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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  2014 Honda Accord LX - 2014 Honda Accord
  By peripatetic - March 26 - 6:03 am

  After going through hell with an old German car, I decided to get a new car. This one was it. I drive approximately 30-50 Thousand miles a year so long term reliability was my key. You cannot go wrong with this car. So far so good. I already have almost 3,000 miles. With the exception of the ride quality my suggested improvements are few.

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  Love my EXL - 2013 Honda Civic
  By daytonamichael - March 25 - 8:04 pm

  I had a 2007 CRV EX with leather, it had 111,00 miles on it and the extedned warrany was up. My salesmen was in the service department I had ot leave the CRV overnight for a warranty repair. He called me the next day with a great deal and I could not pass it up at all. Its a 2013 Civic EXL brand new it was a left over from the model year.

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  Great SUV!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tallchris01 - March 25 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our CR-V in 2011 with 115K miles on it for a steal. Since then weve taken half a dozen long trips in it (900 - 2000 miles each) without a single complaint. It is surprisingly comfortable and big enough for our family of 4 (and Im 65") and a trunk full of stuff. Looks great, easy to clean, 27mpg on the hwy. Weve put 53K miles on it in less than 3 years. Maintenance costs are very reasonable.

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  2012 Accord Disappointment (EX 2.4L) - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pigeonman - March 24 - 1:44 pm

  Honda quality for 2012 does not include transmissions. Shifting at low speeds is unpredictable. Hesitation was a common occurance. It left the driver unsure of what to expect when pulling out in traffic. The car feels like an old "boat" from the 1960s. It is too big and bulky. There may be 190HP under the hood but you dont get to use it due to the tranny. For my wifes safety, I traded it after 27,000 miles.

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  13 Fit base 5MT - 2013 Honda Fit
  By rzepczynski - March 23 - 10:44 pm

  13 Fit base 5MT. So far, 10 months, 10,000 miles, no problems. Despite display indicating 50% oil life left at 5K miles, oil was changed @ 5K mi. Oil changed at 10K mi. (again display indicating 50% oil life remaining) with full synthetic. Engine seems to run better on full synthetic. Concerned that after 10K mi. there has been no dash display for maintenance (wrench symbol). As there are no mileage recommendations for maintenance in the owners manual, you are wholly dependent on the car computer for maintenance scheduling. Wondering if computer is working properly. Cant believe no service is required after 10K miles. Very satisfied and happy with the car.

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  9k mile update accord sport - 2013 Honda Accord
  By adansereau - March 23 - 7:55 am

  Well after 9 months and 9 k miles I think I know the car well. First it looks great, rides well, comfy, no problems, and the gas mpg can be fantastic if you keep your foot off the floorboards. I have seen high 30s low 40s wow ! But I drive it quickly so many times I am in the upper 20s or low 30s. I am not quite sold on the cvt, dont get me wrong it work fine , can be sooo smooth and for 99 percent of people the smoother the better, but I like to feel the shifts so the car is too smooth and quite at times. It has plenty of power and on the highway it is effortless to pass and accelerate but off the line the cvt timid till 10 mph Great car

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  Good performer but very uncomfortable - 2013 Honda Civic
  By sarita3 - March 21 - 5:12 pm

  This is my fourth Civic and it is the most uncomfortable car Ive ever owned. The headrest forces he to jut my head forward and the seat to curl my back. When I brake, no matter how gently, I and my passenger slide forward in the seats. I have long legs and the steering wheel will not telescope out far enough so I drive with your arms stretched out. Even though I have the EX-L with the power seat adjustments, I have yet to find a comfortable driving position. The seat is narrow and I am spilling over the side of it even though I am a size 6, I have to tighten my abs to stay in the seat around corners. On the plus side, the car is powerful, the handling is good, the mileage is excellent.

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  great value and good gas mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By jimo7 - March 21 - 4:39 pm

  Purchased in November 2013 and put almost 2500 miles on it...mileage is improving and last tank was 28.5 with city and freeway miles. This is my third Honda (1980s Accord and previous was 2006 Pilot). All have been extremely reliable and good value for the money, if somewhat bland in driving. The CR-V adds more tech toys with iPod integration, bluetooth connection for my iPhone, and streaming audio which I havent played with yet. Abundant interior room to hold my bikes and surfboards (similar to Pilot although somewhat smaller). Highly recommended but wish I would have test-driven the Suburu Forrester turbo to compare the performance.

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  Home Run! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By lji1 - March 20 - 2:36 pm

  Waited a few months before reviewing, so I could get a full grasp on the car. Honda has hit a price-value sweet spot, especially with the LX model. Features at the entry price is amazing (see fav features). Compared against a Camry SE, Altima S, Mazda 6 (2014MY Mazda 3 is way better than the 6) and this was THE best bang for the buck. Love the handling, gas mileage, and the front design. No complaints with the seats or the CVT (although I had some concerns before purchase). After researching, found that the CVT judder was mostly relegated to the 13 MY Accords (TSB fix issued by Honda). This fix has been implemented on 14 MY Accords and I have no major issues with the CVT (@6k miles now)

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  Not happy with Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By eric_d - March 19 - 9:04 pm

  I bought this car used with 32,000 miles on it and now own it with 96,000 miles. This is a good looking car and it is fun to drive. I will give it that...but...this build quality and reliability is horrible. The rear control arms ate away two sets of tires, and am currently waiting on Honda to reimburse me for them. Once on a road trip, some sensor failed and I was unable to go faster than 50 miles an hour. Very unsafe. The dome lights work intermittently as does the third brake light. I just had to replace the motor mount, as that has failed and caused extreme vibrations and loud noises when I shift from park to reverse. The road noise is also very loud. I am very disappointed with Honda.