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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  Poor Gas Mileage and Oil consumption - 2010 Honda Accord
  By slazar77 - June 27 - 11:00 am

  I have a 2010 Accord V6, and i get anywhere between 14.5 - 15.5 mph. I drive in the city, do not accelerate fast, and only use Shell oil (87, sometimes 89). Tire pressure is always checked. Also, i do burn about 3/4-1 quart of oil about 1,000 miles. The dealership tells me that burning 1 quart of oil between 1,000 and 1,500 miles falls within Hondas guidelines. (Maybe they just changed the guidelines?? No other car seems to have this issue) Anybody experienced same issues. Anybody brought their car to the dealer for an "oil consumption test"? Beware buying this vehicle. Its an awesome car. But if i knew i would get an average of 15 mph, i wouldnt bought something else.

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  Great Car - 2015 Honda Fit
  By 2015hondafit - June 26 - 5:51 pm

  I have a 2015 Honda Fit LX with the 6 speed. I wanted something fuel efficient and wanted a manual. I was saving up for a CRZ, but when this new Fit got a direct injection 1.5 engine, I had to go test drive one. The dealer had an LX manual in modern steel, and leased it. I really enjoy this little car. It drives fine around town, but on the highway you need to bring the rpm up a bit to get adequate performance. I would tell you what mileage Im getting, but I forgot to calculate my mileage at the pump, (was in a hurry) and forgot how many gallons it used. Oops. If you are considering one, I would absolutely recommend one. It does its job excellently.

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  Love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By legallyorigina - June 22 - 11:19 pm

  I have owned my Fit for a week now. I love the new features added to this one. I owned a 2012 Honda fit so very familiar with this style of car. The only thing I do not like about this model is how there isnt an extra glove box in this one and less cup holders then my previous car. The gas is better then the other with its new eco button. I chose the leather seat option, but I am now worried about the up keep of the them especially considering the windows are only slightly tinted. Makes the roof feature a little bit of downer if you think of sun damage on leather. I chose the Honda Fit because it is a very reliable car. It saved my life before. I feel safe in my car.

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  Best auto for the money - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ybert - June 22 - 10:36 pm

  One of the best cars I have ever owned, cant believe people are having problems. Cant say enough about the gas mileage Im getting 26.6 MPG city, have not done a hwy test as yet. I have just under 6000 miles and enjoy driving this car.

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  Second 2014 Honda Accord - 2014 Honda Accord
  By 4thhonda - June 21 - 6:19 am

  Last September I purchased a 2014 Honda Accord Sedan and last week I traded it in for a 2014 Honda Accord Coupe EX in Still Midnight Pearl. I loved the sedan but I wanted something a little sportier. The coupe does handle better than the sedan and there are a few features that I really like. The color of the car is magnificent in Midnight Still Pearl. Yes, I lost some money during my trade in, but it was well worth it to get the coupe. Obviously, I think very highly of the Accord to get another one. This coupe is my 5th Honda. I have owned a 1990 Civic, a 1997 Civic, a 2002 Accord, a 2014 Accord Sedan, and now a 2014 Accord Coupe.

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  Accord Sport at 10K miles - solid all around - 2013 Honda Accord
  By altima13sv - June 18 - 3:47 pm

  Extremely happy with my 2013 Accord Sport. Received around 26 miles per gallon for the first 9,000 miles and then over the next 1,000 miles, it jumped to around 30. Now broken in, it feels quicker and is becoming more fun to drive. The build quality is rock solid, not even the slightest rattle from anywhere. Sport mode is fun on the highway for zipping around people. Seats are comfortable. The interior is attractive and all the materials you touch are high quality. Love the leather trim on the doors, wheel, and armrest. Miss a sunroof and push start but cant complain because the price was resonable. Everything just feels solid and I could see myself driving it for 200,000 miles!

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  2014 Honda Accord (Hematite Green) - 2014 Honda Accord
  By whitneytoday - June 5 - 9:12 pm

  I just purchased my first vehicle which is a 2014 Honda Accord LX from AutoNation Honda in Sanford, FL. I love the new body style of the Accord and I knew that was the car of my choice. I wanted leather seats and sun roof but the EXL was a bit too much, so I started looking at the LX. Originally, the LX doesnt come with leather interior or sunroof but Skip helped me get the car of my choice and it was all in my price range. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Great little Car - 2014 Honda Civic
  By exxiv - June 5 - 10:09 am

  I just picked up one of these. Would have never considerd a civic but the dealer near me was having great deals on them. Boy am i glad I went to look. The 2014 Civic is smooth, large on the inside and very fuel efficent. Everything is put together very well and the car is very solid. I never lack for power and hope to have this car for many years to come.

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  104k miles, 4 years later.... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By por944t - June 3 - 3:20 pm

  I have just rolled over to 104k. This was a certified pre-owned 20k car from the dealership when I purchased it 4 years ago. Overall, this car has been reliable, affordable, and relatively roomy. Ive averaged 29-30mpg in the city/35 highway. This car is my daily driver. Longest drive was 16 hours one way (at 90k) and no problems. Next service appointment is for the water pump/belt- hopefully this goes smoothly.

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  It has been great!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By snowfanatic - June 1 - 2:57 pm

  Just hit 275,000 kms (170,000 miles) Total repairs to date $304. Original brakes went 185,000 kms, still on second set. Would like to buy another one but Honda Canada have cut the number of available colours from 11 to 4 with no choice on interior. Took it to a reputable independent garage for an opinion. They could not find a thing wrong with it. May try for 400,000 kms.