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:

• 

  No more SUVs... - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By marusik - November 16 - 10:38 pm

  Since my Honda CR-V was my first ever SUV driving experience I knew I would take a little while to adjust to its unique driving dynamics. My first driving impressions where OK, but during one my long road trips I found out the worse case scenario while traveling at 70 MPH: high speed avoidance maneuver, which brought me to the brink of rolling over. From that quite scary experience I never trusted this vehicle ever again, despite its good braking power but horrible high speed handling. Not to mention the fact that the lack of the sixth speed makes it quite annoying when driving longer uphill roads. I guess after all, SUVs are supposed to be built for off-road and not much for pavement.

• 

  Insightful Overachiever - 2013 Honda Insight
  By theshenami - November 12 - 4:43 pm

  Have had my Insight EX for 6 months now, and after ~6k miles driven I have come to love this little hybrid. I consistently get over 50 MPG driving through Los Angeles rush hour traffic (based on miles driven/gallons filled), despite an EPA estimated 42 MPG, while a cursory review of fuelly-dot-com or fueleconomy-dot-gov suggests the Prius tends to get below its EPA rating. This fact, combined with much better handling and brakes than Prius family members, makes me love it! It is a bit lacking in rear seat space, but it has plenty of room for my daily commute, and running about town with wife and son in tow (can fit stroller and weeks worth of groceries with ease in the cargo bay).

• 

  Excellent car in terms of reliability and performance. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By pcast99 - November 11 - 11:06 am

  I bought my 2001 Accord EX 2.3 Vtec with 176,000 miles and it still runs like it did thirteen years ago. It is my second car, and by all means it is a godsend compared to what I owned before. This car starts up, drives straight as an arrow and shifts without hesitation. And for being as old as it is and spending its life in Ohio and its winters it has hardly any rust on it. The interior is fairly roomy and comfy for what it is. Dont get why some say its stiff on the highway it feels fine to me. As looks go its pretty bland, so dont expect any eye catching around town. Its also a bit pricy, so if you look into getting one make sure its in tip top shape.

• 

  The 2014 Honda Accord EX-L 4cylinder - 2014 Honda Accord
  By cardo111 - November 10 - 5:29 pm

  I have driven about 1,200 miles on my new Accord prior to writing this review, only time will tell long- term reliability. This is my 3rd Honda and the interior in this trim level is upscale and quieter than previous Hondas. The CVT transmission is responsive and takes a little getting used to. If you live in the snow belt you may want to give the 2015 Subaru Legacy a close look as it to has also been much improved. The Accord handles well , I really like the electric assist power steering, it makes a big difference. The infotainment system on this trim level and higher is a little more complicated than it should be, however the more I use it the better I get at navigating through it.

• 

  8 years and still a peach - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By obx2003 - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my RTS new exactly 8 years ago. Have 72K miles now. Ive had virtually no problems. OEM Michelin tires lasted 59K miles. Rear brake pads lasted 62K miles, front pads are still original. I had A/T, power steering and cooling system serviced at 62K. Other than that and replacing the battery at 45K, Ive done nothing but change the oil and the filters, which I do myself. The truck had only one factory recall: for a heater wiring harness. Troublefree Hondas are great. I hope they bring back this model so I can reup after 12 years.

• 

  3000 miles in. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By vincent33 - November 3 - 3:59 pm

  Recently forced to purchase a vehicle, rather than playing another round of used care roulette, I bought this Accord. Why? GM has blood on its hands, Ford (previous car was rusting out at 9 years/no more money to Ford!).Toyota (my last new purchase)got stale fast. Mazda 6, was a shoe in, but seat was too tight and lots of black plastic, didnt bother driving it. The Hondas rear seat is huge! I was skeptical about CVT (almost bought 2013 because of it) CVT is great "magic carpet ride". Im a gear head, but drive moderately, its a very nice package. CVT has a couple quirks, but its great, I now think traditional transmissions to feel antiquated in most situations (normal driving).

• 

  Good car but still has error. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By philong - October 27 - 6:42 pm

  I bought my 2014 Accord 2.4 EX-L one and a half month ago. The first time, due to I just moved to Georgia, they denied to give me a road test with another states driver license. The first time when I received it, it was a good car. But after 3 weeks, the Forward Collision Warning poped up random while nothing in front of my car and the camera was clear. I took it to Honda Service for 4 times about this problem. They told me that they checked everything and nothing wrong. When I drove the car home, it happened again and they told that it was weird situation. I need to bring it many weeks to check this problem, but nothing solved. The other problem is about the noise from the windows.

• 

  Great little car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By regularcarman - October 26 - 1:19 pm

  Having come from a manual 305hp Mustang, I was a little concerned about power but this car works well as a total vehicle for which its intended. The car feels powerful enough to accelerate and pass. It feels well integrated as the ride, noise and comfort levels are all more than adequate for me. Technology has delivered a car that is safe, rides well get amazing milage(I get 44-46mpg), and has lots of storage room. Hybrid cars look out, this car gets great mileage, costs less and holds more.

• 

  Great car, great mileage, but... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By manihondas - October 25 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this fully equipped 2010 model as a Honda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle with 42K. I needed to add to my honda family, the Element getting higher in the mileage dept, 188K and I needed a fuel efficient car for commuting to my place of work.

• 

  2011 Honda CRV tire problem - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By richards3 - October 25 - 5:59 pm

  The Honda CRV is a good car until I hit almost 20.000 miles and had to get new tires because it would not pass NY inspection. Called Honda and got a run around and they would not admit that 20K is very poor tire life. I had to replace the tires before I got to 20K and will never buy another Honda Product,. The dealer in Binghamton NY is just as lame as Honda USA and they completely lost my trust.