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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  Free vibrator with purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By det97 - April 27 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than a horse and carriage. The seating position is good. The ride is good considering what it is. The is heated seats in my model. I swapped a mustang for this one. I miss Ford Sync. The 2015 CRV Ex isnt a fan of Android.... yet. As for the vibration yes there is one. Not a huge deal breaker but you will normally feel it at a stop while in drive. I think its really more like a Mercedes comfort accessory.

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  240K+ miles and still going strong! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gymeni - April 26 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car new in October 2003 and it had 31 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I now have over 240K miles on it and the only issues I have ever had with it are: drivers door handle had to be replaced after not being able to open the door from the inside, AC compressor went out once. This car has been subject to at least 3 Honda recalls, one being the transmission issue. I will continue to drive it until the wheels fall off. My 1st gen (1997) CRV, which I also bought brand new, is still on the road today with another owner as well. Bought my daughter a new 2009 Fit as a graduation gift. She treats it like her baby! I stand by Honda, trying to decide which I will buy next.

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  Spaceship Civic... - 2015 Honda Civic
  By gregrnel - April 19 - 8:09 pm

  So, when reviewing a vehicle, I believe you need to put it in the context of the car before it. Well, here it is kids, I am one of the very, very, very few that went from an S197 Mustang GT to a Civic. Yes, you read that right...a Mustang GT. Ive owned Hondas in the past, but not for a while. This car is an absolute thrill to drive, why? Its slow, it gets 38MPG on the highway, It has all the cams, moonroof, its comfy, very smooth ride and the tech is outstanding. Basically, this makes the Stang seem Flintstone-ish. Sure the Stang is fast as hell, but the Civic is way more advanced. Wish I could keep them both, but my old back is not going to miss that Mustang clutch.

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  Grandma car with only 79,000 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By yohahn_bravo - April 17 - 8:21 pm

  I love the acceleration of the 6 cylinder. When the v-tec kicks in it really pulls. The car makes a whirring sound until 3,400 when it starts to sound angry. This engine is strong and responsive at all speeds. Passing power is exceptional and the car never feels breathless even when floored. The seats are comfortable for me and everything is within reach. My only complaint is the lack of hip room. I used to have a maxima which was huge, I was a bit spoiled with space. I realize this and the Odyssey define a marginal Honda transmission but I have never felt a slip or rough shift so far and praying for 180k out of the transmission. I do mostly highway driving so the 4 speed doesnt always have

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  Beware of the head restraint system! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By barbak - April 12 - 10:52 pm

  I love my Honda Fit in every way except the comfort of the drivers seat. Ive actually driven without the headrest in thats how much it hurts my neck. Although I had intended to drive this car until it wore out, I am going to be selling it in the next couple of months and buying something less painful. BTW, I am 57.

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  A Very Good Value Three Row SUV - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Bryan Connington - April 6 - 9:23 pm

  A really super vehicle. Very smooth ride . Very quiet cabin, including at highway speeds. Plenty of power (although I have not been towing) and good automatic shifter. Some great deals available (I was helped get an excellent price through edmunds Price Promise) - Breakaway Honda in Greenville SC made this one of the easiest car purchases I have ever made.

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  300k and going - 2002 Honda Accord
  By James Oldeen - April 5 - 4:46 pm

  Bought it new right after high school. Dogged it, romped on it and attempted something like e-breaking. Never missed an oil change or transmission fluid drain. Timing belt/water pumps lasted me about 100k miles. Air conditioner fan motor went out @ 150k Replaced upper/lower radiator hoses with that. Transmission went out @ 189k Replaced with remanufactured for $1500 + $790 for removal/install. Rotors resurfaced @ 200k and had quite a bit more break work done with that. Starter went out @ 250k Timing belt/water pump and tune @ ~278k Oil pan gasket failed @ 280k Radiator failed @ 285k Front passanger wheel bearing @ 290k.

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  My baby and shes a fixer - 1995 Honda Civic
  By onimpulse - April 4 - 3:14 am

  Well to everyone who has problems with this car: The engine in this car craps out anytime after 200,000 miles. A few years ago, that happened to me, and I purchased another engine in LA that was shipped from Japan. Cars in Japan are not allowed to have more than, I think, 60,000 miles on their car. After this, its technically illegal to drive. So they ship their old, perfectly great engines over here. My Dad gave me this car a few months ago after owning it for 12 years.The most reliable car ever. My Dad now owns the new Civic and a new Accord. I wouldnt trade my 95 Civic for any other new model Honda, Toyota, or any Japanese brand. I get GREAT gas mileage city or highway. up to 36.

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  Fit really fits - 2015 Honda Fit
  By danl55 - April 3 - 10:05 pm

  We purchased the Fit for a daily driver to save on fuel. Just have over 1000 miles and so far everything is good. Weve owned several Hondas and the Fit seems to have the quality of all the others weve owned. 36-38 mpg in mixed driving. Pearl white paint is beautiful. The display does give a read out occasionally telling us that the mode is not available when vehicle is in motion...well have to ask the dealer about that one when we take it in for an oil change. Satisfied so far.

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  Pleased with my Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jgpavp - April 2 - 3:35 pm

  Switched to Fit after driving Accords for 25 years. Accords have become too big. Ive very pleased with the Fit. I have the EX 6 speed manual. EX is the best value and the 6 speed manual is very smooth shifting. Test drove the CVT and shifting it with the paddle shifters was OK, but routine driving kind of hohum.