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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  The Immortal Honda Acccord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Michael L. Orth - January 12 - 4:52 pm

  I have never owned a Honda before, so when I had a chance to obtain one through a trade I was intrigued. It was a 1992 Honda Accord LX 4-door, with a 4 cyl. engine, 5 speed trans, with 372,000 miles on it. Now with that being said it was not in mint condition. Wisconsin weather, snow and salt, is not kind to any vehicle. It now has 400,000 miles on it. I have owned it for 2 years now and it has NEVER failed me. NEVER. I am still getting between 30-35 mpg. It just wont quit. The interior is still comfortable and is in good condition. No cracks on the dash. I would not hesitate to buy another one if this one ever quits. This is a great car and puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

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  love at first ride - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By dillon - January 7 - 8:25 pm

  If you can find one manual and in good shape , buy it . You wont regret it . Bought with 130k now at 156k and abused the mess out of it all the time and all Ive had to replace was a shifter cable (800). Love everything about it besides back seats but hey its a coupe.

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  My First Honda Has Been A Winner - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Joy Babb - January 7 - 3:48 pm

  Manufacturer advises against a trailer hitch including one that would hold a bike away from your car because it sits low to ground and bumper cover is closer to ground than other years. Dealer told me after purchase, you should always use a flat bed truck for this year model if ever has to be towed otherwise, fiberglass of bump can get damaged. The exterior noise level that can be heard in the car is terrible, especially at high speed. I noticed in the test drive, even with with high frequency hearing loss but did not dismiss the car because of its safety report and history of low repairs over 5 years on this model on the Edmunds website (Sorry, I havent been able to relocate that very useful tool). As an original owner in July 2009 to January 7, 2016, there has been one repair that would have been close to a grand but I had bought the best extended warranty my dealer recommended. Interior is great! Two men have sat in my car at the same time who were ~ 6 feet. Trunk is a dream - holds 4 wheeled carry on bags. It has no navigation but I do not miss it. I love this car as much as I did my three rear wheeled drive Mercury Cougars ( gave up on this one when they went front wheel drive) but now get better miles/gallon. No plans to sell. I tend to hold on to cars 10-16 years. For mostly city driving the noise is not noticeable but on trips of more than an hour of highway, it is miserable because you cannot hear the radio without turning it up loud.

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  3+ years & 28,000 miles - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By CTJ - January 6 - 4:13 pm

  I love driving my 2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L. I have 28,000 miles on it and have made no repairs to it, other than standard maintenance like oil changes, air filters, tire rotation. Ive had no problems whatsoever. I agree with the other reviewer who said the headrests are uncomfortable. I also wish there were more USB ports in the rear, but I believe that was added on the newer models. Overall, I love this van!

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  goodbuy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jack Christopherson - January 4 - 3:13 pm

  Its a great car.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Eliana - January 3 - 2:49 am

  I am really not sure what there is to complain on this car. I owned it for more than 1 year and had 0 problems! Well.. I forgot the light on one night, but the battery held it for about 15 hours! Strong battery and good performance. My car gives me 44.0 mpg in summer and around 40 mpg in winter due to idling longer in cold weather. The seats seem to toughen up after 1+ hours of sitting and it is painful, but overall, I would give it an A+ so far. I would definitely recommend! And hoping to keep the car for 10 years or at lease until I finish my degree.

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  Superb gas mileage champ - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Wcjeep - January 3 - 12:36 am

  Initially bought the Civic for my long commutes. Stop and go on the freeway I averaged 35mpg. Now the wifes lead foot averages 25mpg city only driving. The front seats are not designed for long road trips. Any trip under two hours is fine. Did not purchase navigation. We have smartphones. My one tech gripe is the 1-2 second audio delay while streaming Bluetooth. The factory tires were not designed for use in the rain. Probably should have bought leather interior. My work clothes get dirty. I did buy airbag compatible washable seat covers. Factory sound system makes noise. Its not Bose or Mark Levinson. This is reliable transportation that requires little effort to drive and starts every time.

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  well worth it!!! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - January 2 - 7:17 pm

  There is absolutely nothing mechanically wrong with this auto .. I am going to up-grade to a newer model, same style Honda Odyssey

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  Awesome - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Anthony - January 1 - 10:11 pm

  I have a 2012 Honda Civic EX sedan all black. And to be honest its the greatest car I have owned yet. Comfort is amazing, sport look to it, and I get great gas mililage to. Since I bought I had to put in a battery only because the owner before me had a smaller one in it. Im planning on the staying with the civic. Plus it lowered my car insurance to. I like the whole set up of the car and technology of it.

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  a bit of fun each day - 2015 Honda Fit
  By jamie bailey - December 31 - 9:09 pm

  I traded a 2014 CR-V for a 2015 Fit, sort of an impulse buy. The Fit had $1500 off the price, and the dealer gave me max blue book for my CR-V. I wanted a manual shift car again, so I bought the Fit. Have had it for 1 month, and driven 3000 miles. First off, theres just two of us in my house, my wife and I. Kids are moved out, so I dont need the monster cars/trucks I used to drive. The Fit has plenty of room for me to commute to work, and doesnt feel cramped. I am only 58", so I have plenty of room. A friend of mine who is much taller complained a bit about leg room in the front passenger seat, and he did look a bit cramped. I drive 32 miles each way to work, 45-55mph with some stop and go. Been averaging 38mpg. My wife and I just got home from a 1200 mile round trip from Michigan to Iowa, and found the car comfortable for the trip (9 hours each way, only stopping for fuel). My wife slept most of the trip home through the night, so I call the comfort OK. We carried a lot of gifts, the dogs crate, a small wooden baby cradle, luggage, etc, with no problem. Lots of room!! My wife also says the car is easy to get in and out of. She complained about the seats in my CR-V, she says the Fit has much better seats, at least for her. Wind noise is at least as quiet as my CR-V was, and although I can hear the engine at 70-75mph (3500rpm) it is a pleasing sound to me, not a drone or annoying sound. (I honestly think its what lulled my wife to sleep during the trip) We also had a pretty nasty snow/ice storm while in Cedar Rapids, and we drove the Fit through some pretty ugly conditions. It handled better than I thought it would in the snow. Ive had all wheel drive for years and was a bit worried, but the Fit did OK. A couple of things I dont like. As almost everyone else says, the radio needs a knob for volume. Nothing like getting in the car at 5 in the morning and the radio comes on at ear bleed volume where I left it when I got home the night before. Try turning it down quickly before waking the neighbors....good luck. Also, sometimes my iPhone and the Pandora / iPod function dont act nice when restarting the car after a stop. Most times Pandora (or Tunein, or anything else that was playing when I stopped the car) restarts playing with no problems, but occasionally I have to unplug the phone and plug it back in before itll play again. The car also seems to fog up easier than the CR-V did and I need to use defrost setting more than I am used to. Bluetooth phone functions flawlessly. Finally, the car is really fun to drive. The six speed shifter is short throw and precise, and the engine revs freely and pulls nicely. Its not a racer by any means, but it isnt slow. Highway on ramps are fun again. I really enjoy driving it. I enjoyed my CR-V as well, the Fit is just a bit more fun.