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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  Over the Hill - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ukyagr - December 2 - 11:36 am

  The first year of ownership was great, but it has since been in steady decline. I bought this car based off of reputation, but unfortunately it will soon have to go. No longer can Honda claim reliability and high build quality with this vehicle. Problems include failing door locks, window motors, visors, blower fan electrical components, and A/C compressor failure. Honda has mailed extended warranties on paint and visors already. I expect eventual class action or warranty extension on the AC/blower issues - very common on this model. My dealer does not even charge me diagnostic fees on the AC or fan anymore. The car was babied and often garaged. All of these problems with only 62,000 miles.

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  Its been excellent, with some exceptions - 2013 Honda Accord
  By fuguf1sh - November 26 - 10:25 am

  I just ticked over 17000 miles with my 2013 Accord EX-L V6 (with Nav). Other than the initial connectivity problems with the audio head unit they have been trouble-free. The car performs well and is capable of some excellent fuel economy. I have had highway drives of over 42MPG which is extraordinary given the 278hp V6. The 6AT trans is smooth and responsive. It has excellent fit and finish, a smooth and quiet but busy ride, reasonable handling given LRR tires, excellent interior and trunk room. The interior remains tight and rattle free.

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  Nicely priced but question the factory MPG for CA - 2013 Honda Civic
  By wittay - November 23 - 12:10 am

  Your review of the Honda Civic Ex sedan automatic mpg. It is false and so far presentation of the information is at best misleading in the state of California. I have almost 5,000 miles on a 2013 Honda Civic EX and I have yet to average 29 miles city and highway. I have used the cars on board computer which seems to inflate the actual mpg and then manual calculations of what I filled the tank in number of gallons to cross check. While like the civic my main reason for buying the gas only verse hybrid model was that the gas model was supposed to get 38 mpg. When I asked the Honda sales and service folks what was going on I was getting mixed messages. One, wait until the engine is broken in.

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  Excellent, but ... - 2013 Honda Insight
  By kojo1 - November 10 - 9:48 pm

  Pros: The obvious--excellent gas mileage. Test drove and got over 50 mpg consistently. The car has decent low end torque, so will pick up if you want it to. The green eco invites you to continually drive conservatively to maintain good mpg. The stereo system is fairly good quality. Hatchback opens easily. Nice storage. Has spare tire. The drive is very silky and smooth. The best CVT Ive driven. The turning radius is incredible. Will turn on the dime. Handles beautifully around curves. Suspension very sturdy with bumps. Ignition is seemless and strong. Cons: The major con is the incredible uncomfortable driving seat. More below.

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  Honda doesnt get "tall" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By liza9 - November 5 - 11:23 am

  Bought 2009 fit in 2011, have put on 45K miles. Am 63", visibility is difficult, due to rear view mirror, door frame in field of vision when making turns, reflection of dashboard on window. I have a piece of black carpet on dashboard to compensate. Uncomfortable due to non-telescoping steering wheel, head rest too far forward, back rest concave in the wrong place--need to use back support. Have to tilt steering down in order to see upper part of speedometer. After 45 minutes, seat is very,very uncomfortable. Hard to steer, always over correcting on winding roads, especially at 45 mph+, maybe due to placement of engine on front axis? Needed steering wheel cover to ease grip.

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  Great ride, needs more standard options - 2013 Honda Accord
  By k_rock - November 4 - 7:08 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, but first Accord, I had an 02 CRV that I loved but needed an upgrade and better mpg. I feel in love with the Accord exterior and really like the pick up that it has for a 4 cylinder. I decided to stay with the Honda brand as I had over 220K miles on mine and the only maintenance that I did was tune ups and standard oil changes, brakes, etc. I may be spent 2K on mechanical issues over the 10 years that I owned it. I love how the controls are easily, much better than in my 02 crv, I kept having to reach way forward to change radio stations. I was a little disappointed with the features that we not on the passenger side with the seat.

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  One small problem! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By arby49 - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  On two different occasions I have had a problem with accidentally leaving the windows and sun roof open. Apparently this happens if you do a certain combination (one that I havent figured out yet) on the remote lock. As a result my vehicle has been flooded when it has rained. It seems to me there is a better way.

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  I love my Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By planegeek614 - October 28 - 1:10 pm

  I recently bought my Accord from a dealer. While I have had to replace the clutch hydraulics and two coolant hoses, this car has been incredible. I drove 750 miles to Oregon and I got 32 mpg with the A/C on, driving 75 mph, with a ton of stuff in the trunk! The interior is a little dated, but this is a fantastic car. If you buy one of these, check that the timing belt and water pump have been replace, and stay away from the automatic transmissions, Ive heard horror stories. But the great thing is that the manual transmission is better suited to the 2.3 liter engine anyway.

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  Exactly the car I wanted - 2013 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - October 22 - 6:36 pm

  When I bought my 2011 Civic, Id test driven the 2012 and loved the way it drove but hated how cheap, plain and conservative the car had become, focusing on fuel economy above all else. So I bought the 2011 even though I found the transmission to be really unforgiving, because it was a much better made and more attractive car. The 2013 I just bought is a perfect compromise. Great transmission, sufficient power, excellent fuel economy, superb interior and exterior styling and quality. I dont like the seat fabric much, but the nylon mesh and faux suede seats in my 2011 were uncommonly high-end for this class of car. The 2013 Civic is a sincere apology for the poorly-executed 2012.

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  Still going strong! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By greensuv - October 21 - 4:57 pm

  This is my second Honda CR-V and I dont have any major complaints. Ive never broken down, and have only had to replace a few parts. The added features on the Special Edition like heated seats make me feel like Im driving a luxury car.