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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  91 Civic hatch back - base model - 1991 Honda Civic
  By jkmj9999 - April 4 - 6:09 pm

  bought it used in 2007 & It still drives great after 17 Years !!! love it . lowered it years ago , with a set of 16 in. Alessio wheels .

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  Great car but test out the seat first - 2013 Honda Civic
  By rick4924 - April 3 - 6:46 am

  I got my Honda Civic EX about a month ago. The car is amazingly quiet and handles very well around town and out on the highway - very stable at highway speeds. The electronics are very easy to use and have sharp, bright graphics that make them a pleasure to use. The Bluetooth system easily synced with my iPhone 4s. The back up camera is great! The only negative is the drivers seat. I am 6-0, 180 lbs and it was extremely difficult to find a comfortable driving position. The front of the seat cushion puts pressure on my legs and is very uncomfortable. Pay attention to the seat feel when you test drive it.

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  nothing but problems so far - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By sandoz1938 - March 28 - 10:48 pm

  6 month old crv doesnt start when its cold. One dealership checked it and said everything was ok. I went to a different dealership when it happened again and they didnt even check it, the guy just leaned back in his chair and said "thats normal, the crv has a small battery". The vehicle also sits lower on the left side than the right side. The dealership looked at it and told us something was definitely wrong with it. They took hours trying to figure it out then told us it was normal when they couldnt find the problem. So far weve had the CRV for 8 months and its been in the dealership several times. The body panels werent even aligned properly when we bought it.

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  It is still a good value. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By capeangler - March 27 - 12:13 pm

  2008 Ex-l v-6 . 80000 miles. I have had none of the reported problems in the 18 months I have had this car. The v-6 Accord has great power but the mileage is no where near the EPA estimate. I get 18-22 city and 25-26 highway. The cylinder deactivation seems smooth but I feel the effect on Mpg is minimal. The only thing I had to do was replace the heater motor which I have done on every Honda I have owned, and there has been several. I have to say that the lexus is a much more quiet and refined car but it is also quite a bit more expensive. I would have bought the Es 350 If I had driven it before I purchased the Honda. My mechanic says Honda and Toyota are bad for his business. Enough said

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  2014 Honda Accord LX - 2014 Honda Accord
  By peripatetic - March 26 - 6:03 am

  After going through hell with an old German car, I decided to get a new car. This one was it. I drive approximately 30-50 Thousand miles a year so long term reliability was my key. You cannot go wrong with this car. So far so good. I already have almost 3,000 miles. With the exception of the ride quality my suggested improvements are few.

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  13 Fit base 5MT - 2013 Honda Fit
  By rzepczynski - March 23 - 10:44 pm

  13 Fit base 5MT. So far, 10 months, 10,000 miles, no problems. Despite display indicating 50% oil life left at 5K miles, oil was changed @ 5K mi. Oil changed at 10K mi. (again display indicating 50% oil life remaining) with full synthetic. Engine seems to run better on full synthetic. Concerned that after 10K mi. there has been no dash display for maintenance (wrench symbol). As there are no mileage recommendations for maintenance in the owners manual, you are wholly dependent on the car computer for maintenance scheduling. Wondering if computer is working properly. Cant believe no service is required after 10K miles. Very satisfied and happy with the car.

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  Good performer but very uncomfortable - 2013 Honda Civic
  By sarita3 - March 21 - 5:12 pm

  This is my fourth Civic and it is the most uncomfortable car Ive ever owned. The headrest forces he to jut my head forward and the seat to curl my back. When I brake, no matter how gently, I and my passenger slide forward in the seats. I have long legs and the steering wheel will not telescope out far enough so I drive with your arms stretched out. Even though I have the EX-L with the power seat adjustments, I have yet to find a comfortable driving position. The seat is narrow and I am spilling over the side of it even though I am a size 6, I have to tighten my abs to stay in the seat around corners. On the plus side, the car is powerful, the handling is good, the mileage is excellent.

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  great value and good gas mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By jimo7 - March 21 - 4:39 pm

  Purchased in November 2013 and put almost 2500 miles on it...mileage is improving and last tank was 28.5 with city and freeway miles. This is my third Honda (1980s Accord and previous was 2006 Pilot). All have been extremely reliable and good value for the money, if somewhat bland in driving. The CR-V adds more tech toys with iPod integration, bluetooth connection for my iPhone, and streaming audio which I havent played with yet. Abundant interior room to hold my bikes and surfboards (similar to Pilot although somewhat smaller). Highly recommended but wish I would have test-driven the Suburu Forrester turbo to compare the performance.

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  Outstanding Drive and Excellent Mileage, but .... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By chebuck - March 18 - 9:10 pm

  Was very reluctant to purchase another Honda Accord after having engine oil consumption issues with 09 EXL v6. Test drove 2013 Toyota Avalon and was not impressed. Wife loved the ride of the 14 Accord EXL-V6 so we decided to give Honda a second chance. So far, 10K miles, we love the ride and get average 32-34 mpg at 70-75 mph hwy. Just got 38 mpg in 200 mile stretch of North Carolina. Typically get 27-29 mpg combined. Ride is smooth and comfortable. Now the negative. At 7K miles, 1 qt oil low so I added 1 qt 0W20 synthetic. At 9K miles added another 1/2 qt. Maybe this will never pose a serious problem, but I am extremely irritated that we have to keep checking oil periodically!

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  Does everything I ask with no problems - 2009 Honda Fit
  By ahull1 - March 18 - 12:12 pm

  I bought my 09 Fit Sport MT new and have put +110k miles on with no repairs beyond preventative maintenance. The car has delivered on all the reasons that I purchased it for: very low cost of ownership, fun to drive, TONS of cargo space (with rear seats flat), and great mileage (38-40mpg). The car has handled west MI winters well, even before I purchased snow tires. Build quality has been good, although some plastic interior panels are beginning to get loose. I recommend switching from the stock tires as soon as they wear out. Overall, no complaints. The car has been a champ, and I expect it will continue to well past 200k.