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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  Somethings you wont know until you own one. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By genegenre - July 6 - 1:29 pm

  I am writing a review here because I have a 2012 and, aside from a few tech mods and bits of shiny trim, they havent changed much since 12. I use my Civic NG for auto parts delivery. It has 190,000+ miles on it. So far the only two things to go wrong are the wheel bearings beginning at 60k. I had kept my tire psi at 44! Since having them changed at 103k, I havent begun to feel any wear as I have deflated the tires back to about 34psi. I tried to change the front fuel filter and damaged the housing. Cost was around $600. The + side is that you really only need to change the filters about every 50k miles. Dealer charges $80 for labor for the front (I do rear). My mechanic charges $15 labor.

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  Week 1 - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leebz - June 26 - 11:19 pm

  After having owned this car for a week, I would have to say that the overall performance of the car is average (its not meant to be a speedster). The interior is spacious and the cargo capacity and nifty seat configurations are practical. Some may not like the touch infotainment system. The worst part of it is the volume control (controlled from the steering wheel or the touch screen). It can be a little loud during acceleration but at cruising speeds is relatively quiet and pleasant. Overall ride is comfortable in my opinion. Seats are comfortable and dont bother me. Have yet to take it on a drive over an hour+. Cant wait for a road trip. This is my 3rd Honda & have to say the best yet.

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  2015 EX w/ CVT - 2015 Honda Fit
  By ss1012 - June 25 - 8:37 am

  Bought 2 months ago and wanted to drive a while before I reviewed. Almost bailed at the last minute due to questions about the drivers seat comfort. I now have ~2,000 miles on it, including 4 trips over two hours. I have had no issues w/ the seats, I love the car otherwise. This is our 5th Honda (4th in a row) so I like the brand - reliable, dependable, safe, economical. I really wanted a hatch-back so compared w/ Mazda 3 Hatchback and Subaru Impreza. I liked both but went for lower cost, better mileage, and the familiarity of a Honda. This is a pleasant car to drive, esp. if you are not performance (i.e. speed, acceleration) focused. I am very happy w/ this purchase.

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  MY BENTO BOX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By iflymaui - June 23 - 6:21 pm

  I really like this car... While its certainly not a BMW, there are some positive features to it especially when compared to Toyotas RAV and the Nissan Rogue. PROS: Brakes Visibility Economy CONS: Noisy! Wind leaks into cabin. Made In Mexico Stability/poorly sized tires I wouldnt take the CR-V over 65 MPH because I dont trust it. The very cheap tires, tire size and sub-par stability are of concern to me. Thus, I am looking for better tires. I bought the LX. The EX price factor starts to climb to a entry-level BMW and wouldnt you rather be driving one of those anyhow? The car is loud. Vehicle shakes at 65 MPH and the engine shakes while idle.

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  Very Nice SUV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jolly1999 - June 22 - 12:44 pm

  Ive the CRV since March this year, its a good size SUV for 5 adult passengers as well as cargo room. Smooth and flexible fold-down rear back. Right lane-change Monitor display is a nice safety feature.

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-L AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By farmgirl51 - June 19 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased my 2015 CRV less than 30 days ago and am well-pleased with just 2 exceptions: First, parking brake is located so close to the left "footrest" that you have to be careful that your foot isnt hit when placing it on the rest plate. Secondly, although my "average mpg" usually reads "31.4mpg" it seems that I am filling the gas tank more often than usual. Perhaps it is that the gas tank is smaller than my 2009 Accord?

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  Great Car Overall - 2008 Honda Accord
  By chiney_whale - June 15 - 11:43 pm

  I purchased my Honda as a more affordable alternative to an Audi A5 and BMW 3 (now 4)Series coupe. The exterior of this car is sharp (especially in the Belize Blue Pearl). The exterior design has aged very well. The interior design has aged very well and I find the button layout to be very logical. I was surprised to see so much hard plastic on the dash at this price range ($30k +), but visually it looks good. The car has way too much road noise however. The car has a taunt but comfortable ride, which gives it a sporty premium feel I like. The engine has tons of power once your hit 3000 rpm, but below that its pretty gutless. Fuel economy is right in line with EPA estimates.

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  Could be better - 2015 Honda Accord
  By stylebynature - June 11 - 6:53 am

  Im not very happy with the Honda Accord. Below are my issues

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  Owned many Hondas, second Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 4grandsons - June 9 - 1:50 pm

  Purchased my 2008 Accord EX-L sedan, 4-cyl, 5-speed automatic new in March 2008. It now has 130,000 miles on it and has been just a reliable as the 2002 Accord EX I had previously. Had the rear brakes replaced with the "new" Honda brake pads and have not had any issues. While it is not the perfect car, it has been very reliable, just like the 2002 was before. Had the complete service done at 105,000 miles and it runs like new. Not the quietest car, but the right tires make all the difference when it comes to road noise. I cannot justify replacing it, it runs too well.

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  Very well designed and reliable vehicle. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jmn5467 - June 6 - 10:40 pm

  Have owned the van for 7 years and put about 60,000 miles on it. It has been an extremely reliable family vehicle - I have had almost no problems at all aside from an airbag-related sensor that had to be replaced and the usual maintenance (brakes, tires, etc). Surprised at the number of bad reviews on here. This is a very well designed vehicle for someone with 4 kids (or without).