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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  Almost 100,000 and still going good - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mario Matias - March 15 - 3:04 pm

  Im at 90,000 miles and havent really had any major problems with the vehicle. Only thing Ive had to replace is my tires. The only unscheduled issues Ive had is problems with the trucks trim. It is a little cheap and not secured very well. A piece of the windshield trim flew off and I have a few other pieces of trim that are coming loose. Thats not too big of a deal though. Its a nice family suv, its very reliable and easy to work on. The pull-out table in the trunk is a nice little added feature also. I do recommend getting better tires if you want to take full advantage of the AWD. I definitely recommend this vehicle though.

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  Wouldnt trade it for the world. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Kusterer - March 14 - 8:50 am

  I bought my Civic back in 2005 with roughly 55,000 miles on it. It currently has 165,000 miles. Up until 150,000 there were rarely any problems aside from the general maintenance and the airbag/seatbelt recalls. Around 150,000 I had to change the driver side CV axle assembly as the boots were leaking lubricant. The worst thing about the interior is that the headliner is drooping which started about four years ago. The car is currently running well and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  First time minivan owner - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Russell Seward - March 13 - 11:19 am

  Im new to minivans, and very happy with my purchase of a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX. It handles like a car, but can seat 8 passengers comfortably (6 with plenty of room to spread out), and still plenty of cargo space. It has a very quite cabin, feels solid and well refined. It includes some nice tech (most new cars do) and is sportier than other minivans. I chose the EX because I dont care for leather (its no fun after baking in the hot Texas sun). My biggest grip is some of the features I would like (power lift gate, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning) are only available with leather. I Also think the interior is a little "cheap" feeling compared the the Toyota Sienna LE.

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  Okay, but needs improvement (regular guy review) - 2010 Honda Fit
  By cobraboy1 - March 8 - 10:09 am

  This is a really neat car that does an above average job of being an OKAY car. I purchased my 2010 Sport Auto about 18 months ago and Im starting to tire of it. Its not that this is a bad car, its not, its just that if you enjoy driving. I would suggest you look elsewhere. It also doesnt really have any frills. This car is never one that you would think is any nicer than a basic car should be. Its not upscale and its not trying to be, but it is very nice the way that it is. In the end Im left with wanting more.

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  Just keeps going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Amy La - March 2 - 2:18 pm

  Bought my second manual Civic HB in the summer of 1999 with 43,000. Its now 2015, it has 221k, and its still going. The major repair costs Ive had are exhaust systems and suspension, I blame both on living in a city with terrible roads and the car being so low. Its on its second timing belt, original clutch, and second radiator (the first rusted out around 5 or so years ago). Im about to buy a new(er) car because this one needs a lot of repairs that will add up, but I plan on listing it as-is to see if someone will buy it and give it the love it deserves. Friends bugged me for years about getting a new car, but why give up this one before its time?

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  A Great Little SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Liesman - March 1 - 9:48 pm

  Our CRV LX is used as our airport car, NY City car, bad weather vehicle and shopping center car. It gets none of the glory trips, only the tough errands. It soaks up the potholes and does not rattle. The cargo hold puts larger SUVs to shame. Fuel mileage is ok, we only get about 20 mpg, but mostly city driving and short trips. It is very impressive in snow. Very stable with great traction. All in all, a terrific value, but not a great long distance car. Head lights need a lot of improvement.

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  great car,hands down - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Austin Airs - February 26 - 9:03 pm

  My first car was a 94 civic lx non vtec.lI loved it so much i Didnt want an american car.unfortunatly brakes wore out alot,cv joint,innner and outer tie Rods and the allignment was very Fragile.but the style and handling when in.good.condition was terrific.long story short i wrecked it and bought a 2000 toyota corolla ,,girly and cheap interior but drove amazing then traded for a 97 nissan maxima which is v6 way more fun then a.4cyl but bad on gas and expensive repairs.so i sold and went back to honda and got a 95 civic ex 2dr for $1400 172k miles ive had no mechicals issues at.all and its my daily driver for the past 8 months i even have raced it on all stock at 123mph no problem

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  Excellent Service, DCH, Oldbridge - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By feel1 - February 26 - 7:36 pm

  Sales rep was very friendly and helpful. Did not waste anytime doing business with me. Very fast and on the point. I thank MR. Khalil. Quarashi for doing wonderful job, helping me by Honda Pilot.

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  The miracle car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By valuecarsonly - February 22 - 8:47 pm

  Not since the 2005 Scion tC do I think I found one of the best values in the market today. My wife and I fight over who drives it and we attempt to get the most of every drop of gas (we leave it on Econ and are averaging 40 mpg). Tall men are okay back there, and so are two cat crates and a tall gift and luggage we even fit a queen headboard in there. All the great features plus space and fuel-efficiency for about $18K after fees? We are both quite happy with this cool little red car.

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  CR-V CONS - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By doctom5 - February 14 - 9:14 am

  I was surprised to see that road noise was not included in the CONS review. This does not bother everyone but it does bother me. Solution, I purchased sound deadening material and installed it from firewall to back. This helped. Then I did the doors. Big improvement but still road noise from wheel wells. Im 6 and weigh 240. For a long trip the seats and noise are just tiresome. And if you are on a curvy road the CRV doesnt handle great. Bottom line, this is not a drivers car or a guys car and I guess thats why my wife loves it.