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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  Disappointed - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Larry Moskovitz - May 2 - 2:44 am

  I traded in my 2013 Civic for a new 2016 Civic. I loved my 2013. I do not love my 2016. I have had it for 4 months and already it has had 2 recalls. I hate the technology system, far to complicated to work. In order to turn the radio on you need to click on 3 buttons (Audio, Source, Station). This means you are taking your eyes off the road while driving. The Econ button on the 2013 Civic was right where it should be, on the dash. The 2016 Econ button is located next to the gear shift box and you have to hunt for it. Yes, you can sort of feel for it, but that is a pain and again you are taking yours eyes off the road. When openning the front car door at night the only light that comes in located above in the back seating area, making it difficult to see as you enter the car. The USB and Power port is tucked behind the small tray in the front. A pain to push wires through and connect. My clock is frozen, tells me a different time that the clock on the odometer screen. I have a problem with a noise issue, when you come to a slow stop you can hear your branks making a noise. I brought the car in to the deal for this problem and they cannot fit it, told me the brakes checked out fine and after testing a couple of other 2016 Civics they noticed the same issue on all of them. (Said they would let Honda USA know about this.) All-in-all, I do not like this car and am looking to purchase a different 2016 brand.

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  2016 Honda Fit EX - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Randy Buss - May 1 - 8:20 am

  My review to the 2016 Honda Fit EX will be in comparison to the 2009 Subaru we own, and other vehicles weve had. We purchased the Honda Fit EX three weeks ago and overall we cannot say enough to how pleased we are with it. Weve been averaging a combined 38MPG, with highway driving right around 42MPG. The ride is ust a bit firmer compared to the Subaru, but definitely not objectionable. The seats are very comfortable (Far more comfortable than the Subaru), and the interior quality is very good. The road noise is surprisingly quieter compared to the Subaru, and the wind noise is virtually undetectable even at highway speeds of up to 65mph (great job Honda). Weve been very pleased with the interior trim and build quality. The electronics/entertainment is very satisfactory. Exterior visibility is comparable to other vehicles, with an advantage to rear visibility when looking back and to the right in order to switch lanes (never rely on electronics or mirror). The back up camera and lane watch camera are definitely nice features to have and it takes a bit of adaptation to become accustom to them, but not a requirement because of the nice large side mirrors and rear visibility. Acceleration is more than adequate for rapid acceleration onto highways, and weve not been disappointed at all. Over all, were so pleased by the performance of the Honda Fit EX that were selling our Subaru in order to purchase another Honda Fit EX. Minor Cons: The intermittent wipers have no variable setting (it is what it is and you cant adjust it, but its adequate). The long distance illumination is very good with high beams, however, because the fog lights and low beam lights turn off, it causes the immediate road surfaces to become rather dimly lit. Im planning on easily fixing this issue by adding an additional set of LED driving lights to come on only when the high beam lights are on. (Low beam illumination is excellent) The audio system is very good quality, but it lacks a little on the low end bass. (Not bad, just not quite enough bass). Engine noise does become apparent when accelerating hard, but not much more than other cars do. Furthermore, once up to speed, the engine noise is not at all any worse than other cars. Major Cons: Absolutely nothing so far. Additional notes to be aware of if youre in the market. The "2015" Honda Fit models were made in Mexico and had a series of quality issues due to an inexperienced work force. However, the "2016" Honda Fit models are now made in Japan, and the build quality is noticeably better than any other locations. If youre in the market for a Honda or already own one, look at the first digit of the VIN# to know where it was made. 1 = USA 2 = Canada 3 = Mexico J = Japan

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fern - May 1 - 3:43 am

  I love this car. I bought it new and have not had anything fail yet, except for a noise in the clutch pedal. The pedal was replaced under warranty.

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  A 41 YR Old Gen Yer Loves it - 2004 Honda Element
  By BarnAcree - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Dont beleive all the hype about an Element only being for young kids. If you need the function and space of an SUV but dont want to overspend $$ or overuse gas, the Element is for you. Overall, the review I read was accurate, except I havent had any problems w/ road/wind noise. It carries an unbeleiveable amount of stuff.

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  LOVE OUR Honda Pilot - HIGHLY Recommend - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By L Watson - April 30 - 10:00 am

  We absolutley LOVE our Honda Pilot. We actually purchased it September 7, 2002 (right after they came out) so we were somewhat sceptical about purchasing a NEW model thinking the "kinks" probably needed to be worked out since it was a NEW MODEL vehicle. BUT, I can tell you, it is the GREATEST vehicle we have ever owned. We have two small children (under 4 years old) and it is GREAT as a family vehicle (without having to drive a mini-van)the comfort is GREAT, the room is GREAT, but we own the EX (without leather), so it doesnt have the "feel" of a luxury vehicle (like a Lexus, etc.), it does "feel" like a Honda on the interior.

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  THE BEST CAR OF THE YEAR - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JERROLD BANKS - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I think the Honda Pilot EX is the best car of the year. Im 61 and 245 pounds. I feel very comfortable behind the wheel. I live in NEW YORK CITY and this car can handle the rough roads very well. The Pilot EX is the best car I ever drove. I been in all type of SUVs and the HONDA Pliot EX is by far the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great car other than the EGR Valve - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Chris Davis ky - April 30 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had is the engine light came on around 49k miles because the EGR valve was stopped up with the winter additives thay put in the gas to keep it from freezing in the winter months. The EGR valve was replaced under Warrenty Free of Charge.

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  2004 civic SI. A "gem" of a car. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By framedcraig1 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 si that I loved, but I didnt like the 15in. wheels, and the styling was a little bland. They fixed all that with the 2004. Great car. A real sleeper.Im 55 years old, and I think that theres a ton of old farts like me out there would really enjoy this little gem. Fastest car on the road....no. Best milage...no. best all- around value in an economic set of wheels? yup!

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By paul1707 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my new Civic yesterday from Rudolph Honda, El Paso, TX. Great buying experience and I highly recommend them. Ive owned several Hondas and they keep getting better and better. Ive only had it a day but but after owning Hondas previously, Im sure this one will be as reliable and efficient as my others. It is a lot of fun to drive and the ride and handling are exceptional.

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  Best Car I Have Owned Thus Far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tamera - April 30 - 10:00 am

  There is so much to say about this car. I looked at this car and the toyota solara. This car bet it buy 200 miles. More horsepower, comfort, etc. It may cost 2-3 thousand more but it is well worth it. I paid $24,182 with the ex sports pacage included(Rear wing spoiler, auto day/night rear mirror, fog lights). Its black all around a boy is is it sweet. I have read many review and did my homework and you will be happy with your choice. My parents own a BMW and this comes close to the quality of one of those, but $25,000 less!!! Buy it, youll love it. Everyone tells me what a nice car i have. Someone though it was a Mercades coupe!!!!