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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  Honda Accord 2003 2.4 L Engine - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - September 26 - 10:10 am

  These are some pretty reliable cars as long as long you take care of the maintenance on them. If you take care of your Honda, your Honda will take care of you. Use synthetic oil and change your oil every 5,000 miles and service the transmission every 30,000 miles. Your catalyst converter will need changing every 100,000 miles and you o2 sensors may require changing when every your engine light indicate changing of the o2 sensors. These are the basis requirement for keeping up your Honda and if you do this, the car will last you as long as you take care of the car. Miles on a Honda mean absolutely nothing but another mile just as long as you care for the vehicle.

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  After 3.5 years, finally realized I like this car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle - September 26 - 8:41 am

  I had a Mazda CX-7 prior to this purchase and had SO many mechanical issues. They all seemed to happen right after I went over 60k, so they werent covered by the warranty, go figure. I was anxiously waiting for the 2012 Honda CR-V to come out so I could get rid of it and say hello to reliability! I bought the CR-V in January 2012 and have just finally realized that I REALLY like it. Took me long enough! Coming from a turbo-charged engine, it was somewhat disappointing to drive at first. Very little pickup and I felt like I couldnt even get out of the way. Had to adjust driving style, but I just kept reminding myself that I no longer had to worry about it not starting or breaking down on the side of the road...trade-offs. I had Bose speakers in the CX-7, and the sound system was also less than par comparatively, although decent for what it is. The bluetooth was a nice new addition and the back-up camera is awesome. I had the battery issue everyone else seems to have, but it never completely died on me. It took a while to turn over a few times, which worried me because of the CX-7 fiasco, but it always started. We make periodic long drives so maybe the battery was able to get a good charge then? When I took it to the dealership for regular maintenance last winter, they told me I needed to replace the battery because the charge was really low. I didnt replace it b/c I thought they were just trying to upsell me something I didnt need. I mean really, who needs to replace the battery after only 2.5 years and 40k miles?! I wasnt aware of the battery issue 2012 CR-Vs were having at the time... At my last oil change they did a software update to fix the issue. I havent had any problems, but then again, its summer, I guess well what happens as it gets cold again. That brings me to the AWD...or rather, the RWD, since thats what it feels like. I havent gotten stuck in the snow yet, hopefully never will, but when driving in the snow it feels like the rear-end wants to come around and its a little scary having to compensate. And, DO NOT drive it in sand...we DID get stuck in sand, even after letting air out of the tires. We finally had to almost completely deflate them before we got traction and were able to get out. Overall, this is not an AWD vehicle, I tried. :) If you want that, I suggest buying something known for that, just be prepared for the gas mileage to adjust accordingly. The cargo space with the seats folded down is incredible. My family moved this past summer and I was able to do much of the small stuff on short trips. It fit so much stuff that I was more concerned about the weight limits than I was on the space available. Overall, this is perfect for what we need and the gas mileage is pretty good. On long trips we get 30-31 mpg and city I get about 24-25. Just whats advertised. I plan to keep it at least until our 10-year old starts driving...she can take it and then I will probably get something with real AWD capability and low gas mileage. :) Hope this review helps in the decision making!

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  awesome car!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cindy.clark@u@gmail.com - September 25 - 6:29 pm

  just put my 07 fit over two hundred and still loving bernie !!!

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  2015 Honda Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Brittany Allers - September 25 - 5:59 pm

  I am currently leasing a 2015 Honda Civic from a local dealership. The main reason I decided on the Honda Civic was for the price. As a full-time college student, the low payments fit my budget. I had been driving my parents’ Honda Accord and wasn’t expecting the Civic to be that great. However, I’ve grown to love it. The responsiveness of the car is great. The steering is spot-on. It doesn’t overshoot or cut a corner close when steering unless you drive that way. The accelerating and braking are also amazing and has kept me from an accident or two. In less than 5 seconds, it can go from 60 down to 15 without loss of vehicle control. Overall, the driving is smooth and easy to handle. The interior is comfortable in the front seat. Don’t think about passengers as they don’t have much room for legs in the back. Another great feature is the fuel economy button which increases the MPG.

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  2001 Electron Blue Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Jon - September 24 - 10:43 pm

  I have had my Honda prelude for just about a week now and I am just in love with it. I love having the rare blue color, as well as the already "hard to find" car. The V-tec is awesome and addicting! The seats are quite comfortable, but I wouldnt bring it on long trips with more than two people. It does take 93 octane, but it dosent cost to much to fill it up. You get average gas mileage, so dont expect it to be in the 30-40mpg range because it is about 27mpg. I have always wanted one of these cars and now I finally got one and it is a fantastic car! I got lucky and only paid $4000 bucks for mine with 134k on it, (usually theyre around 5 or 6). I highly recommend buying a prelude, I get looks everywhere I go. All the reliability of a Honda in a cool, fun, affordable sports car.

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  My second Civic one year later - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Honda Girl - September 24 - 6:51 pm

  Excellent value for the money, Honda reliability and resale. CVT takes some getting used to, very good MPG with or without the Econ feature activated, awesome highway car! This is my second Honda Civic. I replaced my 1994, also purchased new, one year ago. I love this car, especially the back up camera and handling. The ride over some city streets is a bit choppy but the OEM tires probably contribute to that. I find it a joy to drive on the highway without the road noise or driving fatigue that I experienced with my smaller old Civic. The CVT shifts smoothly and is different than a conventional automatic transmission, but I have not had any of the problems that some people mention. I like the sound system and being able to interface my IPad with the audio display. The build quality is solid without any squeaks or rattles. I would recommend Honda to anyone thinking about purchasing a new car.

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  A year and 30,000 mile with my Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Silverfit15 - September 24 - 10:53 am

  I purchased my 2015 Fit LX in mid August 2014. Going from a Toyota Corolla to a Fit was a pleasure. Nothing wrong with the Toyota, but it is more an appliance than a car. Great transportation and comfort-but very boring to drive. The Fit is just the opposite. While the car has a CVT transmission, it is still quick, responsive and fund to drive. The Fit holds the road better than you would think for an economy car, but with a composed and compliant ride for its size. Everyone who has seen the Fit is impressed with how large it is inside compared to its exterior dimensions. Other that a dear hitting the car along the passenger side of the car at 60 MPH, the car has had no issues. I have also done my oil changes, which is fairly easy, even though you need to remove the engine splash pan to get to the drain and filter. I travel 110 mile each day to work and back home. My average MPG has ranged from 42 to 45.5 in all kinds of weather, with the A/C both on and off. My friends with hybrids cant believe the mileage I get, and the cost of the car was nowhere near what they paid. As for front seat comfort, I have no complaints. I spend almost three hours each day in the Fit, and at no time find myself uncomfortable. Overall, I am extremely happy with my decision to go with a Fit, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good blend of economy, performance and utility in a small package.

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  200K Miles and still purring - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michelle Howland - September 24 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car new in Oct 2004, fell in love with the pickup and go she had. It has been the cheapest car to maintain, all routine maintenance and only 1 major repair thus far, a thousand dollar a/c compressor clutch a couple of years back. My youngest son just got this car as I got my new Honda HRV 3 weeks ago!

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  worth the purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mother - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This car has a comfortable ride, and the gas mileage is great. Its built for convenience - theres a mirror that allows you to see in the back row, I can hook my IPHONE up to the car for hands off phone use, the floors are black - showing no scuffs, the air/heat circulates front to rear - there little noise from the outside, the windows are slightly tainted - minimizing glare, the cargo space is great, the clearance is good. The only complaint I have are the small windows in the rear corners. While theres a backup camera (love it), and mirror use, theres definately a blind spot.

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  Repeat buyer - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By DDC - September 21 - 6:15 pm

  Great vehicle this is my third one. Nice levels of comfort, reliability, fuel economy and power.