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:

• 

  Stay AWAY! A/C and air bag problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By po1968 - June 7 - 3:57 pm

  After owning a number of Hondas due to their reliability, I finally have a bad one, and it looks like others have the same issue. The A/C compressor went belly up and its expensive to fix. There was a lawsuit about it, but too late to join [HTML removed.} I also have continued problems with side airbags where I get a message saying that they are turned off. Its been fixed twice and still it comes back. I dont think Im willing to pay the premium for owning a Honda any longer when other car companies are improving their reliability and cost less.

• 

  instrument display problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By american - June 7 - 10:10 am

  Picked up my ex-l on Monday,everything was as good as Honda advertized, EXCEPT for the instrument display daytime brightness.the dealer salesman and their tech played around for an hour or more trying to adjust it.They called Honda corporate tech support who says it is set at the factory and can not be adjusted any better.im not a happy camper spending a lot of money on a faulty display.I called the Honda customer service who took note of the problem. I think Ill have to keep after them to see if anything can be improved.

• 

  Horrible milage - 2013 Honda Accord
  By np070209 - June 2 - 10:18 am

  The car itself is a fun car to drive. Looks and drives great. My complaint is that it come nowhere close to the mileage they claim in the city, at least not yet. Honda claims you should receive about 20 MPG in the city. These calculations are also based without the Econ button you can use which also, is supposed to increase mileage. My first tank of gas I got around 13.4 MPG, this was mostly city driving. Of coarse I called the dealer and I was told the car needed to be broke in, the computer needed to learn my driving habits. This would take 5000 miles for the car to be broke in and learn my habits. so far, not even close to claimed mileage. Look forward to buying another Infiniti.

• 

  Glad I selected the Sport model - 2013 Honda Accord
  By mxi81 - May 31 - 1:15 pm

  I purchased my first Honda after trading in my 2003 Mazda6s and so far I have been pleased. It lacks the performance of my old V6 mazda, but still performs well overall. The mpg has been around 30 combined on 50/50 mixed highway/local driving. I tested the Altima, Accord, & Fusion and ultimately the Accord won for the value and what Im hoping will be long term reliability. The interior is nice and spacious, though the front headrests are a little uncomfortable unless you position the seat appropriately. I havent noticed wind noise with my vehicle as other reviews stated, so maybe it is not present on the Sport models. Take a hwy test drive if you can to test for the problem.

• 

  Decent Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By dendo1 - May 29 - 11:52 pm

  Ive owned for 13 months have driven it 23,000 miles. Gas mileage is awesome, usually 35-37. Visibility is pretty good. Stereo sounds like a more expensive car. I like the funky dash also. The car rides fairly well for a small car but you do feel some bumps. Is very light, which isnt so good in the snow or on windy days. Build quality isnt bad overall. My biggest gripe is that Honda apparently leaves out desirable features to keep costs down. My car has only two cup holders and I cant adjust the intermittent wipers. It appears to be a good choice, but the competition probably gives you more features at a lower price.

• 

  Honda Civic Sedan EX-L w/Nav - 2013 Honda Civic
  By maringa - May 20 - 1:09 pm

  Bought this car last week. Previous owner of a 2002 Honda Civic EX. Initially struggled with the thought of buying another Civic. Was hesitant until I went to dealership and sat inside, and test drove. What a difference 11 years makes! Did get all of the bells and whistles (Nav). There is no comparison between this car and my 2002 model (not that it was bad - served me well for 11 years). Drives much quieter and smoother. Highway gas mileage much nicer (41-42 mpg vs. 33 on my older unit). In town mileage about 2 mpg better (33 mpg vs 31 mpg). Decent stereo..great Nav system!

• 

  Excellent car but overhyped with Honda quality - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ahtoh1 - May 19 - 11:41 am

  Excellent car. I got is second hand in pritty good shape. A/C took $800 from me in repairs. Few other repairs that are normal for older car. Drives very good, fuel economy is excellent for old car. If you get one in good shape and the right price, it defenetely worth it.

• 

  Great Vehicle for What it Is - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mstrongin - May 18 - 6:56 pm

  Had purchased the sports wagon I had always wanted about 18 months ago - a 2012 Audi A4 quattro turbo Avant. Loved the way that car looked and drove. But a few months ago I had back surgery and getting in and out of the Audi became problematic. Between back issues and not getting any younger (57) I started looking at small SUVs that had to meet certain criteria: wouldnt cost me anything after sale/trade in of my Audi very comfortable seating regular fuel and good mileage lots of technology high reliability. The CRV has all that. Its not great looking and nowhere near as much fun to drive as the Audi, but what it does well it does really well.

• 

  Overall, a happy owner...minus a few complaints. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kruizer - May 14 - 8:57 am

  We purchased our 2012 Civic LX Sedan in Dec. 2011 as a commuter car and have put about 17K miles on it. Like most have mentioned, the road noise is present and the sound system is not up to par. My biggest complaint is the shifter/transmission (auto) tends to vibrate while accelerating quickly. Pulling out in traffic can be a bit dangerous too, if you forget the ECON button is on. That being said, overall, my wife and I are very satisfied with our Civic. The legroom is plentiful for this size car. The fuel economy is great (~32 in City). And the displays are very easily read.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By co3945 - May 12 - 7:16 pm

  I have had my Fit Sport 5MT for over 3 months and I am very pleased with the car. I purchased it to take over daily driver duties from my BMW 330Ci. I wanted a car that is fun to drive, inexpensive to operate, and high on practicality, and so far the Fit delivers on all counts. The cargo area is very capacious, and the Fit was able to carry 4 new boxed 16" aftermarket wheels behind the back seats. I am also able to fit my road bike in the back using a fork-mount rack. I only need to fold one seat and I do not need to drop the seat on my bike to load it back there (I am 510" and ride a 56cm frame). Seating in the back is fine with ample head and leg room considering the size of the car.