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:

• 

  Have driven for almost two years now. - 2014 Honda Civic
  By landonj09 - October 18 - 1:09 am

  Ive put about 21,000 miles on her and Im averaging 30-32 mpg with a lot of city driving. Nice car, I love how fuel efficient and reliable it is. Also the coupe is a very sporty stylish little car. The rims especially stand out. The EX and up come with some really nice features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, a backup and right-side camera, touchscreen info/entertainment, a separate driver info screen, etc. The driving dynamics are good once you get up to speed. The steering is nice and responsive and the braking is excellent. Unfortunately, the acceleration is underwhelming, especially on busy freeways. For the coupe the headroom is pretty bad. Im 58" and the front is fine but my head touches the ceiling in the back. Anyone taller than 62" would not have enough headroom in the front.

• 

  Family Heirloom - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Val J. - October 17 - 10:30 pm

  This was my third of 5 Hondas and is my favorite. It outlasted my 2002 Civic. I drove it for almost 200k before buying the 2002 and handed it over to a friend who needed a loaner... for 2 years, then again for a year, then to my niece and her boyfriend for a few months, and now it is going to be my daughters car at over 250k miles. It still gets 40mpg with mixed hwy and mountain driving, no engine issues, and two clutches. No rust, no alignment issues. Its fast, smooth, comfortable, and makes a good pickup truck. We will have it until it dies.

• 

  Love the Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By doglvr - October 17 - 9:43 pm

  VERY happy with car. Stereo is great, much better than I expected. Comfy supportive seat, nice instrumentation (blue is easier on eyes than red that many cars have now IMO), good smaller car for dogs. Smaller car than Im used to, pep is ok but Im more cautious driving in a smaller car. I expect a 10 for reliability but obviously havent had it long enough to gauge, no worries there. Great job Honda! I dont feel bad not having a prius now. : )

• 

  Very impressed ! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dbarnett - October 17 - 7:30 pm

  The 2006 EX-L RES/NAV Odyssey is one of the best things that our family purchased. I looked at the Toyota and would have purchased it, but the comparibly equipped Sienna came in about $2500 higher than the Odyssey. I purchased a 7 year 120k extended warranty online at an excellent price because of all the electronic gizmos that the Odyssey offers. Only time will tell on reliability. Mileage has been 16-18 in the city with 22-23 on the highway. That is with four family members and a load of stuff to support to small kids.

• 

  The Edsel of Hondas!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By marymack - October 17 - 2:40 am

  Worst Accord Design Ever! And this engine is going in the 2009 Pilot??? Ive owned six previous Accords and LOVED them all. Ive have a 2008 Accord V6 EX with the infamous VCM engine. After multiple trips back to the dealer and various "fixes" (wheel balance, turned rotors, computer upgrade), the ride in this car is torture. The drivers seat redesign gives me a back/head ache after only a 10 mile highway drive to work. The VCM engine causes constant, violent shifts, shimmy and vibrations. So glad that I found this forum because the 2008 Accord V6 VCM engine is Hondas best kept, dirty little secret. Lets spread the word and force Honda to acknowledge this engine design nightmare.

• 

  My Honda Fits Fine! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Hooked on Honda - October 16 - 11:41 pm

  Began my love relationship with Fit in May 09. Many years with VWs, but Fit feels more spacious. Easy driving. Small enough to fit anywhere. Designed sharp enough to be noticed. Never want to be without a GPS again so much fun to enjoy the scenery rather than having to remember landmarks. Loads of space and places to put drinks, eyeglasses, etc. Wide windshield and extra side windows feels like being in a tour bus. Great visibility. Road ride is fine no worse than any other cars. GREAT gas mileage! The flexibility of the seats is a HUGE plus. Sadly I was totaled last week. Entire front end gone, but not me or my cat. Air bag worked. Nothing penetrated the cabin! Looking for a new Fit.

• 

  Best car with great price - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Deepak Mooga - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  This is Car is 2016 North American Car of the Year. so what can i say. nice touch panel, sunroof with nice audio system and excellent safety features.

• 

  The perfect surf vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By bryan - October 16 - 7:10 pm

  While the element certainly is not for everyone, the decidedly non-SUV/minivan shape and the waterproof interior make it the perfect car to take to the beach with your surfboards strapped on. Not only is the floor made of rubber, but the seats are made of a waterproof material. Upon returning home, just open the doors, hose out the sand and let it drip dry.The 2WD EX 5-speed has excellent acceleration and plenty of power in all gears. Fuel consumption is OK.100s of satellite radio channels and a way-above-par radio for a honda product make choosing the EX trim line a no-brainer.In short, you certainly wont see (nor expect to) five kids in soccer uniforms come pouring out.

• 

  Hybrid tech at a fair Price - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - October 16 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the ex at the local dealer, I was impressed with the vehicle and the packaging of the EX model. This vehicle has a nice ride and is made to save money on gas. You must realize that this vehicle is not a sports car. It performs as it was design to. I traded in my 08 CRV and bought the Insight EX. The insight teaches you how to get the most mileage out the vehicle by changing your driving habits.

• 

  Hondas Best - 1996 Honda Civic
  By cvilla - October 16 - 2:38 pm

  I love this car! I bought it in 1999 used with over 60K miles. People laughed and thought I got ripped off! $8000 for a car with high mileage then. The years of gas at $3.75 came and those same people could not afford to go to the beach like I could because their BIG trucks used too much gas. Now 2009, the car has 221000 miles and still shows no signs of quitting. I didnt do all those scheduled maintenance. I havent even changed the timing chain/belt. Just oil/ air filters, breaks and fluids! Oh and I had to replace CV boots. Thats all. BEST car Ive owned, and Ive owned plenty. Audi,BMW, Mustang, Chevys, VW, Renault, Bronco etc. Honda could take a lesson from its past and redo it!