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:

• 

  Best car ever made! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Stinky - August 25 - 7:45 am

  Got 60K miles on it, never done anything but change the oil. Has never missed a beat, everything still works perfectly, no rattles or problems ever. I cannot imagine a better car.

• 

  Poor Tranny - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By JR - August 25 - 3:47 am

  Have had nothing but problems with the transmission.

• 

  2005 Honda CR-V LX (AWD) - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kyhonda - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  Happy with our purchase. Positives include safety features, solid build feel and handling, good ground clearance, roomy interior design. Ride is noiser, stiffer and bouncier than I realized in test drive. Mostly on highway getting 22-23 mpg. Passenger room and cargo room is ample. No deal breaking negatives, but Honda could make a good SUV great by addressing these problems: Reduce the road noise, shifter on dash is easily bumped into neutral reaching for radio, let the drivers seat slide back further, better cloth and interior color choice (black shows every bit of dirt). Stereo is not very good and hard to hear over road noise.

• 

  Somewhat disappointed - 2017 Honda Fit
  By Murph - August 24 - 9:56 pm

  Everywhere I have been reading about the wonderful MPG and it was MAIN reason I purchased this car, well since buying in Feb. 2017 been having terrible MPG averaging around 26 combined and 30 if I am lucky on highway. Dealer has worked on car two times, first time found the specs were off and had to fix gave car back and still the same, next time they found issues with fuel injectors so had to replace, gave the care back, same problem. Now they dont know what to do, they suggested it was how I drove the car, yeah right, my friend took for a couple of days and she had the same MPG as I did. Had to call Honda Corp and they are working with dealer to find the issues, have to take car back again. This is my 4th Honda, all others were great, this one not so much and am very disappointed and frustrated with the whole thing! I am hoping they can fix issue, or either replace the car all together or give me full refund, it will fall under lemon law soon. I really want the car so I am hoping something can be worked out. But wanted others to know just in case anyone else is having the same issue.

• 

  40 MPG and a Hoot to Drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By skshrews - August 24 - 9:03 pm

  I bought the base, manual model because Im cheap, and I love to drive manual transmissions. I had good luck with my 2002 Honda Civic, but wanted the versatility of a 5 door. Its a hoot to drive, light steering, clutch. 40 MPG highway Fantastic seat maneuverability makes space behind driver usable in many different ways. Build quality is excellent. Surprisingly quiet for a small car with high revving engine.

• 

  Technical/mechanical failiures - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Andres - August 24 - 7:09 pm

  I bought this car because I was told Honda was a good brand and cars were durable and also the Honda civic 2007 has a very nice look. However, Just ONE WEEK after buying the car, the radio system started to mute itself very often, so I took it to the dealer and had to leave the car for two days there. THE RADIO SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. One year after, the car was hard to start in the morning and I took to the dealer at bayridge to change the oil and also to check this "little issue" and they had to replace the battery! Last week I took the car to the dealer again because it was shaking so bad when going up on a little hill and @ 1500 RPM. Guess what? The transmission had to be replaced!!!

• 

  Like McDonalds --- "Im Lovin It" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Denny - August 24 - 5:56 pm

  Bought one week ago. Only the 2nd new car I have purchased in 40 years of driving and I have no regrets. Had it on the PA Turnpike this past weekend, getting almost 38 MPG...not bad for having less than 800 total miles on it. City driving looks like it will average about 30 MPG. Both these are better than EPA, but if you check out Truedelta or Fuelly websites, some people are making wild claims that make it sound like its a super-hybrid...look at site results and figure to be in the middle of the charts. Lots of debate over MT vs AT. I bought the AT with the paddle shifters, which are kind of a novelty but fun and efficient to use. Its not a race car, but has plenty of zip and fun to drive.

• 

  Bought With A Purpose - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Lotsofkids - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  I got a great price by shopping on- line. I bought the Honda Fit because I took a new job that has a commute of 200 miles per day. The commute is mostly highway and I average 36 MPG when adhering to the posted speed limit. When I go with the flow of traffic, I average 30 MPG. Responsive steering, smooth ride for a small car, interior roominess, a (standard) good sound system., great gas mileage and overall reliability are the reasons I bought this car. The only negative is the unimpressive paddle shifters on the steering wheel which can be accidentally activated with an errant finger movement, and they are functionally limited. They should remove them for their 2008 model.

• 

  Love this van! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TMCMT - August 24 - 12:18 pm

  We bought this car for our 2 kids & 2 large dogs. It has fit everyone and everything (e.g. drywall, twin mattresses.) Weve kept it maintained with oil changes, brakes, 1 new battery, and tires every 60K miles. The only issue was a fuel pump replacement, but was under warranty. We drive 22K mpy and have 120K miles and I plan to keep it for another 100K. Our previous car was a Ford Exploder. DO NOT PLACE GOODYEAR TIRES on this car. Stay with the regular Michelin for a smoother more fuel efficient ride. Added rear view circle mirrors for viewing blind spots. Minor paint chipping, molding deteriorating and plastic covers/hooks breaking but expected with age, wear and tear. Id buy another Honda.

• 

  Great economy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By yolie - August 24 - 11:03 am

  I travel 80 miles a day to work and this car gets very good gas mileage of 40 to 48 mpg. I am also able to use the car pool lane which is great advantage and time saver.