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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  Good Luck with my Honda Civic! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Beth - March 2 - 9:45 am

  I have had really good luck with my 1994 Honda Civic DX. It has 178,000 miles on it. About 3 yrs ago, a lot of things went wrong with it at the same time. But they were all things that if I had kept on top of them, they probably wouldnt have gone wrong like they did. I have been extremely happy with my car, and even today, I get about 32 mpg. The main thing I would gripe about is that I am about to put in the 2nd compressor for my A/C.

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  We like it - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Ron - March 2 - 5:46 am

  My wife and I own a nice Sienna, but she was driving it over 30,000 miles a year, mostly on short errands. A ridiculous amount of wear on an expensive car and one that burns lots of gas. I bought the Fit so the Sienna would last until my kids are grown. Originally feared my wife would not take to the Fit, but both she and I like it and it now gets almost all the local miles. We drive the Sienna on trips and to church weekly to keep the engine cleaned out. The Sienna is a nicer ride, but for local trips the Fit is not only acceptable, it is much easier to park.

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  Good Choice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Houston Commuter - March 1 - 5:00 am

  I traded a 2003 Honda Pilot for a 2006 Ridgeline because the Pilot was getting worn out and torn up using it as a pickup. Hardly knew the difference with the Ridgeline as the ride and performance feel like the same vehicle. Performance is good, and love the new features. Oil is monitored by an onboard diagnostic unit that allows you to go further between changes. I get about 7000 miles before the light comes on, so no more 3000 miles/3 months. Only problem have experienced is the interior driver door handle linkage broke, covered under warranty. 17-19 MPG as a Houston commuter. Dont plan on using it to move or carry a king size mattress, the 5 bed is small, but big enough for me!

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  Design Defects Cost Owners Money! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Cliff A - March 1 - 1:50 am

  Love the car - or DID, until the repairs started coming up. Fog Lights have zero protection - BOTH were broken by stones at 15k miles, at $180 EACH to replace. At 22,685 miles, Im stuck with a $900 A/C condenser replacement, caused by "road debris," not covered under warranty. A little Internet research shows this is a very common problem caused by defective design - huge holes in the lower grille allow large stones or debris to pass through, and the low clearance makes the condenser extremely vulnerable to damage. Honda should issue a recall to deal with the problem. Instead, they deny there is a problem, sticking their customers with the expense. Unfortunate - my last Honda.

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  Drive one first - 2005 Honda Element
  By bille - February 28 - 12:22 pm

  I enjoy this trucklet. I had to replace the driver armrest with a larger one offered by Honda. I am a big guy and love the room. The big point for me was that I was able to get a manual tranmission. The AWD is the best. Room behind the back seats for the dog. Love XM radio. And super easy to clean and keep clean. I put a new chrome grill on it and that helped the ugly of the snout. All this and a place to sit when we tail gate. " a real tail gate" Check out this special SUV.

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  Nice but... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Gabriela - February 27 - 3:40 am

  It handles great although it takes time to get used to. Looks nice inside and outside, but the plastic inside is very cheap and has a weird smell even after 6 months.The MPG varies: highway between 38-42 MPG based on speed and driving style, but in the city is just 24-25 MPG without air conditioner which is less than expected. Another con is the the road noise because of the tires and lack of insulating materials. A great feature is steering wheel mounted audio control and cruise control. I forgot the ceiling light on, so the next day my battery died; this car should have an alarm to let you know about the problem or to shut down itself as in my husbands 1999 Volkswagen Golf. So be aware.

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  What A Little Gem! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Tim - February 26 - 9:49 am

  I originally bought this car, new, partially for its technology and partially because I have always preferred smaller cars. My test ride was more than I expected and I was especially surprised at its sportiness and very good excelleration. Other than normal oil changes, filters, I have had zero problems and just a great experience with this little gem for the past four years. I have taken several long trips (more than 1000 miles) and was not only very comfortable but averaged over 80 MPG, and my speed was over 70 MPH-usually 80 MPH. I enjoy passing by a huge gas guzzling SUV and just smile with a grin that says whos the dumb irresponsible consumer now?

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  EX-L w/ Navi - 2017 Honda Civic
  By David B - February 26 - 6:55 am

  Why anyone would spring for the sport or sport touring version of this hatch for an extra 6 horses is beyond me as youre signing up for having to purchase premium fuel for the life of your ownership, as well as getting inferior fuel economy. You cant even feel the modest increase. Yeah, the exhaust setup looks nice but imo its too aggressive looking - save that for the type R or Si. Anyway - overall very happy with purchase - fuel economy in mixed driving hitting a little under what its rated for - Im hoping that changes. Not a huge fan of the honeycomb faux vents on the rear bumper but I bought black so they blend in better than other colors. I love the overall design of this hatch, and although typically prefer a good M/T over an automatic, Im pretty impressed by the CVT on this car.

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  I dig my HX - 1998 Honda Civic
  By belrod - February 25 - 1:33 pm

  Im the proud 2nd owner of a manual HX, and, overall, Ive been very satisfied with the car. With about 65,000 miles on it, this car sees mostly urban roads (especially the Capital Beltway), and is mainly used for shorts trips and commutes. This daily wear and tear has started to affect the starter and clutch a little bit (which hesitate or slip occasionally), but the car is still very reliable. Ive only had one major issue with it: the muffler rusted and fell off at about 57,500 miles. Otherwise, shes running strong and still looks great. And, except for newer diesels or hybrids, you cant beat the MPG. Recommended for anyone shopping for the ideal commuter car.

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  Almost ideal minivan falls short on driver comfort - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By William Picard - February 25 - 10:56 am

  After about a month of daily use, I have only two complaints about the 2016 Odyssey EX. First, there is very little legroom for the drivers left leg. Because of the front cabin shape and wheel well placement, its impossible to stretch out the left leg while driving. Im comparing this to my previous car, a Honda Accord; I havent driven any other minivans, so I dont know whether the Toyota Sienna, for instance, is more comfortable for the driver. This may sound minor, but its making me dread my upcoming cross-country move, during which my leg will be bent at an unpleasant angle for 9+ hours each day. The second complaint is about the entertainment/information panels. My last car was a 1998, so I cant compare this to its modern peers, but the all-digital interface makes me pine for the days of physical knobs controlling simple things like balance and tone. I cant navigate through multiple menu screens while driving, just to control the bass or the balance. And overall, I find the computer controls to be un-intuitive.