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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  Bad Rear Control Arms - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kgoz - June 23 - 6:46 pm

  The 2007 Civics have been involved in a class action lawsuit involving the rear control arms. If you purchase a used civic make sure the rear control arms have the letter "C" stamped on them, otherwise you will rapidly wear out tires. The fix for this problem costs several hundred dollars (and Honda WILL NOT PAY for the repair). Fuel economy is excellent.

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  So Far So Good at 55,000 miles - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - June 23 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 2009 new and have no complaints. at 55,000 miles I have completed required services and no issues have arisen. I think this truck is perfect for a family of 5 who needs a vehicle that will pull a boat or travel trailer under 5000 pounds, carry those itmes that dont require a large powerful and expensive truck. This truck rides like a car and is comfortable. If you have a small family, this truck will fill your needs and I strongly recommend you check it out.

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  Death Trap and Money Pit - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rjs14 - June 23 - 2:39 am

  I got a total lemon. 2 gas tank leaks fire complete loss of power twice while driving in fast lane sliding door ripped itself off of body master cylinder, two transmissions, power steering pump leak, and just about every other part on this van. Paid through the nose for all of these repairs listed as "recalled". Time to get a lemon law attorney. Original owner, all maintenance kept up to date. Now I have spent enough in repairs to buy 3 of these pieces of junk!

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  Love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By legallyorigina - June 22 - 11:19 pm

  I have owned my Fit for a week now. I love the new features added to this one. I owned a 2012 Honda fit so very familiar with this style of car. The only thing I do not like about this model is how there isnt an extra glove box in this one and less cup holders then my previous car. The gas is better then the other with its new eco button. I chose the leather seat option, but I am now worried about the up keep of the them especially considering the windows are only slightly tinted. Makes the roof feature a little bit of downer if you think of sun damage on leather. I chose the Honda Fit because it is a very reliable car. It saved my life before. I feel safe in my car.

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  Best auto for the money - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ybert - June 22 - 10:36 pm

  One of the best cars I have ever owned, cant believe people are having problems. Cant say enough about the gas mileage Im getting 26.6 MPG city, have not done a hwy test as yet. I have just under 6000 miles and enjoy driving this car.

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  Second 2014 Honda Accord - 2014 Honda Accord
  By 4thhonda - June 21 - 6:19 am

  Last September I purchased a 2014 Honda Accord Sedan and last week I traded it in for a 2014 Honda Accord Coupe EX in Still Midnight Pearl. I loved the sedan but I wanted something a little sportier. The coupe does handle better than the sedan and there are a few features that I really like. The color of the car is magnificent in Midnight Still Pearl. Yes, I lost some money during my trade in, but it was well worth it to get the coupe. Obviously, I think very highly of the Accord to get another one. This coupe is my 5th Honda. I have owned a 1990 Civic, a 1997 Civic, a 2002 Accord, a 2014 Accord Sedan, and now a 2014 Accord Coupe.

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  My 8th Honda (my 5th Accord) - 2014 Honda Accord
  By accdguy13 - June 20 - 8:32 pm

  I purchased my 5th Accord (an EX-L coupe with Navigation ) this past month. The 9th generation Accord is different from the 8th generation (2008-2012) model in every possible way mechanically. The current Accord features electric steering versus the prior models power hydraulic system, the double wishbone suspension gone in favor of a new strut based suspension. The traditional geared automatic - gone in favor of a CVT (gear-less belt driven) transmission. The engine features Hondas first direct injection system instead of port injection. Add all of this together- and its a vastly different Accord (yet seems to retain the most loved attributes of all Accords since is 1976 introduction.

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  2013 Honda Accord LX (CVT Automatic) - 2013 Honda Accord
  By neijhari - June 18 - 6:47 pm

  My 2013 Honda Accord w/CVT has serious issues. Over the last three months I started experiencing abnormal hesitation while trying to accelerate from a standstill position. I have had to depress the accelerator all the way down to board for several seconds (5 - 8 seconds) before the car would jerkingly jump into proper gear to move forward. The dealership changed a kit on it at least twice which initially seemed to have corrected the problem but after about a week or two the problem is recurring. Then on June 14 an addtl problem occurred where the car started a quick forward jerking motion at 40mph. Honda knows the issue but keeps denying the problem exists as they cannot replicate.

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  Accord Sport at 10K miles - solid all around - 2013 Honda Accord
  By altima13sv - June 18 - 3:47 pm

  Extremely happy with my 2013 Accord Sport. Received around 26 miles per gallon for the first 9,000 miles and then over the next 1,000 miles, it jumped to around 30. Now broken in, it feels quicker and is becoming more fun to drive. The build quality is rock solid, not even the slightest rattle from anywhere. Sport mode is fun on the highway for zipping around people. Seats are comfortable. The interior is attractive and all the materials you touch are high quality. Love the leather trim on the doors, wheel, and armrest. Miss a sunroof and push start but cant complain because the price was resonable. Everything just feels solid and I could see myself driving it for 200,000 miles!

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  A Tardis you know but with Panache! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By david335ix - June 18 - 3:42 pm

  Purchased for daughter. Test drove the LX having got out of a BMW 335xi so thought it would feel slow and unresponsive. Hot day but the AC caught up quite quickly. Loved the ride as cushioned the pot holes everywhere. Took it 360 around a small round about. Nice enough feedback from the steering wheel. Sure footed with the 15 inch tires screaming all the way around but held like glue and controlled nicely. CVT was a nice surprise as Id read bad reports about the belt driven cone! Takes off nice and smooth but let off the gas and it takes time to slow as there are no cogs to help brake. Different but nice, not sure on brake wear though! Loved the car as its spunky, safe with fun factor!