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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  Civic si sedan - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mdschuet - August 29 - 1:16 pm

  I considered gti and civic si. Picked si thinking it would be more reliable. I was wrong. Many things have gone wrong and Honda will not fix unless you have deep pockets. Door handles stop working, trunk will stop working, and now 2nd gear is making noises and Honda wants 700 dollars just to open it up and diagnose. I bought this car to avoid this problem and here I am with the warrantee over, and transmission issues with 2.5 years left of payments. Im stuck with it now, bought it for performance and excitement but now its a point a to b car that I have to skip 2nd gear. It was fun and good until this. Get a warrantee or buy another car, I have 95,000 miles on it, and I drive good.

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  Amazingly thrifty on gas - 2013 Honda Civic
  By stringed - August 28 - 8:21 am

  Just bought a 2013 Civic coupe with automatic transmission for my wife last week. On a lark, I wanted to see how much mileage I could squeeze out of this car using the lightest foot possible. I needed to drive to the airport - a nearly 50 mile round trip. On the trip there, I drove with no AC at speeds between 60 and 70. The on board mileage computer registered 53 mpg! There is a minor downhill bias since I live a few hundred feet above sea level and the airport is near sea level. On the trip back, I decided to use the AC. When I arrived home, the MPG computer for the total trip read 43 MPG. Thats close to a hybrids MPG! I am delighted with this car!

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  Excellent First Impression - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By ptl3wis - August 22 - 8:41 am

  I began my journey reviewing the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4, and of course the Honda CR-V. Although many of these vehicles are great and capable vehicles for my needs, I found that the Honda CR-V beat them all in comfort, build quality, and value. My biggest liking is the gas mileage and the storage capacity. Both of these are outstanding for a AWD vehicle such as the CR-V. Also, the price point is great considering what you get in the EX-L package (Leather, Sunroof, Heated Seats/Mirrors, Etc...) After 3 years of ownership, I have over 60K miles and average 25MPG (30% city, 70% highway). Definitely consider the CR-V when looking for your next SUV.

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  Cant go wrong - 1994 Honda Civic
  By frankjfavela - August 20 - 12:52 pm

  I bought my younger brothers 94 Honda Civic Lx after he could no longer afford it and I my 2003 Ford Expedition XLT, the MPG was killing me I was spending about $100 a week just on gas and I was only able to use it for work. The Civic was a blessing the car even though its underpowered gets amazing MPG plus filling up with only $40 a every 1 1/2 for me makes it worth every penny, the car has cosmetic issues the paint was all burned and the paint scratched but she runs like if she was new and with 138K on her already I expect another 200K easy. I would sell my Civic for anything.

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  ABS VSA Lights are on @ ~110K - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By noahred - August 19 - 12:48 pm

  I had a PTTR (pull to the right) problem when I first got it - brand new. Dealer agreed to fix it after a few trips. Make sure youre driving the actual car youre going to buy - when youre buying a brand new car. ABS & VSA lights came on around 110K miles. Dealer asked $2000 to fix! These being said its a reliable car. I would buy it again.

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  Honda replaced fiat - 2013 Honda Fit
  By fixitagaintony - August 16 - 9:05 am

  13000 klm so far, so good. Gas mileage is the same as the fiat 500 I traded and uses regular gas and has lots more room. Smooth ride and good handling.

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  Honda Accord Sport 6M - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jonus0001 - August 11 - 9:06 am

  Bought this car four months ago and have 1300 miles on it. The car is very comfortable and fun to drive. Unfortunately, the car has been back to the dealer 5 times . The seals around the drivers side window are bad. The car sounds like a wind tunnel above 60 mph. In addition, some part is bouncing around in the dash making a constant rattle. The local dealership and Honda North American did nothing to fix the problem until I made it clear I was filing a lemon law complaint. Build quality of this first year model has been below normal for Hondas usual high standards.

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  Good experiment - 2009 Honda Fit
  By spudo - August 8 - 12:02 pm

  I purchased the 2009 Fit Sport in 2011 with 44k miles on it. We were coming out of the recession, so I thought I would try a fuel efficient small car for my job, which is a lot of highway driving. A couple thoughts: The MPG meter exaggerated the gas mileage a bit. the meter read 36.6 over 10,000 miles, the calculator said 32.35 for the same time period. I had a black exterior and interior. The combination of the big black dash along with all the glass allowed a lot of heat in the car. The air conditioning is set to cycle the compressor on and off during driving to save fuel, made it very hard to keep cool on hot days. Added an official Honda center console, very much worth the money.

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  3 Transmissions - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By shicketmaster - August 5 - 9:35 pm

  Purchased new and had banging transmission problem and stranded around 20K miles. After 2 weeks of Honda being unable to determine underlying cause of problem, the transmission was replaced with a rebuilt. I found it concerning that they had rebuilt transmissions already for this new model of transmission when it needed replaced. Second transmission made it twice as long and started having rough shifting problems. Replaced again at 60K miles just before end of warranty. Lucky due to timing, but unlucky with transmissions on this vehicle. Dont get a touring with the 6 speed because they dont know why this keeps happening. Otherwise, enjoy the vehicle.

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  13 Honda Accord Sport (6MT) - 2013 Honda Accord
  By flcarguy323 - August 3 - 4:20 am

  Ill give the skinny to anyone seriously interested in buying the Accord Sport (MT). Buy it. I drove an Altima and the 14 Mazda 6 and neither one compared. I did not get a chance to drive the CVT version of the Honda Sport (never considered getting a CVT auto), so I cannot honestly review that car. But the 6 speed manual rocks. Short throws, very light clutch, responsive throttle. A pure joy to drive. If youre looking for an affordable, fun car, you simply cant go wrong with the Accord Sport. Im partial to driving manuals, and am amazed at what a great deal it is. I got mine for $21,800, with a nice dealer installed package thrown in.