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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  Overall, I love it - 2015 Honda Fit
  By John Signorino - August 15 - 10:15 pm

  Im basing this review for what I paid for the car. For that, after having the car for over a year, Im still thrilled driving it. It handles very nicely and Im amazed how fast I can take some turns and the car just sticks and feels so in control. Great road feedback. The manual is so smooth and easy to shift. Acceleration is good enough for me not crazy fast at all but certainly easy enough to "gun it". What I love is the fun factor of driving it, the fantastic gas mileage, the room for things, the ease of parking and handling, the looks, the feel, the back up camera, the side camera, no bad blind spots, easy shifting, sun roof, pretty good sound system, keyless entry, low maintenance, rear wiper, hatch, lot of cup holders, and its a Honda. The front seats are too hard for long rides. I learned to put sit on a car cushion for that. But for average driving, the seats feel fine for me.

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  Disillusioned - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Michael F. Kelly - August 15 - 12:24 pm

  Most disappointed. At 50,000 problems with coil, not once, but twice before 64,000. Cracked spark plug in addition to front end problems. Perhaps Honda needs to keep manufacturing in Japan or stick to four cylinder engines.

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  Got Snow? Dont Buy Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By Mari - August 14 - 4:12 pm

  Yes the electronics console is fussy and not intuitive. Its way too easy to drive off the road while trying to find things on a tetchy touch screen. Its a lightweight on snow and ice. Youll need to buy studded tires for it. It was stuck at the end of a plowed driveway this winter (upstate ny), on a slight grade which had just been done in my 04 Toyota Corolla. It does get ok gasmileage, tho my Corolla still does better on highways (verified by tracking gas and mileage between fill ups, not going by the manufacturer). I think my biggest beef with this car is the ice build up behind the front wheels. It is soooo low to the ground that slush and ice accumulates over the joint of the front doors. When you open the doors, you have to first knock the chunk of snow off the wheel well, then crack chunk of ice over the joint as you open the door. I have had this 2015 fit since July 2014 and the drivers side door joint is already scratched from the ice. I see rust in its future. As for service, dont ever expect to spend less than two hours at the dealerships even just for an oil change. If there is a service recall, they will not release your car AND they will not tell you they are fixing it till the end. I will not buy another honda mostly because of what Ive detailed here. Also, good luck with car seats if you have more than one kid. It works but is TIGHT!

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  After 3000 miles all smiles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By brian kennedy - August 14 - 1:40 pm

  When I bought the CRV three months ago, forewarned by other reviewers about the vibration issue I test drove two CRVs. Neither CRV had the vibration and I chose the CRV that seemed to run better even though the color was my second choice. I live in rural hilly PA and consistently get 30+mpg. in the ECO mode. I traded in a good running 2011 Honda CRV EX AWD for this LX AWD. The LX is quicker, quieter , better handling and the seats are more comfortable. The 2015 is a better car and my 2011 was a good car. Test drive before you buy.

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  Warning.. Will Not Recommend this Car To Friends. - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Aimar - August 14 - 10:50 am

  No Water Temperature Gauge is on this car. It has the idiot lite instead. I tell my friends to stay away from this civic. In my opinion, a water temp. gauge is critical to being able to prevent problems before things get out of control. Example: When in stop and go traffic or on trips where there are lots of hills you want to be able to monitor if your engine water temp. is starting to go up ... Why? because if you have your air conditioner on, you will want to turn off your AC for a while so the temp. gauge does not go up and stress out your water hoses and engine. When this car gets to be a few years older and i put stress on my old water hoses because i cannot see What the temp. is, the car will be less reliable.

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  Another Honda - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Joseph Fabian - August 14 - 5:55 am

  Was torn between Civic LX & Mazda3. But, with only 2 Mazda dealers in state, I opted for Civic with 3 dealers in Town. Front seat side bolsters are very firm and I find them uncomfortable after a while of driving. Plan on putting seat covers on with seat bottom cushion to ease the pressure of these. ALSO, why does Honda have to put the roughest material they can find on the armrest? Its like sandpaper to my poor elbows. Its like this in my 2009 CRV also. Had to find covers for the armrest to make comfortable. It is definately not a luxury car. I was looking for the lowest price high gas mileage car that I could find that was still enjoyable to drive and the Civic LX fits the bill. Shifts Great (5 Speed Manual) and handling is sporty. Overall, Im very happy with the car, with Honda overall, and our closest dealer. Compared Civic with Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra & Versa.

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  My first SUV and I love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JulesKC - August 13 - 9:22 pm

  I looked at Mazda, Honda, and Toyota and the CRV was the overall best value. I was initially interested in the Honda HRV, but the lack of engine power turned me towards the CRV. I test drove the CRV and fell in love. I have read a few reviews mentioning CRV engine vibration, but I have not experienced this AT ALL. Smooth ride, the nicest interior out of the brands that I looked at, and awesome gas mileage!

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  From soup to nuts, it does it all. - 2007 Honda Element
  By Judy Eastham - August 13 - 5:40 pm

  The only thing Id change is the drink holders. They are hard to get to with the arm down. I love the cargo room with the seats folded up to the sides. I have brought a 50 gallon water heater home with my car and a new dishwasher. I wish they hadnt discontinued the Element I would buy a new one. My husband simply doesnt fit in other cars and I got this to ease his getting in and out. It provides him with the necessary head room. Hey Honda bring it back just like it is.

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  Transmission Failure - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Shannon - August 13 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car as my first car. It worked wonderfully, I loved it! Then two weeks later the transmission fails. Everywhere I read says this is a common problem with this year. I spent all my money I saved on this car, I dont have enough to buy a new transmission.

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  Constant Front brake issues - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Dman760 - August 13 - 11:43 am

  This vehicle has numerous front brake issues. The front rotors are too small for the vehicle so they overheat and warp about every 15,000 Miles. Honda will do nothing about it and they refuse to fix it for free. Other than this I love this van.