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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  Not bad, not great. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jackshelby - June 18 - 4:12 am

  Overall the car has performed its purpose and I am satisfied. There are a few things I am disappointed with, first being the paint. The car is black on black, and have had it almost 10 months and put on over 20,000 miles. The car looks like it has been through a sandblaster. My old car, a 1998 Honda civic, is in about the same condition but it took 14yrs of wear to get in that condition. Its pretty disappointing to have a car less than a year old look this bad. Second, the mileage is mediocre. Average 31 mpg highway, although I dont ever drive city so I dont know if it would stay the same or get worse. In Hondas defense, the highway speed is usually 75-80mph so that doesnt help.

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  From Owner of 2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi as of June 17, 2014. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leohenton - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I agree with Edmundsdotcom review of 2015 Honda Fit. We are quite pleased, so far with the Red 2015 Honda Fit EX-L with Navi that we took possession of on June 16, 2014. There are many thoughtful features included in the design. I can drive it comfortably and have learned to enter and exit OK as a 63" 400 pound middle-aged man. Drove 100 miles last night with two other full-sized adults as passengers and there were not any complaints from anyone There simply is not anything else in the sub-compact / compact class with this combination of room, comfort, fuel economy and upper-tier features (in the EX-L Navi trim package). The Navi is quite legible and useful. The value is appare

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  2014 Honda Accord EX-L review - 2014 Honda Accord
  By stockdox - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I admit, I was a little bit reluctant to buy the V6 model Accord due to the negative press and some negative remarks on some chat boards. I really hope that Honda has really fixed the issues with VCM technology because it is quite amazing to get nearly the same gas mileage of the 4 Cylinder with the performance of the 6. I can tell you right now that my gas mileage is better than advertised. The car is packed with useful technology such as the side view camera and Collision avoidance and Lane Watch. The car is smooth and powerful. On balance, I am very happy with my choice. VCM is not perfect I notice the switch from 3 Cylinder mode to 6 more so then the reverse.

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  Great gas mileage! Terrible steering wheel vibrations and ride harshness! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gejj - June 15 - 6:50 pm

  Gas mileage is fantastic BUT there is way too much vibration in the steering wheel at some speeds thats really annoying. It happens around 30-35 mph and again around 65-70 mph. Makes it very annoying to drive long distances. Ride quality is very stiff causing you to feel every bump and ripple in the road. The dealer updated the engine computer and rebalanced the wheels but the vibrations are still there. Im now working with the factory rep to find out whats causing the vibrations. This is my first Honda and maybe my last if they dont fix the vibration problems.

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  Too many disppointments! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By samnoe - June 13 - 2:38 pm

  I always loved Hondas, but now really disappointed. Engine is not enough (now 2014 still using the same weak engine, the Accord V6 gets 30 additional HP!). I am very upset with the sliding doors, worst design ever! Keeps beeping & stalling, Chrysler makes it better and also the Sienna. Wipers leaves 7 inches un-wiped. Ride is smooth but bad & loud on bumps. (Chevy Traverse is 10x better). At 17,000 miles it started vibrating, I had to change brakes/rotors! Steering wheel feels over-sized. Steering feel not great. Climate controls not intuitive. Remote key fob sucks, and still no remote starter! Turning circle not as tight as Sienna. Ugly gauges. Service engine light not good. Ugly Exterior!

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  Not quite what I expected - 2013 Honda Accord
  By eddiejd - June 12 - 6:17 pm

  After 9,000 miles and 11 months of ownership, here are my comments. DO NOT get the remote starter. It is a royal PIA on the EX model with push button start. When you remote start the vehicle and get in it, the engine automatically stalls and you have to restart the engine. For every remote start you have to restart the engine. Gee Honda, great for your starter and battery. Real poor design. I would remove the remote start system but it would cost ME money to do it! Also, you cannot exit a running vehicle and try to lock it to run an errand, it wont let you! The stereo if horrible. The AM is twice as loud as the FM. Very poor quality stereo.

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  2012 Civic Sedan EX-L Still running great. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By martin13 - June 10 - 5:57 pm

  Bought my Civic with 9k mile on it. Was concerned because I had no idea what may have happened with the original owner. Did he unload the car because of problems (I dont trust Carfax)? So now the car has 30k and has been very reliable, fun to drive, and very economical. Just came back from road trip to North Carolina - cruise control most of the way at 50-65 mph (I know, very slow, I wasnt in a hurry to get anywhere) gave me 44 mpg. Usually I get 37+ while driving at speeds 70+ mph and no cruise control use. Car had a little rattle coming from the rear that was eliminated under warranty (seat belt mechanism was the source). Otherwise, not a problem whatsoever (knock on wood).

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  Good Car - but has quality issues - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rare_review09 - June 10 - 2:33 pm

  I bought the Honda CRV 2014 model. It gives a good gas mileage. After driving for 6 months here are my griefs about it. 1) The driver seat loses its height on its own. I have to pump it up every week. I consulted the dealership and they said that the mechanism is not broken - as the seat does go up & down on the push of the lever. And there is nothing they can do. 2) I get a low frequency humming sound some where from the rear of the vehile. It happened every time during the winter when I cold start the engine & am driving in the parking lot. After 5 minutes of driving it never happens again. Not noticing it in anymore as the weather has become warm now.

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  Solid car, not the best gas mileage - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By todrit - June 9 - 11:12 am

  we purchased out 2013 CR-V a year ago. it has been a solid performer, however the gas mileage for the class of car has a lot to be desired. We like the roomy interior and the design of the vehicle. It defintley has the room to take four to five people confortable, and the cargo space. we use it each weekend to travel back and forth to the NJ Shore. It has the space to hold everything without any issues.

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  Great car. Terrible seats. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By dmerts - June 7 - 11:35 pm

  Bought the Sport model because I loooove the look of the 18" wheels and tires. 10 minute test drive went okay. Didnt notice until I drove 30 minutes to work that the seats are terrible! Theres not enough padding in the backrest and the head rest/restraints push your head too far forward. After 20 minutes my neck and back were killing me. Almost like the seats are trying to push you into the fetal position. I looove everything about the car except those da#mn seats. I heartbroken that I love the car so much but dont enjoy driving it because of the uncomfortable seats.