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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  Best car ever!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By legalavin - March 19 - 10:13 am

  Ive owned infinity s and Lexus most of my driving life. Great cars. Then when my son was ready to go off to college we bought him a FIT. It was so much fun I stole it from him and gave him my old G20.

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  Only had 3 1/2 months but... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By jonrobert2 - March 18 - 9:21 pm

  Research said the Honda was the minivan to get so I did. I considered the Toyota but with recent recalls across their line I never even test drove one. Simply got a good price (29500 EX) and that was it. There was a unsettling clop sound like a horse shoe in a parade from the suspension that proved to be from 40psi tires. I reduced to spec 33 and no more clop. Sound is now as one would expect from a car over bumps. We regularly get 30 mpg plus or minus 1/2 in extended cruise mode and 23 mixed with about 18 city. The only real complaint I have at this point is it took several window frosting to discover the defrost button. It carries 8 people, looks nice, tows and gets 30mpg. Enough said

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  Outstanding Drive and Excellent Mileage, but .... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By chebuck - March 18 - 9:10 pm

  Was very reluctant to purchase another Honda Accord after having engine oil consumption issues with 09 EXL v6. Test drove 2013 Toyota Avalon and was not impressed. Wife loved the ride of the 14 Accord EXL-V6 so we decided to give Honda a second chance. So far, 10K miles, we love the ride and get average 32-34 mpg at 70-75 mph hwy. Just got 38 mpg in 200 mile stretch of North Carolina. Typically get 27-29 mpg combined. Ride is smooth and comfortable. Now the negative. At 7K miles, 1 qt oil low so I added 1 qt 0W20 synthetic. At 9K miles added another 1/2 qt. Maybe this will never pose a serious problem, but I am extremely irritated that we have to keep checking oil periodically!

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  Does everything I ask with no problems - 2009 Honda Fit
  By ahull1 - March 18 - 12:12 pm

  I bought my 09 Fit Sport MT new and have put +110k miles on with no repairs beyond preventative maintenance. The car has delivered on all the reasons that I purchased it for: very low cost of ownership, fun to drive, TONS of cargo space (with rear seats flat), and great mileage (38-40mpg). The car has handled west MI winters well, even before I purchased snow tires. Build quality has been good, although some plastic interior panels are beginning to get loose. I recommend switching from the stock tires as soon as they wear out. Overall, no complaints. The car has been a champ, and I expect it will continue to well past 200k.

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  Excellent Reliability, Great Performance - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By kopper65 - March 18 - 12:07 pm

  Bought this car used two years ago (2012) with about 80k miles on it. It had had the timing belt replaced already, so I felt pretty confident that this car would last a while before any major mechanical failures, and, so far Ive been right. Absolutely no problems in the two years Ive owned it, just normal maintenance costs, including new tires. I really love how it drives... its peppy, handles excellently well, and I love driving it in the snow. I sometimes wish it had a bit more power for acceleration, but not often. I typically just drive it at the speed limit and see gas mileage in the low 20s. Overall Ive been very happy with the car and dont plan on getting rid of it any time soon!

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  another happy owner - 2011 Honda Accord
  By ernie26 - March 17 - 4:35 pm

  Ive got 45k miles on my car and havent had to do anything other than routine maintenance. Actually, this car has been a better and more dependable performer than my wifes Lexus. I bought this car because my daughter sold her Accord coupe to a friend with 400k+ miles and theyre still friends. I would have rather bought an American car but..... well, you know about the reliability issues. Im placating myself knowing that although made by Honda it was manufactures in Tennessee.

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  Fuel pump fails @60K - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rss9 - March 16 - 7:15 pm

  I am the first owner of this car. The tires were replaced in 18K. The fuel pump fails at 62K. I am not sure HONDA is maintaining quality. Dealer is trying to sell extended warranty informing me lot things can go wrong.

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  Hipsters Will Be Driving These After All The 240 Wagons Are Used Up - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By haroldingpat - March 16 - 2:22 pm

  Is it cool? No! Is it real and authentic? Absolutely! The 240 Wagon of our times. Cheap, cheerful, reliable, durable, functional, safe, just like the 240 wagons were. Will it impress your neighbors? No, but theres no shame in driving it regardless of your demographics. An upper middle class suburban white person can drive one without shame and have the smug knowledge that they did not fall into the douche bag "luxury" car trap - cue the hipsters in a few years. Averaging 29mpg in mixed suburban / highway driving. I use the "econ" button mainly because it allows better control over the throttle. Very happy overall.

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  Disappointing Experience and VCM Woes - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By restlesspirate - March 16 - 11:07 am

  I traded a CRV for this 2013 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring. The Pilot came home and immediately had a moonroof leak that soaked the interior. The drain tubes were disconnected from the factory. That should have been a sign. The MPG never made it to 25 on the highway, and averages of 15-17 were common in mixed driving over 7000 miles, even with minimal passengers. The VCM was horrible. Sometimes it felt like a bad torque converter, other times it stumbled on flat ground regularly while activating/deactivating cylinders. The only way to tolerate driving it is to drive it in D3, which shouldnt be necessary on a 40K vehicle. We traded back into a Camry SE V6. Honda has VCM troubles.

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  My Honda Odyssey is a Lemon! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By atlantalemon - March 16 - 8:20 am

  I purchased this new in 2012 and paid cash for this car. It broke down on the interstate 150 miles from Atlanta with a clogged ERG valve with 30,000 miles on it. The carborator broke apart also and it spent 7 days in the shop. This was in 2013. Now, 4/2014, I drove 1,000 miles after I changed the oil & all the oil is burning up! They are going to re-built the entire engine because it is burning oil at a rate of a 30 year old car! I will Never purchase a Honda again! Do your research because I have after all these problems and many Honda owners have had similar problems. They are lemons and my $40,000 went down the drain! I will Never Buy Honda Again!