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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  Gets better... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - June 27 - 7:22 am

  I have had my 2013 Civic EX Sedan now for over 6 months. I initially had trouble getting comfortable in the seat but now that I have adjusted the horribly forward-tilted headrest and found a seat height and steering wheel adjustment that works for me, I find the car comfortable for my daily commute. Other than that, the car is flawless so far and has that "Honda Feel" behind the wheel that only a Honda can provide in my experience - like its connected to you in someway and always seems to know what you want to do!

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  Great Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By doc_oc - June 26 - 9:44 am

  We purchased our EX-L with 29K miles on it. This is what you get. Solid, sturdy build inside and out. Smooth driving experience. I have not had any issues accelerating or braking. Lots of room, especially in the third row. You actually have room to put some suitcases in the back with the third row up which is something that cant be said for many SUVs. The plastic is plastic...its not any cheaper than other vehicles. It is classy and very functional with no flash. That is what you get with Honda.

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  Rattle rattle rattle - 2014 Honda Civic
  By music4life85 - June 24 - 1:32 pm

  Maybe its because They just redesigned the coupe for 2014, Im not sure, but before hitting 1k miles I have two incredibly annoying rattles - one coming from the steering column and one coming from the back shelf above the rear seat. Took to dealership and of course they cant find it (doesnt help that all the roads in the area are freshly paved). Gas mileage is....okay. Where I live in N Florida its incredibly hot and very hilly so not surprising that with the ECO Im still only getting 25mpg city. Otherwise the car is great. Honda really revamped the Civic to compete well with other small cars.

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  So Far So Good at 55,000 miles - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - June 23 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 2009 new and have no complaints. at 55,000 miles I have completed required services and no issues have arisen. I think this truck is perfect for a family of 5 who needs a vehicle that will pull a boat or travel trailer under 5000 pounds, carry those itmes that dont require a large powerful and expensive truck. This truck rides like a car and is comfortable. If you have a small family, this truck will fill your needs and I strongly recommend you check it out.

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  My 8th Honda (my 5th Accord) - 2014 Honda Accord
  By accdguy13 - June 20 - 8:32 pm

  I purchased my 5th Accord (an EX-L coupe with Navigation ) this past month. The 9th generation Accord is different from the 8th generation (2008-2012) model in every possible way mechanically. The current Accord features electric steering versus the prior models power hydraulic system, the double wishbone suspension gone in favor of a new strut based suspension. The traditional geared automatic - gone in favor of a CVT (gear-less belt driven) transmission. The engine features Hondas first direct injection system instead of port injection. Add all of this together- and its a vastly different Accord (yet seems to retain the most loved attributes of all Accords since is 1976 introduction.

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  A Tardis you know but with Panache! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By david335ix - June 18 - 3:42 pm

  Purchased for daughter. Test drove the LX having got out of a BMW 335xi so thought it would feel slow and unresponsive. Hot day but the AC caught up quite quickly. Loved the ride as cushioned the pot holes everywhere. Took it 360 around a small round about. Nice enough feedback from the steering wheel. Sure footed with the 15 inch tires screaming all the way around but held like glue and controlled nicely. CVT was a nice surprise as Id read bad reports about the belt driven cone! Takes off nice and smooth but let off the gas and it takes time to slow as there are no cogs to help brake. Different but nice, not sure on brake wear though! Loved the car as its spunky, safe with fun factor!

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  Not bad, not great. - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jackshelby - June 18 - 4:12 am

  Overall the car has performed its purpose and I am satisfied. There are a few things I am disappointed with, first being the paint. The car is black on black, and have had it almost 10 months and put on over 20,000 miles. The car looks like it has been through a sandblaster. My old car, a 1998 Honda civic, is in about the same condition but it took 14yrs of wear to get in that condition. Its pretty disappointing to have a car less than a year old look this bad. Second, the mileage is mediocre. Average 31 mpg highway, although I dont ever drive city so I dont know if it would stay the same or get worse. In Hondas defense, the highway speed is usually 75-80mph so that doesnt help.

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  From Owner of 2015 Honda Fit EX-L Navi as of June 17, 2014. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By leohenton - June 17 - 4:21 pm

  I agree with Edmundsdotcom review of 2015 Honda Fit. We are quite pleased, so far with the Red 2015 Honda Fit EX-L with Navi that we took possession of on June 16, 2014. There are many thoughtful features included in the design. I can drive it comfortably and have learned to enter and exit OK as a 63" 400 pound middle-aged man. Drove 100 miles last night with two other full-sized adults as passengers and there were not any complaints from anyone There simply is not anything else in the sub-compact / compact class with this combination of room, comfort, fuel economy and upper-tier features (in the EX-L Navi trim package). The Navi is quite legible and useful. The value is appare

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  2014 Honda Accord EX-L review - 2014 Honda Accord
  By stockdox - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I admit, I was a little bit reluctant to buy the V6 model Accord due to the negative press and some negative remarks on some chat boards. I really hope that Honda has really fixed the issues with VCM technology because it is quite amazing to get nearly the same gas mileage of the 4 Cylinder with the performance of the 6. I can tell you right now that my gas mileage is better than advertised. The car is packed with useful technology such as the side view camera and Collision avoidance and Lane Watch. The car is smooth and powerful. On balance, I am very happy with my choice. VCM is not perfect I notice the switch from 3 Cylinder mode to 6 more so then the reverse.

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  Not quite what I expected - 2013 Honda Accord
  By eddiejd - June 12 - 6:17 pm

  After 9,000 miles and 11 months of ownership, here are my comments. DO NOT get the remote starter. It is a royal PIA on the EX model with push button start. When you remote start the vehicle and get in it, the engine automatically stalls and you have to restart the engine. For every remote start you have to restart the engine. Gee Honda, great for your starter and battery. Real poor design. I would remove the remote start system but it would cost ME money to do it! Also, you cannot exit a running vehicle and try to lock it to run an errand, it wont let you! The stereo if horrible. The AM is twice as loud as the FM. Very poor quality stereo.