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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  An exceptional car - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Ricky C. Savage - November 21 - 11:45 pm

  This car produces exceptionally good fuel economy. I average about 50-54 mpg regardless of how I drive and I drive it most of the time in the 60-75 mph. My Insight is a 2001 that I bought in March 2012 when it had 16,095 miles on it. I bought it from a dealer who told me the older lady who owned it got ill shortly after she bought it and it sat in the garage for most of the time between 2001 and 2012. My mileage now (Nov 2015) was 75,926 at my last fill-up so I have put almost 60,000 on the car in the last 3 years and 8 months. I needed to replace the main battery shortly after I bought the car probably because it sat around for much of the 11 years the lady owned it. When I first bought it, the gas mileage ranged from a low of 47.7 to a high of 60.3 mpg. I would guess the average mileage was about 53-54 mpg. I calculated the gas mileage by keeping meticulous records of when I filled the gas tank and I compared the Insights mpg with that calculated by hand. The results were within 1 to 2 mpg of what I manually calculated so the readout gives a pretty honest record of the mpg actually achieved. The largest discrepancy was about 3 mpg but it did not happen very often (it happened about 3 times). The gas mileage was as low as 42.4 mpg on a hot day in July (when I use my a/c alot) and the average gas mileage now after all those miles is around 51 mpg. I do drive pretty fast now so that could be a factor because I generally drive 70-75 mph on the highways and I spend a lot of time on the highway. I have not had too much problem with my Insight and I really love this car. I take the Insight on long trips because I prefer better gas mileage with my Insight as compared to my Lincoln Town Car (although the Town Car is much more comfortable!).

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  Great truck - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sheila - November 20 - 9:28 pm

  Bought my ridgeline to replace my 2003 silverado. I was very pleased. The Ridgeline is far more comfortable for passengers. We take it in Long trips and the ride is comfy. Its a truck for all purpose - towing a boat, hauling kayaks -lots of tie off cleats in the bed, hauling stuff. Interior compartments are great for hiding valuables. Split Back seats lift and lock up for lots of interior stacking space or room for a big dog. Love the locking bed, mine has a retractable cover, love the full size trunk space. If there was one thing I wish I had was a backup sensor or camera. The higher back end (nice look and allows for trunk ) creates some visual obstruction. But dont let that stop you from buying. Its strong enough for a man, but made for a woman - thats me:-)

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Dave - November 19 - 12:49 pm

  What more is there to say? In virtually all respects, the car is fantastic.

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  2008 Honda Fit Sport 169k BULLETPROOF RELIABILITY - 2008 Honda Fit
  By taushamccarthy@yahoo.com - November 18 - 3:33 pm

  Seats are stiff - thats my only complaint. Like others have said, car is bulletproof reliable, has awesome cargo configurations, and no significant repairs. I have found the original tires to be meager - at best. I had to have them replaced at 40k miles. Brakes done twice, tires twice and thats it. Everything works on the car and the rear cargo seat configurations have been fantastic! I drive it like mad - cross country multiple times, which is when the stiff seats bug me. They dont bother me otherwise. The car is an economy car and mine is a manual, which gets me about 40mpg. I drive the automatic and felt like the manual got much better performance, but I also just like manuals. All my cars have been sticks - this one has a tight gearbox, which took some getting used to - but I have had no issues with the transmission (or anything for that matter). My gf has a 2009 with about the same mileage - its also a manual. Theres very little difference between them drive-wise. Sound is good and I love the USB. The rear seats fold flat or fold upright for better vertical space. I have been surprised what all I can fit into it. I have used it to move multiple times. It handles really well. Im finished with grad school now and feel like its time to trade up but I cant find anything that is as solid and fun to drive. All these newer cars seem to have issues OR get crappy gas mileage OR come with a huge monthly payment... so for now, Ill be keeping this one.

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  225,000 miles and still a beast - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lilbit Libra - November 17 - 10:26 pm

  I am writing this review because I have owned my Honda accord since 2003. I have done very little repairs over the 10+ years. Only replaced an O2 sensor. Its has been a godsend. Only had transmission problem because McGee tire put junk fluid. As soon as I put Honda trans fluid back in, zero problems. My car just hit 225,000 and just had to give her front end brakes, rotors, bearings, tie rods. All general maintenance. This car will last forever.Its death due us part so look for my 500k update.

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  Fast car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By CGuttuso - November 17 - 7:06 pm

  Not a family more than four vehicle

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  Headrest issue - solved - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By firew0rks - November 16 - 8:43 pm

  I also had issues with the head rest forcing my head awkwardly forward, I am 54. My husband simply turned it around. Problem solved.

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  No vibration here - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Natalie - November 15 - 7:51 pm

  Man, after reading all these reviews you would think that every single 2015 CRV has this vibration issue. I will say that my brand new Touring has a SLIGHT vibration at idle (usually around 700rpm), almost like a purring cat, but it doesnt bother me at all. Ive got about 1200 miles so far and it is unchanged since I bought it new at the dealer. There is zero vibration during driving even at highway speeds of 70-85mph. This is my 5th Honda and I am still incredibly pleased about my purchase. Between safety features, aesthetics, quality of the interior, and especially the fuel efficiency I see myself keeping this car for a very long time. Compared to my other Hondas this car does idle more roughly, and louder than my other vehicles, but I understand that is a result of the CVT and again, it doesnt bother me. Perhaps I just got lucky, or perhaps those with bad vehicles are a very vocal minority. I have no idea as I bought one of the last available 2015 models at the dealership before the 2016s started rolling in. My only complaint is that the US version of this car does not offer a rain-sensing windshield wiper. Its available in Canada, and when I purchased the Touring I assumed it was an included feature, but it is not. How is it that a top of the line car with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and a blind spot camera doesnt have rain-sensing wipers as an option? Honda dropped the ball on that one.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By David Turbyfill - November 15 - 6:48 pm

  Traded in outback. Better acceleration, almost as good MPG, much more comfortable, better handling, better looking. I was in market for new outback or forester. The crosstour is far better in my opinion and I am a huge Subaru fan -- I still own one. It has become the family choice of transportation over Acura RDX and Subaru Crosstrek. Only knock is rear window view.

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  Hondas Are Wonderful - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Suzan Rollins - November 14 - 6:26 pm