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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  Honda Fan - 2012 Honda Civic
  By watersonclan - March 3 - 8:11 pm

  This is my sixth Honda in 30 years. I researched what I wanted very carefully and decided on the smaller fuel efficient Civic for commuting back and forth to work. With gasoline prices continuing to inch up, this is the best model available without having to go to a hybrid. I have put 1,200 miles on my car,so far and am happy to say I am getting an average of 42 mpg on a tank of gas. I am very happy with my purchase and after shopping at every dealership in the Inland Empire, I was glad to finally find a reputable dealership in Pasadena who did not try to play games or sell me something I didnt want.

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  Great Van - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By eel2 - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  We have 3 kids and all in car seats. This van has enough room for all three in the second row and the middle seat pulls forward-way better than the Sienna. Roomy and a lot of neat functions. Best safety rating of all vans. Averaging between 23-24 MPG.

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  Great Little Car! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By frozentundram - February 28 - 6:26 pm

  Ive had my Fit for almost 2yrs and love. Get about 25mpg city and high 30s on the road. My wife is more of a lead foot, so she gets about 2-3 mpg less. I installed a K & N air filter to help it breathe a bit better, otherwise all stock. Make sure you use a Top Tier gas as Honda recommends and youll have no problems. Dont have to use anything but regular, but make sure it is Top Tier. Ive known some that have used really cheap quality gas, and have had problems. Yes, this vehicle wont ride like a Lexus or Cadillac, but suits my needs fine. I also use a synthetic oil (Mobil 1) since the first oil change.

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  2005 Accord hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By oladipo - February 28 - 3:49 am

  I bought this car since 2012 and I have had no major issue with it except for ABS and TCS sensor. This was fixed and after which no issue except of recent this year having issue with driver/passenger door lock which does not respond the lock/unlock by the remote. I will try and fix it myself but if I have difficulties fixing it I will contact the electrician. Another issue I constantly observe is the check engine light that constantly comes on...I have discussed this with my mechanic, he attributes it to the 02 sensor read from the OBDII( catalytic converter below threshhold). However, another Mechanic said I do not have to worry about that because a bad fuel can trigger that.

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  Leather is uncomfortable for long trips - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By orangelebaron - February 26 - 10:43 pm

  I do not own this car, however, I am frequently asked to drive it as favors. First off, this car replaces a 2000 Odyssey which has cloth seats and gets better gas mileage with the same size engine. The cloth seats in the 2000 are more comfortable for long trips. The car drives and handles well and the backup camera works great. My main complaint are the leather seats. Up to approximately 100 miles, the seats are comfortable enough. After that, you may start experiencing numbness and sharp pains in your butt and legs. My passengers were also complaining about the seats during a trip back from NYC to the Poconos.

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  Loosing faith in Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By midav75 - February 19 - 9:56 am

  I dont know whats going on with Honda, but its not as used to be. Build quality is definitely not up to par. Bought a brand new CR-V a year ago. After the first rain, it had a spare tire wheel compartment full of water. It took dealership 3 tries and an external shop to fix leaking problems. Battery died when weather hit below 0. This should not happen on a 10 months old car. Wheel wells have no protective covers. Dealership told me it was done by design and the bare metal is treated for rust corrosion, but rust corrosion doesnt protect from stones chipping at the paint. And to top it off, all lug nuts are rusted. Car is 1 year old!!! Very, very disappointed!

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  Still going strong - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jensters - February 16 - 5:35 am

  I purchased car in 04 W/75,000 miles on it. I believe only 1 previous owner, they took great care of it. Knowing honda maintenance req. I immediately had timing belt changed, 6yrs or 100k miles (I think). I loved the car then and still love it now! My Avg. mpg is 24-26 (mostly hwy miles). I keep up on reg. maintenance. Heard stories of transmission probs but I havent had any.@ 141k replaced rt fr axle,@ 155,000 miles replaced radiator. Other than those great engine. Paint is starting to wear and had to replace pass. Window motor around 2010 but as far as reliability I have no complaint, 16 yrs & going strong cant argue with that! Love my honda

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  Honda Civic rules!!!!! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By yankeeguy7 - February 15 - 9:50 pm

  I am not sure why all the negative reviews on the 2013 Civic, I love my new Civic EX!!! I especially love the 2 level speedo because I keep my steering wheel low so the high mount speedo actually works great for me. And to the people that complained about lack of power, quality of interior, etc, SHAME on you for not noticing during your test drive!!!!! The Civic is not a perfect car, but it suits me perfectly!!!

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  honda pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By ivan_babij - February 14 - 1:53 pm

  Honda pilot is a great car, roome and comfortable. To prevent engine vibrations in "eco" mode, which is only happens in cold weather, use premium fuel in winter and mid grade or regular in summer. Fill out a full tank with premium fuel and drive 75 mph on Highway with D3 on for about 20 miles and its gone. Pilot is much beter choise that his rivals Pathfinder and Grand Cherokee, because they aretrue lemon cars with transmission problems.

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  The Forgotten Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By wavey83 - February 11 - 10:03 am

  I bought my 04 SiR (Canada) with 180 000 km on it, a mechanic used to own it, so it was still in great shape, compression was A1 and took no oil. Im now at 220 000 km and still runs awsome, very reliable little car. Didnt do much repairs on it except regular maintenance. I use it as a daily driver and do at least 180 km a day on average, it gets great mileage and hasnt let me go yet. Above all, its a blast to drive, handles great, but in a weird kind of way: understeers a lot, but it will still manage to get around the corner very quickly. My only complaint: Needs more power, it tends to feel weak at low RPMs, but thank god, like all Hondas, it loves to rev :)