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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  This car feels like home now - 2003 Honda Element
  By chasitye - July 13 - 9:25 am

  When i first saw this car I thought it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. Upon further driving and testing, it was PERFECT! The roominess has spoiled me. I cant even tell you how many times Ive hauled things inside the car with the seats up and peoples jaws drop because they "had no idea". Countless times I have used the suicide doors to get the kids out and people come up to my car to check it out. Its a 2003!!! Dont act like youve never seen one. With two kids under 10 the rubber floors have been a Godsend! I cant tell you how many ice creams and food disasters have been avoided. Not to mention that after beach trips I just take my leaf blower and blow ALL the sand out of the car

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  I love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By hondafangirl - July 12 - 3:11 am

  Ive wanted a Fit since they hit the US in 2006. Ive been driving Accords for many years, and with this 3rd generation Fit redesign, I finally decided it was time to own my first Fit. I opted for the fully loaded EX-L w/Navi. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I do not regret my purchase one bit. I do not feel like I am in a small subcompact in this car. It handles really well on the highway, and city driving is the most fun! I have gotten above average returns on mileage with a mix of hwy/city. Honda got it right with the Fit in my opinion. If you remember Honda from the 70s-80s, the Fit reminds me of that era. Small, economical and a blast to drive. I love my Fit!

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  Awesome Car - 2014 Honda CR-Z
  By ridgevilleguy - July 11 - 7:38 am

  Test drove the CR-Z and fell in love with it. Great handling, smooth stable ride, plenty of power, rear visibility not really an issue just need to get use to it( a good driver will not have a problem). Interior looks like driving a spaceship, exterior modern style gets looks at every stop light. Much nicer looking than the ugly Prius. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a small commuter car. Press hard to get a good discount, dealer will give in to move inventory.

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  My 04 Civic is a dream - 2004 Honda Civic
  By em7rulez - July 10 - 1:26 am

  I remember when I wanted this car it was all i could think about. Owning a 1992 Camaro prior to this car made me appreciate the value this car offers. The civic is a VP and this model does a good job at offering great gas mileage, speed, handling, and overall quality. The previous reviews on this car is exactly right this car is the most efficient coupe you can buy today period. You can mod it to make it even better than what it is. I drive to work and I only have to fill up at least every other week and a half. I can go two weeks and 3 days without filling this car up. I purchased this car used at 65,000 miles and i have 86,000 miles and i plan to never get rid of this car.

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  2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD with Navigation Review - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ncreviewer - July 7 - 10:21 pm

  The 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD with navigation is a very nice SUV. I can see why it is ranking 4 to 5 stars. I bought this one about a month or so ago and my wife and I both like it very much. We traded in a 2012 Toyota Rav4 4x4 Limited. We enjoyed the Rav4 and it served us well. No complaints. But the one we had did not have built-in navigation like this Honda and what you get when you get the Honda navigation is voice command capability for many things, like your heat & A/C, phone, and supposedly navigation (but like most guys, I havent read the manual, so I need to learn how to do that). Lots technology. Very smooth ride. 23.1 avg mpg to date. Hoped for more. But like the car.

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  VCM (variable cylinder managment) misfire, engine light flashing - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jarred - July 7 - 5:53 pm

  Im posting this review for those who had problems with the VCM/engine misfire. It happened to us last week. Without a warning the car started stuttering and the flashing engine light came on. It sounded to me like a timing/sparkplugs problem. We found some scary info about class action suit against Honda due to the engine design problem. Took it to Honda dealer. They replaced 4 out of 6 sparkplugs and updated the car software. I talked to the shop foreman (yes, you have to insist on it, though the reception girl will first tell you that mechanics dont talk to customers, WHY??). This is what the foreman told me:

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  Economical and Fun to drive! EX-L With Navi - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaloverma - July 5 - 3:36 pm

  I went to a Honda dealership initially to look at a Crosstour, but to get one with Navigation was just a little beyond my financial reach. So I looked at the CR-V EX-L With Navigation and was pleasantly surprised. Ive now owned it for 8 days and just shy of 1000 miles on it and Im hooked! I Love it! Cargo space is nice and large, fit a huge box for a carpet steam cleaner with ease. And so far Im getting high 20s low 30s for gas mileage. I admit I was a bit hesitant to buy the vehicle when I saw a couple reviews that people had complained about visibility at night with the 2013 model, but I have no trouble seeing at night what so ever with mine. Stereo, Navi & leather seats are great!

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  my 2nd civic coupe ex (after 8 months/6k miles now) - 2013 Honda Civic
  By thwipp89 - July 4 - 4:34 am

  i had a 03 civic ex with 131k miles and for 10 yrs, it was nearly perfect. in its 11th year it was showing its age just a little. i think i got spoiled at not having to put money into it, outside of regular maintenance. anyway, i figured almost 11 yrs was a pretty good run and honda had 0.9% for *60* months, which is rare for honda. also, the 2013 got really good reviews as a bounce back from a semi-disappointing 2012 model. the comfort of the seats (tho ive read some complaints) and the road noise is MUCH improved from my 03 model, aswell, imo. the technology made a big jump, too. i hope the reliability continues. my former civic was the best car ive owned, BY FAR.

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  LX Special Edition - 2006 Honda Accord
  By banjobama - July 2 - 1:47 pm

  Ive had my 2006 Accord for almost a year now and I LOVE IT. It looks great (2-door coupe) and sporty with tinted windows, moon roof, and the dual exhaust. The inside is all leather and wood trim, it looks fantastic and is extremely comfortable. My only complaint is I wish it was easier to get into the back seat from the drivers side. But if I was that worried about it I would have gotten a 4-door car. I had to drive it in some Seattle snow and it handled great. I wish the stereo had Bluetooth but I guess its a little old for that. Besides that it sounds good. I feel this car looks a lot better inside and out than a lot of newer cars just coming out.

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  Civic LX best engineered car I have ever seen. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By hans_pcguy - June 29 - 2:16 pm

  I was a mechanic previously. I bought a 1999 Civic new when I worked as a process server in Boston MA. I drove 200 mi per day for the first year. I got in a total accident with 2,400 miles on the car and the insurance wouldnt replace it. They paid more than new car price fixing it. I kept it. It now has 230k mi. Not only have I never had problems with it, as a mechanic I do my own maintenance. It is the easiest car I have ever worked on. Front brakes take me 15 minutes. The only work that was at all difficult for me was timing belt (the crank pulley bolt is hard to get loose.) With 230k miles I still only have to change oil (synthetic every 5 to 8k miles) never need to add oil!