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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  Looking for an SUV...? - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By hybridman2012 - March 3 - 4:34 pm

  Well....dont look any further. If you have not owned a Honda (my 5th), you dont know what I mean. Honda reliability, over all comfort, safety, service, price, ( did I mention reliability & safety) and the best dealers around...its a no-brainer! I get a soild 22mpg all the time and get a 25mpg on cruise, level ground, at 65mph. Beat that anywhere. You are also riding in the safest vehicle make on the market! We live were it snows... no worries it performs great! The 8 passenger capacity will haul the gang in style, without leaving that "one" behind. Just go and drive the Pilot you will come home with it! Financing has always beat the others hands down. Go see for yourself!!

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  Great Van - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By eel2 - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  We have 3 kids and all in car seats. This van has enough room for all three in the second row and the middle seat pulls forward-way better than the Sienna. Roomy and a lot of neat functions. Best safety rating of all vans. Averaging between 23-24 MPG.

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  2014 CR-V far better than the 2009 model - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By glennon1 - March 3 - 11:04 am

  Just traded in our 2009 CR-V for a new 2014 CR-V. My wife loved the 2009 but I thought it was just OK. Didn’t plan to buy a new car but the trade in was so good I could not pass up the new CR-V. The 2014 is a far better car. I love it. Better body styling, better handling, a lot more quiet on the road, more comfortable, more upscale interior, more standard features, better acceleration and better gas mileage. From a price/quality/performance perspective this is a great car, plus you get Honda’s reliability. I recommend the EX-L model.

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  Expensive 2008 Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By civic08owner - March 2 - 10:53 pm

  I found my 2008 Honda Civic to be more expensive to maintain than my 2000 Chrysler Sebring. Here are the part replacements that needed to be done on my Civic in between 60-80k miles: 1. Drivers side sun visor 2. Main upper engine mount 3. Ventilation fan motor 4. Middle brake light At 84k miles, there is another rattle/grumble from the engine when idling. I suspect it may be the lower engine mount. Also, I average 25-27 mpg during winter months and 29-30 mpg during summer months, with mixed back road and highway driving. My Sebring only needed wheel bearings and tie rod ends to be replaced. Im not impressed with Honda quality.

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  Great Little Car! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By frozentundram - February 28 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had my Fit for almost 2yrs and love. Get about 25mpg city and high 30s on the road. My wife is more of a lead foot, so she gets about 2-3 mpg less. I installed a K & N air filter to help it breathe a bit better, otherwise all stock. Make sure you use a Top Tier gas as Honda recommends and youll have no problems. Dont have to use anything but regular, but make sure it is Top Tier. Ive known some that have used really cheap quality gas, and have had problems. Yes, this vehicle wont ride like a Lexus or Cadillac, but suits my needs fine. I also use a synthetic oil (Mobil 1) since the first oil change.

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  2005 Accord hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By oladipo - February 28 - 3:49 am

  I bought this car since 2012 and I have had no major issue with it except for ABS and TCS sensor. This was fixed and after which no issue except of recent this year having issue with driver/passenger door lock which does not respond the lock/unlock by the remote. I will try and fix it myself but if I have difficulties fixing it I will contact the electrician. Another issue I constantly observe is the check engine light that constantly comes on...I have discussed this with my mechanic, he attributes it to the 02 sensor read from the OBDII( catalytic converter below threshhold). However, another Mechanic said I do not have to worry about that because a bad fuel can trigger that.

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  Leather is uncomfortable for long trips - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By orangelebaron - February 26 - 10:43 pm

  I do not own this car, however, I am frequently asked to drive it as favors. First off, this car replaces a 2000 Odyssey which has cloth seats and gets better gas mileage with the same size engine. The cloth seats in the 2000 are more comfortable for long trips. The car drives and handles well and the backup camera works great. My main complaint are the leather seats. Up to approximately 100 miles, the seats are comfortable enough. After that, you may start experiencing numbness and sharp pains in your butt and legs. My passengers were also complaining about the seats during a trip back from NYC to the Poconos.

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  Great little car! - 2013 Honda CR-Z
  By mom2tigger - February 24 - 9:03 pm

  My son needed a new car. After test driving the Ford Fiesta and checking out the Veloster and Civic SI, he decided on a cr-z and we are happy he did. The car gets very good gas mileage for around town (average 34.1 with a/c running most of the time and usually in normal mode). You cant go by the EPA mileage rates because that doesnt take into consideration the option to drive in Econ mode to increase fuel efficiency. Look up what actual drivers are posting for what they are getting and you will be surprised. We have the 2014 ex with the lithium ion batteries. Car has plenty of pep in normal mode and is really fun to drive so I dont know what the reviewer is comparing it to.

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  Very cheap and uncomfortable - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By texlass63 - February 24 - 10:17 am

  I finally decided to buy a Honda CR-V, not becaue I liked it any better than any of the others I had seen, but because I had grown tired of looking and it had most of what I wanted and it seemed to be fine when I took it for a test drive. The navigation system worked with easy commands which was great. After I purchased the vehicle the most annoying was that the sun visor didnt extend so I had the full sun in my face. The ride was very rough and the seats were very uncomfortable, and I had back issues by the end of the week. I traded the vehicle in and got a 2014 Nissan Rogue that I now love!

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  2014 Ridgeline Sport - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By roc23 - February 20 - 6:08 pm

  I chose Honda because of their reliability and reputation of building quality vehicles. It is a decision that I have grown to regret. The idea of the Ridgeline is great. It has plenty of storage and is rather roomy in the front and rear seats. I am 6 2" and I am quite comfortable. The engine is smooth but the transmission has issues shifting when its cold. My issue is with the fit and finish and how Honda has handled the warranty issues with my vehicle. Not one of the doors line up on my Ridgeline. Other Ridgelines have this same issue where the doors arent flush with the surrounding body panels. Mine leaked water as a result and it has yet to be fixed correctly.