Transmission would sometimes skip 3rd gear (happens once in a year, goes back to normal after restart). Most of the backlights under the heat/AC buttons are burned out. Battery died at 3 years. Power outlet and door lock had to be fixed. Seems like a long list but really its perfectly usable and all non-warranty covered repairs totalled to ~$300 over 6 years. There is no timing belt to change (it has timing chain). Rear brakes lasted 100K miles before needing replacement.

• 

  LOVE my Civic Hybrid! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dev87 - November 22 - 8:25 pm

  Bought this car in November 2009 after making a move to Arkansas. I purchased it with only 48,000 miles on it, plus I lucked out because it is fully loaded with Navi and AUX input for my iPod. Had to drive two hours to Tulsa to get it but it was well worth it the drive home was so much fun I didnt want to get out of the car when we finally made it back! Its been to Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, and I am always the one volunteering to drive because I love it so much. The turn signals on the mirrors are an awesome touch. Has been in the shop twice but only for recall fixes. Would absolutely buy again

• 

  Honda Padding the dealers pocket - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ramjet1 - November 22 - 12:29 pm

  Great car with two noted exceptions. Road noise. As the top model for the Honda line I expected it to be quieter. My Nissan Frontier pick-up has a quiter cockpit. Exception #2 putting a rubber timing belt on an the V6 engine is planned obsolesence, and requiring it to be replaced at 60,000 miles. All this does is pad the Honda dealers pockets. Why is it necessary for Honda to give back money to the dealer? They build a great car but engineeer in a requirement that forces you back to the delaer every 60K to change the belt. That change is $700 + in 2011.