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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  Its a GOOD SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 0akland395 - July 22 - 11:35 am

  Bought back in 2012 with 45k on it, has about ~80k now. Very reliable, all Ive done is perform scheduled maintenance. Gets around 19 mpg but if driving with a light foot you can get around 22 avg. I love the ECO mode that will switch the engine to 4 cyl when driving on highways. I just the rear had A/C vents in the roof as opposed to having them at knee-level. Its a Honda, so I EXPECT it to last for years to come! Great car, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good reliable SUV. One thing that is weird that might be unique to mine is that the buttons on the radio will occasionally not work, but the volume and tune nobs work fine.

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  excellent utalitarian, and economy SUV! Honda quality - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By canuck901 - July 16 - 2:24 pm

  All around an excellent SUV, so roomy, I mean this thing has more room than a BMW X5. Honda utilitarian value, smart design, simple yet extremely practical , had one issue with a TSB on the Actuator, but thats it. I have a 2012 EX CRV with 22,000 miles, love it. very good on fuel, can carry 2 sets of golf clubs, 4 suitcases and 2 bikes on the back and still get excellent mileage. Luv this SUV. not the fanciest of SUV, but top marks for reliability and economical, utilitarian value! AWD Systems works great in the snow and very safe vehicle

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  Frugal on gas, exceptional on versatility. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By mazdafun - July 13 - 7:13 pm

  I got the 2015 Fit LX for its efficiency and cargo handling versatility. So far, Ive been very happy with its performance in both aspects. There is a lot of headroom in the front. I am 6 standing but sit as tall as the average 63" man. There is sufficient legroom in front and rear for adults. The steering wheel could extend a bit more, but its acceptable. Outward visibility is very good, which is a rarity these days. Acceleration is good for its class, though the engine doesnt sound happy when pushed. It handles nimbly, though not as well as my 99 Protege or my wifes Mazda P5. The stereo speakers are OK for talk radio but are too flat and muddy for pretty much any music.

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  Enjoying New Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By zkeith2 - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  Among the best cars in its class and 2015 redesign keeps it in that position.

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  Good value for the price - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By atobz - July 12 - 10:21 am

  I am halfway through my 2012 CR-V LX AWD lease my commute is ~7m RT and I rarely travel long distance for work. I live in hilly NE where AWD is a must for us. As this is the primary commuter car (second car is an around-town minivan) I wanted the safety and all-purpose features of an SUV with the mileage and comfort of a sedan. On the whole I am impressed given what I see is a lack of strong competitors in this price range. As a former Honda/Subaru/Saab owner, I preferred the build of Honda over Kia and Hyundai, find the fit/finish/layout of the RAV-4 (and most Toyotas in general) a bit wonky, dont trust the reliability or build quality of Ford quite yet, and dont have the $ for an MDX.

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  The King of the economy crowd - 2015 Honda Fit
  By 6sptl - July 10 - 9:19 am

  The new Fit is so far ahead of the class that its the a the stereotypical Asian child in the classroom. Good driving dynamics, check, unbelievable packaging, check, refined drive, check powerful engine, check, check, check, check. This car is as good or much better in all parameters than any car in its category period. It irritates me to no end when the only criticism someone can level at a car is that they object to the styling, it goes a long way to establish the commenters lack of intelligence. BTW, to my eye it looks pretty darned good.The EX without leather is the best deal, add a Garmin and go.

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  The perfect small car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By tommyone1 - July 9 - 1:32 pm

  Flawless reliability 3 years in. Not sure why some people get disappointing MPG. Maybe they drive like a maniac, have upgraded to wide tires, and carry a lot of weight... I get an avg of 39 MPG from this awesome car! The manual trany shifting and the clutch are both super light and easy and smooth. But Id prefer a lower ratio for 5th gear so not to waste gas when going over 70 (and to quiet the engine) The interior loudness is less than in previous years. The cargo space is incredible, including under the rear seats. The gas tank being under the front seat means you cant adjust height, but Im now happier sitting higher than I used to--better visibility, except the wide front left pillar

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  SIfy Fun - 2014 Honda Civic
  By 370zsifi - July 4 - 8:58 am

  The lines on the car, to my eye, are well thought out and handsome. Although I have not put allot of miles on it yet, it is immediately apparent it is screwed together well. Just feels like a solid car. In the end if you are looking for a daily driver that is economical to purchase and own, one that is safe, that has got enough, "sport" to put a smile on your face, So far, for me, the SI nails it."

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  not as reliable as expected - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jmsms - July 4 - 8:12 am

  at 45000 miles began having popping and crunching sounds from the front end especially in hot weather and at 48k took it in to get looked at and was told that the front end ball joints were bad and also that the rear brakes were gone and rotors needed resurfacing. Now reading about Hondas and ball joint failures on the web, but this seems awfully premature. I have not had ball joint issues like this even in cars that I have kept over 100k(no previous Hondas). Some of these failures can be catastrophic. I had thought to keep this car and give it to one of my kids to take to college but now I am not so sure. Apparently a design flaw from what I have been reading.

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  2012 Honda Accord EX-L V6 - 2012 Honda Accord
  By peksandtekla - June 27 - 9:50 am

  excessive road noise is unbearable! Do not buy this car if your looking for a comfortable, quiet ride cause it will drive you crazy & give you a sever headache.