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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  Overall, I love it - 2015 Honda Fit
  By John Signorino - August 15 - 10:15 pm

  Im basing this review for what I paid for the car. For that, after having the car for over a year, Im still thrilled driving it. It handles very nicely and Im amazed how fast I can take some turns and the car just sticks and feels so in control. Great road feedback. The manual is so smooth and easy to shift. Acceleration is good enough for me not crazy fast at all but certainly easy enough to "gun it". What I love is the fun factor of driving it, the fantastic gas mileage, the room for things, the ease of parking and handling, the looks, the feel, the back up camera, the side camera, no bad blind spots, easy shifting, sun roof, pretty good sound system, keyless entry, low maintenance, rear wiper, hatch, lot of cup holders, and its a Honda. The front seats are too hard for long rides. I learned to put sit on a car cushion for that. But for average driving, the seats feel fine for me.

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  After 3000 miles all smiles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By brian kennedy - August 14 - 1:40 pm

  When I bought the CRV three months ago, forewarned by other reviewers about the vibration issue I test drove two CRVs. Neither CRV had the vibration and I chose the CRV that seemed to run better even though the color was my second choice. I live in rural hilly PA and consistently get 30+mpg. in the ECO mode. I traded in a good running 2011 Honda CRV EX AWD for this LX AWD. The LX is quicker, quieter , better handling and the seats are more comfortable. The 2015 is a better car and my 2011 was a good car. Test drive before you buy.

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  Another Honda - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Joseph Fabian - August 14 - 5:55 am

  Was torn between Civic LX & Mazda3. But, with only 2 Mazda dealers in state, I opted for Civic with 3 dealers in Town. Front seat side bolsters are very firm and I find them uncomfortable after a while of driving. Plan on putting seat covers on with seat bottom cushion to ease the pressure of these. ALSO, why does Honda have to put the roughest material they can find on the armrest? Its like sandpaper to my poor elbows. Its like this in my 2009 CRV also. Had to find covers for the armrest to make comfortable. It is definately not a luxury car. I was looking for the lowest price high gas mileage car that I could find that was still enjoyable to drive and the Civic LX fits the bill. Shifts Great (5 Speed Manual) and handling is sporty. Overall, Im very happy with the car, with Honda overall, and our closest dealer. Compared Civic with Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra & Versa.

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  My first SUV and I love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JulesKC - August 13 - 9:22 pm

  I looked at Mazda, Honda, and Toyota and the CRV was the overall best value. I was initially interested in the Honda HRV, but the lack of engine power turned me towards the CRV. I test drove the CRV and fell in love. I have read a few reviews mentioning CRV engine vibration, but I have not experienced this AT ALL. Smooth ride, the nicest interior out of the brands that I looked at, and awesome gas mileage!

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  From soup to nuts, it does it all. - 2007 Honda Element
  By Judy Eastham - August 13 - 5:40 pm

  The only thing Id change is the drink holders. They are hard to get to with the arm down. I love the cargo room with the seats folded up to the sides. I have brought a 50 gallon water heater home with my car and a new dishwasher. I wish they hadnt discontinued the Element I would buy a new one. My husband simply doesnt fit in other cars and I got this to ease his getting in and out. It provides him with the necessary head room. Hey Honda bring it back just like it is.

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  Great car as long as its a 5spd - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Joe scooter - August 6 - 7:18 pm

  Rip the front seats out for after markets and hotrod the engine to get better torqe and generly more fun,lower to handleing needs and beat the crap out of it on your daily commute,,love this Honda,its a shame cars arnt made like this one anymore,the 94 civic is a lego the happens to be a very relable car,,love it

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  75.9 mpg?? - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Vicky McQuarrie - August 6 - 9:24 am

  OK, that was my hook but we really did get that result one Sunday going down hill. However, our overall gas mileage on this car in my opinion is amazing at 37.5 mpg average city highway driving. My Husband and I commute to work everyday about 50 miles one way, so we needed something that was going to give us good gas mileage and at a good price. We purchased this car in May and it has been a love affair from day one! On our way into work in the mornings our average mpg is about 45, in the afternoon not quite as good, more traffic and the air is blasting with temperatures here soaring at 110, our mpg on our afternoon trips has been around 36. I have heard that the numbers that they display on the car when your at the dealership are obtained by driving 55 mph in the controlled test environment, ours however, are from driving 75mph, maybe a little more on our way in, but these are real numbers by real people driving. May I say we couldnt be happier with our decision to purchase this car!

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  A great vehicle in every way - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Scott Hansen - August 5 - 5:55 pm

  My wife and I never buy new cars and the cars we have we keep for 10 or 15 years. The last car that my wife had was a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer and we had it 10 years and it was time to get a new vehicle. Two years ago we purchased a used Honda Civic and are very happy with it so when it came time to research vehicles we knew the Pilot would be one of them. We test drove three different SUVs. We tried the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander. We did not like the Santa Fe at all. The ride was not nice and despite raves from the reviewers, the interior seemed to be made out of cheep materials. The road we drove on was under construction and we felt every bump and hole we hit. The third row seating area was cramped, and that is being generous. The Toyota Highlander was next and we liked that car. It drove well, it looked nice, it was large and roomy but they tended to be more expensive and with less equipment than the Pilot. When we drove the Pilot I knew right away we found our next car. We drove one that had 17,000 miles on it and it had all the comforts we were used to and a bit more. The seats are very comfortable, there is plenty of second row seating leg room, and the third seat actually looks like it may be comfortable for adults. We liked the way it handled and how intuitive the controls were. I went to work and researched used Pilots and I honed in on three of them, on in Fargo, one where we live in the Twin Cities and one in Wausau, WI. The Fargo one and the Wausau one are about 3 1/2 hours from our house. I hate dealing with car dealerships but because I did the research I knew I was going to pay a fair price. When it came to numbers I wanted a towing lighting system installed as well as winter mats and a cargo area mat. The place in Fargo and I talked and then the place in Wausau and I talked. I was able to get a lower price from the Wausau place even though I was told this was the lowest they could go. They responded well when there was another valid offer on the table. I ended up going with the Wausau one because the vehicle they had was a Certified Honda which meant an extra years warranty. I then paid $795 to kick that out to the year 2020 or 100,000 miles, and with the low number of miles we drive I know I will be covered for five full years. Even with the warranty I ended up paying less than I would have at the Fargo dealer but the Fargo dealer was going to deliver it to my doorstep and I had to pick up the Wausau one. I then went online and found this forum. I was nervous when I read all about the vibration problems when the car goes into ECO mode. Since I did not test drive the exact vehicle I was buying, I thought it could be trouble. I also thought about this when I bought the extended Honda warranty. My wife and I have had the car now for about a month. So far there has been zero problems with vibrations. The car is a dream. It is built well and it gets better gas mileage than our old Mountaineer. It is more comfortable to drive and there is nothing better than getting that new car feeling even if it is a used car. My wife loves it too and is very happy with our choice. We are going to start saving our pennies so we can buy our next car with cash in about 10 years and most likely it will be a Honda or Toyota.

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  Best car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Paul - August 4 - 8:06 pm

  This car is definitely one Id buy all over again. I have hardly put any money into it since buying it 5.5 years ago. It had 95,000 miles when I bought it and now has over 180,000 miles on it. Other than several suspension work, its had zero maintenance. Worth your money! 35 mpg helps too! (On trips)

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  You cant go wrong with Honda - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Anir Bhat - August 4 - 3:31 pm

  I drove several other brands in this category but kept coming back to Honda Civic. Mazda 3 was sporty and fun to drive but was noisy and had poor visibility due to small windows. Hyundai Elantra seemed unrefined but was cheaper. Honda Civic does a great job across the board. Acceleration is not bad. The car is smooth and quiet. Steering is soft and precise. Lots of features are standard. I love the two tier dash and Navi Assist. Interior is spacious and looks good. Excellent visibility all around. If you are looking for a work horse for long commute with smooth quiet and comfortable ride this is the car you want to consider. Yes excellent MPG that nobody else can beat.