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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  Reliable Car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By matt052794 - August 28 - 4:22 am

  I got my 91 civic for 175 bucks CAN with 229,000km (which is low for the year) not too long ago, under 2 months. no problems so far, and doubt there will be any. it has the 1.5 5 speed, car has power for what it is. bought it off an old lady that owned it since new, just needed a timing belt when i got it.

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  The Little Car that Could - 2008 Honda Civic
  By queensonia2001 - August 27 - 7:47 pm

  I bought my 08 civic straight off the lot in 08. I love my little car, yes I do. I just have a couple of complaints. 1: slow acceleration. Super slow.2:visors keep breaking. on their own! 3: loud inside the car. When im on my cell people complain of the noise, and I cant use my speaker phone in the car while im driving. Other than those things, I love the gas mileage, love the way the gauges look, and love the fact that it has a better resell value than many other cars with the same year/specs.

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  Perfect Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ericdeanftw - August 27 - 12:19 am

  I purchased my honda accord in December of 2004, and have had absolutely no problems with it whatsoever. The car now has 250,000 miles and is still running like a charm. Definitely a Honda owner for life!

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  Another fantastic Civic - 2011 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - August 22 - 9:34 pm

  This is my third Honda Civic. Its actually a Canadian SE model, which is essentially an Si Sedan with a standard black interior and 1.8L SOHC VTEC engine. It came with standard 16" 5-spoke alloys, sunroof, chrome exhaust finisher and iPod interface. My 1996 and 2004 were both fantastic cars, and the 2011 is no exception. Its bigger, roomier, more comfortable, quieter and more refined, upscale and attractive looking.

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  Outstanding 03 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By movinwest - August 21 - 7:24 pm

  I owned a new 03 accord lx with a manual transmission. I purchased the car instead of a nissan z or an audi a4 as I thought I would be practical for once. During 200,000 trouble free miles the car won me over with a combination of enjoyable driving dynamics, all around practicality and reliability. The only repairs other than brake pads and two batteries, was an oxygen sensor which needed replacement costing a little over $100. The build quality is certainly a high point for this car as it seemed as solid at 200k as when it was new. The mileage was tremendous as on one trip I got up to 36 mpg on the highway. A tremendous value.

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  Another Winner from Honda - 2011 Honda Accord
  By bdazzled - August 21 - 4:04 pm

  I traded in a 09 Civic Sedan for the 2011 Accord LX-P. What a ride! Drives like a dream. All features are right there in front of you, easy/user friendly. I cant believe the engine is only a 4-cylinder for such a big car. This car has spunk. Why others have said the seats are uncomfortable, is beyond me. With the 8-position power seats & the Telescoping steering wheel-I was able to meld myself to the seat perfectly. Like sitting on my sofa at home. So far, this car has been perfect. I hope to Update this review in the Spring after our Winter here in the N.E. Thats a true test for any car.

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  Easier Than Legos - 1995 Honda Accord
  By jdmaccord24 - August 20 - 3:05 am

  This 95 Accord EX automatic is simply amazing. With only 130k, the engine (f22b1 VTEC) pushes like itz at 40k. Transmission be slipping, but futher review of the fluid whoever owned it previously did not follow the manual and keep Hondas ATF z1 fluid (which is the only fluid you can put in a honda transmisson for it to act properly) (not any at yor local auto store). After fixing that problem, and dropping about $1200 into some much need tuning (rotors, calipers, drive axles, water pump, starter, alternator, sensors, radiator and battery), it was totally a brand new car running smooth like it was built today.

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  I totalled my Honda, it saved my life. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By chelsb - August 19 - 7:12 am

  I was going over 100kph (60mph) in my little 2005 Honda Civic Coupe. I was drowsy and noticed I was going off the shoulder too late. I over corrected and fish tailed twice. I lost control around the turn, spun and slammed along the guard rail in my lane a couple times before making my full 360. I broke two guard rail posts and pushed it out to about 3 feet. I broke bumpers, my axle, [violative content deleted] my unibody and the whole drivers side of my car. But she kept me safe and secure the entire time, the frame taking the blow for me. I only have slight neck pain the next day. Everything mechanical even still works, engine is pristine. Thank you Honda.. I will be repurchasing, maybe a fit.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2011 Honda Insight
  By chaffstealth - August 18 - 4:10 pm

  I wanted to have a small fuel-efficient car that also fits my budget and the 2011 Honda Insight LX is just the perfect car. I narrowed down my choices to either a Fit, Ford Fiesta, and Insight. My decision to buy the Insight was because of outstanding advertised MPG. So far in the last couple of weeks I actually get to average 45 mpg mostly city driving. It is also a fun car to drive. A hybrid for $20K under is a steal! CONS: For taller people the headroom will be a challenge.

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  LOVED My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jval - August 17 - 2:05 pm

  My dad purchased the 2003 CR-V LX 4WD new in 2002. When I was ready to drive, he passed it down to me. I drove it for the next eight years with only a few fixes. The front/rear brakes and alternator were the most major repairs, but with good reason. I went to school in Ithaca, NY for four years and the snow/sleet/hail took its toll. For the winter beatings it went through, it held up great. I recently got in an accident and my CR-V was totaled - a Chevy truck hit my front passenger wheel. The impact hit all the right spots and my poor CR-V couldnt be repaired. It was only at 78,500 miles. Its a HUGE shame - this car had many years left in it. I miss it greatly.