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:

• 

  Will Buy Another - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris Hrenko - March 31 - 3:38 pm

  My 06 was a demo that I purchased with 2,800 miles on it--9 years later I have over 190,000 miles and it is still strong. I dont need to tow more than 3,500 lbs and do 80% highway driving, but it has handled the Colorado high country without breaking a sweat during my hunting trips also. Having driven many Lariat diesels and the like for work and play, the Ridgeline is the best that I have ever driven in term of reliability and value for the money. As a light- to medium-duty truck, you cant beat it.

• 

  Also having the vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - March 31 - 2:16 pm

  At idle, with my foot on the brake, there is noticeable vibration from the steering wheel and the drivers seat. In motion, when engine rpms are a constant 1500 or lower, the engine has a lugging feel and droning sound. No lugging or droning while braking or accelerating (except when accelerating very hard). My wife, kind to all moving creatures, says dont worry about it--just be grateful for the free back massage. An old-school guy like me, however, hungers for a smooth transmission and engine combo.

• 

  my time not having to buy a used car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By dean40 - March 31 - 11:48 am

  This is the first time i have bought a new car in my 25 years of driving and i like it a lot. The car has a solid feel and i look forward to the reliability and low cost maintenance i have experienced with previous Hondas. I chose the civic coupe ex auto for my 30 mile work commute, so far the best combined fuel mileage is 33mgp. I am sure this will get better as traffic eases up during the summer here in az.

• 

  good ride - 2009 Honda Civic
  By adel6 - March 31 - 8:38 am

  I have owned a 2009 Honda from repokar auto auction. Overall, good ride. Great for a larger family or for when the grandparents want to take all the kids to the zoo! Comfortable ride and roomy. I like it))

• 

  I love this car - 2015 Honda Accord
  By dac033 - March 28 - 8:22 pm

  I just bought this car- is everything I was hoping for. Rides smooth - has plenty of power - is easy to drive - plenty comfortable - no real complants

• 

  700,000 and still going 1 engine change - 1991 Honda Accord
  By J Emerson McGowan - March 27 - 7:53 am

  bought new in 91. Have had some issues over the years. Got away from the dealer repair charges... was killing me. Could not walk in there without dropping $600 min. Have found 2 good mechanics who keep it running. Interior getting a bit raggedy but, it keeps running. 3rd clutch but they lasted about 300k each. Some rust out around rear wheel wells and bottom of back door. I got no car note and I am happy. Just cant part with a car that keeps running. Probably bought a cheap bmw for the money I have put in it over the years. But, scumbag mechanics in the past have not helped. Now, thank god I have 2 great guys that fix my shorty and it keeps going. Need to fix the heater core now and the dash

• 

  Not Impressed with my 2011 accord - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Tyler Crisp - March 26 - 3:01 am

  (1)After driving the car for about 5k miles the screen in the dash started to flash "tighten fuel cap" the fuel cap was on, i took my car to honda and they said nothing was wrong.(2)The steering wheel shakes, not extremely bad but enough to raise a flag, honda said nothing was wrong though.(3) There is a problem with the lock also. Sometimes they will not lock after exiting the car, and ill have to lock all of them manually(not a big deal but not expected for a 2011 vehicle especially a honda) Sometimes they will not unlock with the remote. I havent even bothered to take the car to honda to see what the problem is.(4)I had to replace the battery at 37k miles for some reason.

• 

  Test drive is not enough - 2015 Honda Fit
  By newfit - March 25 - 4:36 pm

  After seeing all the glowing specs on this car, I did TWO twenty min test drives. It seemed comfortable enough for a subcompact and fun to drive.. Only 100 miles on it and it is wicked on my old back. This feature seems to be buried in the reviews like edmonds and Kelly Blue book. I have a 5 hour drive up coming, and I am really really fearful. Now what? Can my budget really take trading in a car thats only 2 weeks old. No more Hondas for me I think.

• 

  I like it better every day - 2014 Honda Accord
  By danwallaceorg - March 25 - 8:06 am

  I purchased my black Accord Sport as a "leftover" 2014 in October of 2014. As of late March 2015, I have driven the car for 13,100 miles. The Accord Sport is very, very comfortable to drive. (I am 6, 220 lbs.) The back seat is giant for its class. The active sound cancelling works quite well -- reducing fatigue on my long trips. I have never reset the trip "B" fuel mileage calculation. Before winter, the overall average was at 34.3 mpg. Currently, after a very cold winter it reads 30.8 mpg. 95% of my driving is mixed urban. One strange thing, which my son also noticed, the highway fuel mileage is 3-4 mpg lower WITH cruise control than without - even in ECO mode.

• 

  Foul trash/garbage odor in cabin - 2015 Honda Civic
  By msteel15 - March 24 - 4:14 pm

  I purchased a new 2015 Honda Civic in Dec 2014. Brought it home + parked it in the garage + the next day it had a foul trash/garbage smell in the cabin. My dealership recommended leaving the windows open to air it out. Its a new car - why should I have to air it out? Took it into the dealership, where they left my car + another new civic in the garage overnight. They agreed that BOTH cars had an odor. They detailed the car to cover the smell, but it didnt help. I brought it back so the Honda representative could take a look -he said it was fine. I called Honda customer service-their stand was nothing needed to be replaced, so it basically wasnt their problem. Very disappointed with Honda.