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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  What Vibe? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Walker - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Have had mine for almost a year now. Test drove a number of these and tried to replicate this "vibration" mentioned. This must be either waaaay overstated, or limited to a select few. Have not experienced this phantom "issue" once, though every car Ive ever owned has had some level of vibration (perhaps because they all had engines).

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  My Labrador Retriever owns this car! - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Mr. Doggy - November 12 - 10:55 am

  I bought this car (basically a stripped model w/o any accessories, 5-speed) for economy, fuel mileage and convenience to haul my dog around. I did purchase aftermarket quality seat covers and then a whole bunch of factory Honda accessories via the internet and installed them myself. The list includes about everything available, even factory door molding and the hard-to-find bug deflector. Still need to install the center console that Honda says dont fit. Well, it does but Honda supposedly says it puts your arm at less than optimum position, so it doesnt. I have installed one for a friend, now need to buy one myself. The hardest option is the Honda fog lights, got to remove the clip and cut the holes, but very nice. Also quickly took off the crummy factory tires and put on some slightly larger 195/70/15s (if I remember correctly the size) on the factory steel wheels. I was very careful making the tire switch and eliminated many due to the weight. Next time, Ill go with the factory 15 size in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3. My mileage may have took a slight hit, but the handling and road feel makes the change worth it. Anyway, the dog loves it. He prefers the rear seats for cornering support. If you want to see a huge open area fit for a camp-out, try taking out the rear seats. Just a few bolts and a few minutes is all it takes. Wow, if I had a horse, think he could ride in there with the seats out. I have a M/T car and drive it pretty hard. The performance is acceptable and really pretty good when the car is not loaded down. Start adding people and cargo and the performance quickly drops, but never to unsafe levels of speed. I really think the factory tires handled poorly. The new ones make a big difference. The steering seemed scary quick when I bought the car - no play, short wheel base car at 80 mph reacted too quickly for my liking. A bit of getting used to it and the tire change has turned my car into a freeway eater that simply drives like a sports car. Love it. After owning it for about 2 years now (purchased it new) I still really like it but if I could afford it, I might trade it for a new Honda Odyssey. If I factor in the cost difference, the Fit stays. I do my own maintenance and the oil changes are easy if your arm can reach things. Jacking points, especially the forward / center location does require a special low profile floor jack in order to clear the undercarriage. The engine layout and clean routing of things is the best I have ever seen in any car of any age. Nothing negative to say about the car except I would definitely prefer and pay more for read disk brakes instead of the drums.

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  Such a cool car! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Gale - November 12 - 10:04 am

  Lowest maintenance of any vehicle Ive ever owned, but its time to move on. I dont need the large cargo space anymore to transport my wares. Fun to drive, easy to take care of, I love the element.

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  Honda sells a name, not quality - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondahater - November 11 - 6:07 pm

  Arrived to dealer from factory with a defective windshield- replaced. Battery leaked acid after 7 months - replaced, stealership tried to charge for battery service - battery leaked acid and it had to be wiped - failed, warranty service. Uncomfortable seats, no arm rest on passenger side, impossible to vacuum debris magnet upholstery, carpet, worst materials ever, plastic is prone to scratches, no hand brake, only parking brake pedal too low, seat height adjustment lever in a bad spot, touch with the thigh every time get in and out, seat lowers and needs to be raised. The more i get in and out the more often it happens. Paint prone to scratches. Radiator is open, no grille, not possible or difficult to custom install, MPG combined stop-and-go bumper to bumper or highway normal conditions low 20s. No maintenance schedule, have to go by the stupid maintenance minder. Nothing like my previous 2004 honda. This one is my last.

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  Crazy Reliable! 40 mpg!!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By ConcreteCowgirl - November 11 - 4:09 pm

  Bought this car with just a few miles on her and have gotten to 165,000 now without a single issue. I have replaced the brakes and tires and thats IT! I love my girl. I have the manual because of the wee engine and shes a champ. I really cannot recommend this car enough. If you want a reliable vehicle then this one is for you. My mechanic says these go forever and I can say shows no sign of slowing down. Im not crazy about the interior materials, but I knew that when I bought her. There is wear on the floor carpet and that bugs me because I havent been that hard on her - just loads of miles - so I can say that the interior carpet is cheap, but otherwise she ROCKS. I regularly get between 35-40 miles per gallon combined and almost always 40 mpg on the highway.

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  Blown transmission.. Maintained - 2012 Honda Accord
  By John - November 11 - 5:13 am

  Purchased this car new, maintained it to Spec. Transmission blew at 120k miles. Had to replace. :(

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  One of the best cars money can buy. - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Luke - November 10 - 4:16 pm

  The 1993 Accord is one of the most reliable cars ever built. My dad bought it for my sister to drive when she turned 16 five years ago and it was in mint condition. Sadly, she didnt appreciate the car or how nice it was, and trashed it a bit. Had a few minor wrecks in it too. After 22 years of life and about 5 different accidents, the Accord is as strong today as it was when it rolled off the line. Still cranks up immediately no matter the weather, and will get you where you need to go without a problem. There has been a few replacement parts it has needed, but I attribute that to the accidents its been through. You cant find a better car for your money, I love mine and plan on having it on the road on her 50th birthday.

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  Accord EXL v6 wNavigation-Love it - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Simon - November 10 - 3:28 pm

  Specification of my car Honda Accord EXLV6 Navigation Color Black Leather Seats Michellin Pilot original tires Miles put on the car 644288 miles of highway driving Let me touchwood, I have owned Honda Accord 1991 and used it for 12 years with 275K miles and it was running like new, I just donated it because I felt that someone who needs ot could use it for another 250k miles.,and in 2010 Oct bought another Honda Accord but this time with some bells and whistles like Navigation leayher seats V6 some luxury. on 2015 Oct me and my car celebrated our 5 year anniversary, I never took it to dealership for mainainance even though they sold me the extended mainainance package (I was a sucker), Just changed my nreak pads once because of mountain driving. Original tirea still looking good will change in anothwr 5000 miles and uae thr full warranty of Michellin Pilot tires. I would like to know suggestions what other ownera think of replacement tirea should i stick with michellin or try Bridgestone? I intended to drive thos baby for another. 10years and this time. I am going to enjoy it

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  Honda Civic Hybrid Discontinued for 2016! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Paul Contos - November 10 - 8:50 am

  I was poised to buy a 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid, and almost signed the paperwork on a late Sunday afternoon in Oct. 15. A tiny glitch in the negotiation w/the dealer stalled the process momentarily, and I put on hold the process for later in the week. That Sunday evening, through my own research, I discovered that Honda is discontinuing the Civic Hybrid for 2016. No one of the group of dealers I had been in touch with mentioned that fact to me (understandably so) and, as everyone knows now, the 2016 Honda Civic is a complete redesign from bottom to top, offering the 2 engine choices, a bit more internal room, etc., and many upgrades. That gave me a slight bit of pause as to, "Do I want to get something that is going to be the end of the line?" Tho I was for the most part impressed with the 15 Civic Hybrid, intelligent and discerning shopping behooves one to take time to research, if possible. There was a press embargo until Oct. 19th, when, after that time, much more info on the 16 Civic has become available. While not absolutely doing cartwheels over the external body design of the 2016 Civic, the new engine choices/specs, mileage specs, internal design, pricing, and recent reviews, etc. seem to be enough for myself to wait for the 2016 Civic to become available to check out. *Note: as this review does not allow me to press "submit" without making a choice for "Overall Rating" - though I did not purchase a 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid, Ill enter a 3 stars, for the test drive I took.

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  Incredible vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Horrigan - November 10 - 8:46 am

  2008 Pilot is quiet, roomy, comfortable and reliable. Best vehicle Ive ever had!!