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:

• 

  Nothing impressive, but it gets the job done. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By John - October 7 - 3:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle for the cargo space and for its bare bones nature. I bought a Honda for their "legendary" quality in the small car market. Maintenance for this vehicle has only entailed routine oil changes and 1 set of tires at this point, but this vehicle is barely broken in at 29,000 miles. Should be noted, another reviewer commented on having to replace the A/C in their Fit before 30,000 miles. I am currently replacing my A/C compressor in my 11 Civic with 59,000. This could become a theme with Honda as this is far to early to be replacing these parts. My main problem with this vehicle is fuel economy. I expect 35 - 43 mpg in a small vehicle like this. When SUVs are starting to get over 30 mpg, a small vehicle like this should be pushing 40 mpg, but it doesnt. I use only ethanol free fuel, as there is a slightly better bump in fuel economy, but I still wont get better then 34 to 36 mpg on my daily commute (mostly highway at 60 MPH). I should note that this is while driving like a grandpa and utilizing as much drafting and coasting as possible. On long drives (upwards of 2 hrs) I have obtained 42.1 mpg while traveling between 55 and 60. This car will drink fuel at speeds exceeding 65 mph. MPG drops drastically during the winter, Im sure it is due to the quality of fuel and the cold temps in NY, but I tend to average 29 to 32 mpg. Acceleration is just plain poor. Dont expect to pass a slower vehicle on a 1 lane road at 55 mph, unless, of course, you have a mile to do it. I havent driven the newer 130 hp Fit (2016), but I have to imagine that the additional 13hp makes a huge difference. HONDA PAINT SUCKS!! I have a 2011 Civic and 2013 Fit. The civic is color blk and the front of it looks sand blasted. The Fit (red) has stood up better, but I have made it my mission to protect it. I will leave large gaps between me and the car in front. Still, with these vehicles, the paint chips every time a small object hits it. I have read countless reviews where people complain about this. BEWARE: HONDA PAINT Greatest feature(s) is the average fuel economy display. I still calculate manually with each fill up, but it is nice to have an idea of how your doing. It has caused me to drive much slower in a continuing effort to beat my "high score". I also like the windows as you have almost zero blind spots. I call this vehicle the fish bowl because you have more window than car. Nothing impressive about this vehicle. I had the arm rest installed in mine and switched out all the lights, except headlights, for cree LED lights solely because the out dated incandescent draws too much power and lacks the brightness. The heater during the winter will take 10 minutes to warm up, so I am usually close to reaching my destination before I have substantial heat. I installed a trailer hitch on mine and pull a small 4 x 8 trailer from time to time to the hardware store. This makes the vehicle incredibly more useful. Some reviewers have commented about sway while operating in windy conditions. This vehicle will travel wherever the wind blows. It is a constant fight to keep it straight, which should be obvious due to the bubble design and light weight. Snow handling is great. I drive in NY states snow belt and Im often fighting icy/snowy roads. The stock, narrow, wheel rims give you excellent traction. I havent needed snow tires as an all season has worked just fine up to this point. One down side is your road clearance. I often bottom out on snowy roads and always risk the possibility of getting stuck. Car seats are difficulty to get in the vehicle and deal with, but this tends to be the case with all compacts and sub compact cars.

• 

  CRV-Power Steering Rack - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By 2HONDA - October 3 - 4:53 pm

  Just purchased the Honda CR-V EX-L (AWD) and with only 71 miles had a problem with the power steering. Took the car back to the dealer to find out that the power steering rack is leaking power steering fluid. The rack is on back order and they should have the part in 2 days. Anyone ever requested a new vehicle? Im not impressed with the quality or reliability.

• 

  Very unsatisfied - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Highly Unsatisfied - September 30 - 10:40 pm

  I have been disappointed with this car since I bought it. The interior is poor quality and has a low comfort level. The inside door panels scratch easily. The seats and headrests are very uncomfortable. The a/c vents are too close to the steering wheel and my hands freeze. The road noise is awful. It sounds like the windows are down or there is a gap somewhere. However, there are a few things I do like about the car and they are listed in the "favorites" box.

• 

  disapointment - 2004 Honda Element
  By yoda2 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  after owning the car for a year i have found that it has way too many rattles and squeeks. the dealership has a very hard time fixing them. i have never been rattle or squeek free!!! honda needs to go back to the drawing board and take a good hard look at the problems in the dash area

• 

  No more warm and fuzzies - 2001 Honda Accord
  By lmf - September 27 - 2:00 am

  2001 Accord isnt up to snuff. Transmission problem after 64000 miles. Dealer says bad transmissions in 2000, 2001, and 2002 models. Warranty extended because of the problem. Remanufactured tranny put in yesterday, only to arrive at dealer for pick up to be told the "new" tranny is faulty too. Told 1 out of 6 Honda transmissions fail. Also had problem with oil pan recall. Needed breaks at 55,000, other repairs too soon in the life of the car. Could have bought a clunker with no loan and brought it for in for same amount of repairs. Ive lost the warm and fuzzies I had for Honda and my Accord specifically.

• 

  lemon nightmare - 2003 Honda Accord
  By struppi - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Major problems with transmission after 10000 miles. Sunroof relay switch broke. Doorknob broke. Dash storage compartment broke. LOUD squeaky brake after 12000 miles. Will get rid of this lemon before warranty is up!

• 

  Great Ride; Unfriendly Electonics User Interface - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kenneth Smith - September 25 - 1:52 am

  I really like the new design and ride of the vehicle, but I have to say, the center electronics stack has a very "user unfriendly" interface. I have owned many vehicles over the past 15 years (Infinity, Acura, BMW to name a few) and all have far superior electronics packages. I am very disappointed in how unresponsive the the touch screen is and how inaccurate the nav system can be. Many well established main stream restaurants do not show up in the database. The voice activation interface is almost useless. You must go through layers of screens to make a call or to utilize the nav system. I have returned to the dealership on two different occasions to have a total of four sales reps agree with me that the electronics interface leaves a lot to be desired. It is impossible to control the rear entertainment system from the touch screen in terms of starting a DVD for a child. I have read several reviews and blogs critical of the design and ergonomics of the electronics user interface. Not sure why Honda would install such a rudimentary system in a $50,000 Pilot Elite???

• 

  DO NOT BUY A HONDA ACCORD! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By K - September 19 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my 2008 Honda Accord fully expecting the car to live up to Hondas legendary reputation for quality. Unfortunately my rear brakes started to fail after only 18000 miles of normal city and highway driving! I brought the car back to the dealer which replaced the pads for free, but only after I complained after they said brakes "wear differently for different people." Apparently Honda thinks their customers are idiots. I strongly discourage anyone from buying an Accord.

• 

  Uncomfortable Seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Steve - September 19 - 3:26 am

  The seats in my 2009 Honda Accord are so uncomfortable that I am going to sell the car after owning the car for only 8 months. Honda of America is not interested in helping me find a solution.

• 

  Not what we expected from a Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin W. - September 17 - 7:06 pm

  We bought this car new and it was good for about 50k miles. First problem was that the front door locks simply stopped working. Then the cheap plastic parts in the interior started breaking. Then a problem with the VTEC system. A mechanic said that dirt had prevented the extra set of valves from engaging when the engine needed more power. We were not doing any heavy duty off-road driving, so that was strange. Now, like other readers, our throttle sensor has gone out and it is going to set us back $900 to replace the whole unit. Im sorry, but this is not why we bought a "reliable" Honda. Seems like the company is coasting on its reputation and Im not enthusiastic about buying one again.