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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  My second Civic one year later - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Honda Girl - September 24 - 6:51 pm

  Excellent value for the money, Honda reliability and resale. CVT takes some getting used to, very good MPG with or without the Econ feature activated, awesome highway car! This is my second Honda Civic. I replaced my 1994, also purchased new, one year ago. I love this car, especially the back up camera and handling. The ride over some city streets is a bit choppy but the OEM tires probably contribute to that. I find it a joy to drive on the highway without the road noise or driving fatigue that I experienced with my smaller old Civic. The CVT shifts smoothly and is different than a conventional automatic transmission, but I have not had any of the problems that some people mention. I like the sound system and being able to interface my IPad with the audio display. The build quality is solid without any squeaks or rattles. I would recommend Honda to anyone thinking about purchasing a new car.

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  Is Honda pulling a Volkswagon? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Roger Wright - September 24 - 3:45 pm

  Good news about the rough idle/vibration design flaw---they have acknowledged it exists. Bad news? Everything else. There is no word on when a fix will be available. And of course no clue as to what the constant vibrations mean to the long term stability of the car. No urgency because they arent killing anyone with the car or polluting the planet. They are simply selling a car that vibrates like crazy every time you stop in traffic. Nice huh? Im a lifetime Honda owner. Have never seen anything like this. A car that cant operate without vibrating --and Im talking serious vibrating and a rough idle that feels like you are about 3 seconds from a sputtering stop--a car that does that is a nightmare. Cause there is nothing you can do and no one cares. Stay away from this car!!!

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  A year and 30,000 mile with my Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Silverfit15 - September 24 - 10:53 am

  I purchased my 2015 Fit LX in mid August 2014. Going from a Toyota Corolla to a Fit was a pleasure. Nothing wrong with the Toyota, but it is more an appliance than a car. Great transportation and comfort-but very boring to drive. The Fit is just the opposite. While the car has a CVT transmission, it is still quick, responsive and fund to drive. The Fit holds the road better than you would think for an economy car, but with a composed and compliant ride for its size. Everyone who has seen the Fit is impressed with how large it is inside compared to its exterior dimensions. Other that a dear hitting the car along the passenger side of the car at 60 MPH, the car has had no issues. I have also done my oil changes, which is fairly easy, even though you need to remove the engine splash pan to get to the drain and filter. I travel 110 mile each day to work and back home. My average MPG has ranged from 42 to 45.5 in all kinds of weather, with the A/C both on and off. My friends with hybrids cant believe the mileage I get, and the cost of the car was nowhere near what they paid. As for front seat comfort, I have no complaints. I spend almost three hours each day in the Fit, and at no time find myself uncomfortable. Overall, I am extremely happy with my decision to go with a Fit, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good blend of economy, performance and utility in a small package.

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  200K Miles and still purring - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michelle Howland - September 24 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car new in Oct 2004, fell in love with the pickup and go she had. It has been the cheapest car to maintain, all routine maintenance and only 1 major repair thus far, a thousand dollar a/c compressor clutch a couple of years back. My youngest son just got this car as I got my new Honda HRV 3 weeks ago!

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  Back to a Honda - 2015 Honda Accord
  By David Emrich - September 23 - 1:54 am

  Its not perfect. I had a 1996 Civic DX Coupe with a manual transmission, and got 273,000 miles before trading it on a 2004 Chevy Impala. Did all scheduled maintenance. It was burning a little oil at the end, and clutch would chatter on a cold, damp day, going up hill until warmed up. Had to put premium gas in, or check engine light would come on, but gas was $.99 per gallon back then, and feul tank was small, so, no big deal. And, got 36 mpg overall. Hit 44 once on highway. This is ok. Like telemetrics. Listen to recordings I make of classes I take, so usb is great. Once you learn how to use system, very useful, and intuitive. The big screen isnt as gorpy as it first appears. Ive grown to like it. Has cubby above open area ahead of shifter that has tunnel in door for wires, so, cell phone plugs in below, wires follow it into storage compartment with door closed. Similarly, mp3 player, with wire out to dash plug in. Gas milage disappointing with manual transmission. Dont like cvt, so manual allowed me to buy car. Had to get used to. SOmetimes in wrong gear, but sifts smooth. Got 30 with Passat 1.8l with auto, and Mazda Six with manual. This averaging 28 with, or without eco mode. Still likable, though. Gets the job done, and Honda-ish. Like the manual. Better on straight roads than back roads. Gets the job done. Good windshield wipers, back up camera, and outward visibility. Traded 2016 Mazda6 with manual transmission, because couldnt see what I was driving over, and it was long, required way swing out driving around corners. Was more fun to drive, but wasted too much time seeing where that road goes. Back road lover, and highways.

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  Dont buy it. It really does vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Roberts - September 22 - 9:44 pm

  The car performs fairly well. Ive had it less than one month. The biggest problem is the vibration that occurs when the car is stopped. The radio and navigation controls are not well positioned and Im unclear about the usefulness of the right turn camera. I am having some buyers regrets.

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  Transmission issue at 1000 miles!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By K8 - September 22 - 8:34 pm

  I am already having an issue with my transmission and I havent even gotten my permanent plates yet! Getting it looked at tomorrow but I am seriously upset! And its supposed to be top of the line! I have the touring. When I go down hill it make a crazy winding noise and when I hit the gas it jumps like its gears are getting stuck. Im pretty sure I have a lemon. And I was hoping to have this car for the next 10 years. So much for that.

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  It vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - September 22 - 9:24 am

  This suv should be recalled due to excessive engine vibration at idle. Just imagine what this will be like in 5 years from now! Just test drive one to find out for yourself. Go with a Forester or Rav4 instead.

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  worth the purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mother - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This car has a comfortable ride, and the gas mileage is great. Its built for convenience - theres a mirror that allows you to see in the back row, I can hook my IPHONE up to the car for hands off phone use, the floors are black - showing no scuffs, the air/heat circulates front to rear - there little noise from the outside, the windows are slightly tainted - minimizing glare, the cargo space is great, the clearance is good. The only complaint I have are the small windows in the rear corners. While theres a backup camera (love it), and mirror use, theres definately a blind spot.

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  Want my 2013 back - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Steve - September 21 - 7:12 pm

  I traded in a 2013 EX Coupe for a 2015 because i liked the looks of the refresh. However after having the 15 for 5 months i kinda wish i had kept the 13. The 2015 has more horse power, and yet i have to smash the accelerator to the floor to get it to take off from a stop light at an acceptable speed. When i apply the breaks they pop loudly. Have no idea what thats all about. My drivers side power window makes all sorts of noise when rolling down. These are probably small issues, but i didnt have them with the 13. Plus side is it is a beautiful car, glossy black with much nicer looking wheels than the 13. Very sporty looking. It was worth the money . If you dont mind some of the little quirks it has.