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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  suspension - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ulmboy - December 28 - 11:13 am

  After 15,000 miles my tires had warn down unevenly. I took into Tracy Dealership to point out hearing noise in back wheel. Told nothing wrong. At 18,000 miles noise worse so took to Stockton Honda and was told back right wheel bearing out. They replaced wrong side. Had to buy new tires. Took back to Tracy Honda and they replaced other back wheel bearing. Car still did not drive smooth. A lot of road noise. Traded in at Tracy Honda and would not give me blue book because wheel bearing problems. Even though I had a warranty for 100,000 miles they would not reimburse for having to buy new tires and did not give me a good trade in value. Will not buy a Honda again. Traded in for a Toyota Van.

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  Honda, never again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By whiskeysausage - December 28 - 1:46 am

  Ive owned 4 Hondas in my life, and as the saying goes, they just dont build them like they used to. 94 Accord, 98 Civic, a 00 Accord, and now a 2009 Accord. I bought the 09 Accord because I wanted a new Honda (all my others had been 2nd/3rd owner cars) But, simply put, this 2009 is a disaster - from the sub par brakes, the sub par interior, the sub par dash, to the squeaky fan noise that everyone can hear except the Honda Dealership - all before 20,000miles. Its like they fired all of their good engineers and hired the interns. Simply put, DO NOT BUY a HONDA. You will regret it.

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  2012 Fit Sport with 5 speed manual - 2012 Honda Fit
  By eighthhonda - December 26 - 8:33 pm

  I really like this car. I was concerned I would not like a relatively inexpensive car. The Fit Sport has exceeded my expectations. I had read so many positive reviews by national media and was hoping they were right. I agree, a lot of car for the money! I drove the Fit Sport with an automatic/paddle shifters was not that impressed, then I drove the Fit Sport with the manual. I was sold. That transmission "fits" the small engine well. Acceleration is surprisingly strong. Tourqe too.

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  The Best Yet - 2012 Honda Civic
  By nmskies - December 26 - 8:27 pm

  I have owned seven Civics: an 83 hatchback, a 91 DX sedan, a 95 hatchback, a 99 LX sedan, an 05 hybrid, an 07 EX coupe and now, my 12 EX Coupe. I loved my 07, and I believe the 12 is an upgrade on the gen 8. What has improved? I like the softened lines, the road noise has decreased, and the A pillar blind spot has been eliminated by thinning the pillars. Streaming music through Bluetooth from my iPhone is incredible. The quality of the Bluetooth is exceptional. I dont believe the dash is busy at all. The control buttons for the iMid on the steering wheel are intuitive and extremely ergonomic. I have never had a problem with my Civics, and I expect the same from this one.

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  AS expected - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stevenzhuli - December 26 - 8:01 pm

  I bought 2011 CRV LX 4WD a few weeks ago, so far driving is ok. Not feel like 180 horse power.But OK for commute. Interior quality just So so. I found one thing seams not right, it is the tail pipe getting black, finger gets black if you touch the inside of the pipe. (I only drove 400 KM). If anybody can tell me it is normal or not? I have another new car Nissan Sentra, looks much better at the inside pipe a lot of cleaner. Please help comment

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  First car! (170,000 Miles) - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By emmalandry - December 26 - 4:07 pm

  I bought this as my first car about 8 months ago and although it is not much to look at, it is pretty reliable. I have had to fix lots of little things which is really annoying, but I guess you can expect that from any used car really. The most ive spent is a few hundred on some sensor or another. As far as appearance, like i said, not so great, and its kind of clunky. If you have to go 50 up a steep hill, except to go wheezing up it and end up going 40. This is a stubborn car. I would recommend this to a GUY for a first car, but for girls. No. I kind of regret buying mine. The cons outweigh the pros.

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  WOW! What a great car! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By mark_p - December 24 - 7:12 pm

  I purchased my fit in Feb. 2011, in the dead of winter here in VT. I used to drive a Chevy Colorado, and thought that I might be making a huge mistake downsizing to a petite FWD scooter, such as this. Boy, was I wrong! I tried to purchase every other make of similar car, and every time I came back to the Fit. In fact, I had a cashiers check in my pocket to purchase a Volvo C-30, and Ive never regretted the decision to buy the Fit. Of course, I have never had a problem with the Fit. Acceleration and handling are good. I didnt expect a Ferrari, & I am happy with the Fits perky attitude.

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  Waste of 40Gs - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 2goldens_1 - December 23 - 10:36 am

  Too many problems that Honda cannot fix. Tried 6 times still cant fix them, so they have now determined normal. It is normal for the AC to turn on by itself. It is normal for it to start vibrating as if going over rumble strips. It is normal for the front end to make grinding noises. It is normal for Low Battery message to come on all the time. By the way, when vibration gets very bad, Ive lost throttle response - cannot accelerate. Has happened three times. Only 6000 kms on vehicle. Wish I bought Toyota Sienna or Dodge would have been better. This is my third and last new Honda vehicle. Customer service has been pathetic. Dont buy this lemon on wheels!

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  UGH u DAMN TRANS - 2001 Honda Accord
  By peteytemple - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 Accord and noticed some slipping within the first week from the Trans. Brought it back and they replaced it. Start driving down the road and realize the Shifting in the car is worse than it was b4. Brought it back and now they are fixing it again. Honestly after reading all the reviews about how this car has major transmission problems, I may just return the car. Something in my gut tells me to return it now b4 the 30 days is up and then to get screwed.

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  I love my Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By katemeister - December 22 - 6:09 pm

  I bought my car last year and have put well over 30k. The guy I bought it from figured it must be getting old at 230k for miles. Now at 266k it still goes and goes. I had to put a transmission in it when I got it. (which I got for $140 used and installed only into it less that $500). All I ever have to do is put oil in it .