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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  Family workhorse - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By smithiedad - April 8 - 9:39 am

  We were gifted our 2003 Odyssey 3 years ago from a friend when it had 184,000 miles. Now is has 315,000. Its our family workhorse and its been a dandy. Id buy another Odyssey for certain. Original engine and auto trans. We stay up on our maintenance and its been very good. Excellent value. Weve got our sights on 500K miles!

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  Quite possibly the best car Ive ever owned. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By the_fuse75 - April 8 - 7:38 am

  I purchased this car in July of 2014. It has been almost a year and I couldnt be happier at this point. It has survived a fairly cold Minnesota winter, and handled well in the snow. Have observed 23-24 mi/gal locally, but dont really have that long of a commute. On the highway however, weve observed 38-40 mi/gal. Very happy with that performance. Love the styling both inside and out, if youre looking for a reliable, affordable ride, I highly recommend this car.

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  It goes and goes and goes - 2012 Honda Fit
  By gleggley - April 5 - 5:24 pm

  I bought this car new in August of 2012. I am a courier and drive over 1000 miles a week. As of today, 4/5/15, I have about 139,000 miles on my Fit. I have always done the recommended service and have only had one issue since purchasing this car. A front wheel bearing needed replacing a few months ago. I average 30-35 miles a gallon in mixed driving. Power is adequate for what I do. This is the first Honda Ive ever owned. The Fit has an amazing capacity to haul things. I am consistently amazed at how much "stuff" fits in the car.

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  Oh, the Joy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By warex - April 5 - 11:15 am

  Driving Experience: It has given us the best experience we have ever had with a family car, especially on road trips. Above the Class: Before buying, we looked at other cars in that class especially the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. with the CRV, it feels like we are in a car above that class. MPG: We have been getting high 20s with mixed driving and low 30s with road trips. Handling (AWD): It has been smooth and secure with plenty of power in all situations, for an SUV. CVT: It runs and transitions smoothly in all traffic conditions. Vibration: We have not experienced the vibration issue reported by some owners.

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  Will Buy Another - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris Hrenko - March 31 - 3:38 pm

  My 06 was a demo that I purchased with 2,800 miles on it--9 years later I have over 190,000 miles and it is still strong. I dont need to tow more than 3,500 lbs and do 80% highway driving, but it has handled the Colorado high country without breaking a sweat during my hunting trips also. Having driven many Lariat diesels and the like for work and play, the Ridgeline is the best that I have ever driven in term of reliability and value for the money. As a light- to medium-duty truck, you cant beat it.

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  my time not having to buy a used car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By dean40 - March 31 - 11:48 am

  This is the first time i have bought a new car in my 25 years of driving and i like it a lot. The car has a solid feel and i look forward to the reliability and low cost maintenance i have experienced with previous Hondas. I chose the civic coupe ex auto for my 30 mile work commute, so far the best combined fuel mileage is 33mgp. I am sure this will get better as traffic eases up during the summer here in az.

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  I love this car - 2015 Honda Accord
  By dac033 - March 28 - 8:22 pm

  I just bought this car- is everything I was hoping for. Rides smooth - has plenty of power - is easy to drive - plenty comfortable - no real complants

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  I like it better every day - 2014 Honda Accord
  By danwallaceorg - March 25 - 8:06 am

  I purchased my black Accord Sport as a "leftover" 2014 in October of 2014. As of late March 2015, I have driven the car for 13,100 miles. The Accord Sport is very, very comfortable to drive. (I am 6, 220 lbs.) The back seat is giant for its class. The active sound cancelling works quite well -- reducing fatigue on my long trips. I have never reset the trip "B" fuel mileage calculation. Before winter, the overall average was at 34.3 mpg. Currently, after a very cold winter it reads 30.8 mpg. 95% of my driving is mixed urban. One strange thing, which my son also noticed, the highway fuel mileage is 3-4 mpg lower WITH cruise control than without - even in ECO mode.

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  Foul trash/garbage odor in cabin - 2015 Honda Civic
  By msteel15 - March 24 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased a new 2015 Honda Civic in Dec 2014. Brought it home + parked it in the garage + the next day it had a foul trash/garbage smell in the cabin. My dealership recommended leaving the windows open to air it out. Its a new car - why should I have to air it out? Took it into the dealership, where they left my car + another new civic in the garage overnight. They agreed that BOTH cars had an odor. They detailed the car to cover the smell, but it didnt help. I brought it back so the Honda representative could take a look -he said it was fine. I called Honda customer service-their stand was nothing needed to be replaced, so it basically wasnt their problem. Very disappointed with Honda.

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  My First Minivan turned me into a Lifer! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By kimbersw - March 19 - 2:06 pm

  I would rate this van outstanding. We bought it new and drove it for 38,000 miles. We loved it so much we just traded it for a 2015 Odyssey Touring Elite to keep current. Well never stray from the odyssey. Our 2012 was the best vehicle weve ever owned- comfortable beyond our expectations, high-quality feel, and rides like a car- the Honda Accord to be specific. If you want performance and luxury in a minivan, this is the way to go. The lower trims are all nice, the Elite just takes it a step above. The top-performing van will always be a part of our family, thanks to our excellent experience with this one. Great job, Honda!