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:

• 

  New Navi needs help or upgrade!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By needagarmin - February 10 - 4:28 am

  Previous vehicle was 2009 EX-L w/ Navi. New vehicle is 2013 EX-L w/ Navi. Was very excited about the new Navi but leaves a lot to be desired. Terrible voice recognition and system freezes up to point you have to turn vehicle off to reset! Many features not available while driving anymore.. (I realize this is new safety standard.) But, if voice recognition doesnt work system is basically useless. Text message feature doesnt work with my Droid HTC Thunderbolt. Guess system was only built for iPhone? Squealing noise in front left wheel area or power steering. Already had car at dealer with less than 3k miles. Arm rest not as big as previous model and doesnt slide anymore..

• 

  No regrets - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chris - February 9 - 3:56 pm

  I went with the Accord EX V6 sedan with leather after finding an incredible price over the internet with this dealership. The woman whom I corresponded with was a delight as well. The car took some getting used to, as visibility is not too good with blind spots in the rear and front right. With all the luxury features, I was disappointed that it didnt have heated rearview mirrors. Have had a small spot of dash around radio flake off, but other than that, no interior problems, no squeaks or rattles at all. Brakes are grabby and warning squeak has started after only 12000 miles. Ride is stiff and you feel each crack in the road. Its not a soft ride, if thats what you prefer. A quality car.

• 

  Love my Fit! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Gil - February 9 - 12:35 pm

  Great fun car to drive. Handles well for a small car. Very roomy inside and lots of cargo space with rear seats folded. Averaging 40-42 mpg highway. Looks are deceiving from the outside, handles like a mid size from the inside. Lots of head room.

• 

  Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ThomasK - February 9 - 11:03 am

  Rear Brakes at 21K. Thats ridiculous. Replaced them in my daughters Acura also. Honda can do better. I have had hondas since 1988, never had a brake problem like this. Sums up as poor manufacturing and a disappointment in their design and QC. Buyers beware of the problem and Hondas lack of interest to rectify the issue. Pads cost $50 at the local parts store. In summary.. COME ON HONDA, WE EXPECT MORE!!!

• 

  ok, but sorry I didnt get a toyota - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By bobby - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Fuel mileage in around town driving is poor, at best. On the highway it is close to the rated 29MPG. Dont expect any extras like windows finishing going up or down after the key is turned off, or any kind of fuel economy readings or trip computer. When they say the radio is XM ready, they mean ONLY if you buy their version for about $500. Dont forget to ask for fog lights if you want them, add on is another $500. Dealers like to add another 1500-2000 for their special features, like paint sealant or vent deflectors, or sunroof deflector. All in all, if I ahd it to do over, I wouldnt.

• 

  Different to Drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kicara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I decided to buy the CR- V after our second car died. We began searching the web for top cars of the year and Honda CR-V reappeared over and over again. Apparently I was living under a rock and had no clue that Honda is such a good car. Finally we got the CR-V and its a cool car to drive. I am obesed by the fact that the 2003 CR-V is bigger than the CR-Vs of the past. Honestly Edmunds customer reviews helped us decide to make the final purchase and we are glad we did. My husband and all my friends say I look really cute driving it because "its just my size." On

• 

  Perfect commuter - 2008 Honda Civic
  By prairie - February 7 - 11:00 pm

  I drive about 20k which is mostly commuting and a mix of city and hwy driving. I traded in a Toyota matrix for this car and its really made the commute much more enjoyable. Although road noise is cited as an issue with this car, I find it far superior to the Toyota in that aspect. Instrumentation very handy and intuitive. It is clean, economical, commuter at a good price. Theres plenty of room and it actually feels like a midsize because of the dash and windshield configurations.

• 

  Disappointed - Will not buy another - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JTC - February 7 - 10:16 am

  Have been reading these reviews and I have same issue with dimming headlights. One dealer suggested it may be the power management system in these cars reducing alternator load to save fuel. Acts like engine cooling fan cycling, but also occurs at speed, below 20 deg. F with A/C off. Car has occasional no-start problem, like not getting fuel. Dealer checked and "unable to duplicate". Leased this car to get away from problems with an older car. Now issues are arising with the new one and no solutions. Very frustrating! Most disturbing is the large number of folks citing bad customer service. What happened Honda?!

• 

  "Little Hummer" Turns Heads - 2003 Honda Element
  By mw1211 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Not a 20-something. Not a surfer. Not likely to live in the thing. Drive it to work and back, have taken 1300-mile roadtrip to test its worthiness. Good in the slushy snow while in Richmond. Love the stereo. Needs a GPS. Only miss so far? A coat hanger hook! Dogs like it. Co-workers with either an "eek-thats ugly" or "its kinda cute/interesting/chunky" (never sexy or fast looking). So far (~3000 miles) a real mule for the hauling and nice leg room and comfort for 65" owner (no, not as comfortable as the Yukon XL, but much less money). LOTS of looks and "whats thats" from the stop light and parking lot gawkers.

• 

  Pros and Cons - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JackRileySD - February 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is an excellent small car, with the emphasis on small. If you are over 6 ft. tall you cannot sit in the back of this car without hitting your head on the roof. Also, the sunroof cuts off another couple of inches in the front, so once again 6 ft. + is very tight, but you can get another inch or so if you lower the seet all the way. Apparently, the 2003 have a rougher idle than the 2002s or at least that is what the dealership is telling me. I have not had it in yet, but the idle is annoying.