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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  Rickys 2015 Honda Fit =) - 2015 Honda Fit
  By sparkndutch - January 27 - 1:08 am

  I just traded in my 2013 Honda Fit Sport, IM SO GLAD I DID!!! Anyone with an older Fit thats been thinking about trading it in for the new one... DO SO! I went ahead and bought the fully loaded trim level to which Im very happy about. It certainly does not feel like a cheap subcompact car at all, I own several Lexus and a 2013 Accord Sport and this Fit is my favorite car to drive now. I would suggest everyone whos negotiationing for a price to use the "Edmunds Price Promise" I was able to use this at the dealership and in fact got way below invoice price since I used College and Military discount. So before taxes I bought it for $19.4k at Galpin Honda in Los Angeles, CA.

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  Will keep it for life! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By monkeybomb - January 21 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 1996 civic 3 years ago. Ive put the work into it that it needed replacing cv axles, ball joints, control arms etc... I attribute these things to previous owner errors. This has been the best car! Its small but not cramped. I have 3 kids and we all fit. Mine is a 5 speed standard transmission and I routinely get 37-39 combined MPG! I HAVE ~240,000 miles on this car with the original transmission, clutch and engine. Shes still running strong and is well worth every penny I have into her. If taken care of properly, this car will go forever! Buying seals from auto parts stores will not fix any leakage problem buy direct from dealer.

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  Solid Honda Engineering - 2014 Honda Civic
  By scottywood - January 18 - 11:08 pm

  We got a great deal on a lease and traded in a Prius that needed a new hybrid battery pack. Honda has always been my wifes favorite. This is our third new Honda. All you do is change the oil and put in gas. You cant kill it. It just keeps going. We have the base LX, but it is still a beautiful car with excellent fit and finish. It doesnt lack any features that we miss. The interior is pretty with hard ugly plastics mostly banished and replaced with soft colorful materials. Gas mileage is great and we achieved the E.P.A. estimate of 39 m.p.g.on a long highway trip.

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  Great Car (dependable) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mmeyering - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this car in an auction never had a honda because of the price to but one, but really glad I bought it. It handles like a sports car. I hear a lot of complaints about power really?? its a 1.8L but it really go good! The gas milage I cant complain like so of the others I get 38 most all the time. I have had no trouble at all for 2 years now bought it with 95k now have 140K. I have Good Year tires and this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow, never been stuck!

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  Followup to early review. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By ned231 - January 15 - 12:08 pm

  Ive had the car for 2 weeks now (my prior review was upon delivery) and have more feedback to those shopping. Having driven Acuras and Hondas for a long time, this car is totally different from my 2008 Accord in all the right ways.....it drives much "tighter", corners snugly, and I have had no issues with road or wind noise, even at 75 MPH. THis is a MUCH better car than my 2008 Accord. In my prior review I complained about the radio, the only material shortfall I have found to date.

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  Bitter sweet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By msalp80 - January 14 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 Civic brand new. There were a few issues within the 1st 26000 miles. The battery and the engine had to be replaced right at 26k. Ive read that this was a common problem with this model. The car was still under warranty during that time, so it wasnt a big deal. Then at around 80k miles or so my CD player went out. My warranty was up, so I opted not to get it fixed and just used my AUX input, to listen to my MP3. Other than that I hadnt had any mechanical problems until now, besides regular maintenance and my civic has 268k miles. I think shes about ready to quit on me. I havent had it diagnosed yet but I think Im going to retire her and get an Accord. $17k well spent.

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  2015 Accord - 2015 Honda Accord
  By cliknclak2 - January 13 - 5:18 pm

  Rears seat folds down but doesnt split. Serious flaw when needed.

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  11 years and still Awesome! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dossca - January 12 - 9:21 am

  I bought my Accord brand new, in November of 2003. I have always taken it to the dealership. I have had all of the problems that everyone else has. To date, I only have 72k on it. I have a work vehicle and dont drive to and from work. First was a recall on the transmission, then the radio went out, then just scheduled services. Then just recently, I have been having flickering headlights. Took it to the dealership, had it checked, bad battery(not it), then changed out the Alternator(not it), then read that the ELD goes up on 2003/2004 accords around 100k or ten years. After 2k of fixes it is brand new. Now just looking for the transmission to go up soon. Its all worth it, I love this car!

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  WISH I DIDNT TOTAL IT - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kaebuena96_ - January 11 - 2:41 am

  This car was passed down to me from my dad and my brother. When I got it it already had 150K miles and when I got it was the first time the check engine light has ever came on and the only issue was my coolant level which was an easy fix. Loved this car so much and was so devastated when I totaled it running into a pole. It was totalled because of frame damage. Thankfully I was okay but my car was done for. Great commuter car and would have to fill up every two weeks. GAS IS AMAZING. GREAT FIRST CAR I LOVE IT.

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  Sport CVT - 2015 Honda Accord
  By bigboic08 - January 9 - 8:35 am

  Ive only had this car for about a week now but I love the Sport. its simple, good looking and I got it for a great price. I was deciding between the Altima and my Accord. The Altima might be just a tad bigger on the inside but the Accord feels more modern and its a better value. The gas millage is way better then the Edge I traded it in for but I feel like it could be better. Im averaging 27.5mpg driving anywhere from 65-80 on the highway and a lot of stop and go traffic in the city. The seats are comfy, and the exterior styling of the Sport compared to the rest of the lineup is hands down a winner.