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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  Wouldnt trade it for the world. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Kusterer - March 14 - 8:50 am

  I bought my Civic back in 2005 with roughly 55,000 miles on it. It currently has 165,000 miles. Up until 150,000 there were rarely any problems aside from the general maintenance and the airbag/seatbelt recalls. Around 150,000 I had to change the driver side CV axle assembly as the boots were leaking lubricant. The worst thing about the interior is that the headliner is drooping which started about four years ago. The car is currently running well and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles.

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  First time minivan owner - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Russell Seward - March 13 - 11:19 am

  Im new to minivans, and very happy with my purchase of a 2015 Honda Odyssey EX. It handles like a car, but can seat 8 passengers comfortably (6 with plenty of room to spread out), and still plenty of cargo space. It has a very quite cabin, feels solid and well refined. It includes some nice tech (most new cars do) and is sportier than other minivans. I chose the EX because I dont care for leather (its no fun after baking in the hot Texas sun). My biggest grip is some of the features I would like (power lift gate, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning) are only available with leather. I Also think the interior is a little "cheap" feeling compared the the Toyota Sienna LE.

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  Ours has had flawless reliability - 2015 Honda Fit
  By nau - March 12 - 12:19 pm

  The Fit has been what we expected. We have had absolutely no reliability issues so far. Our blue EX-L was built in July, 2014 and we purchased it in August, 2014. It now has over 13,000 miles on it, and all weve done is change the oil.

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  Windshield - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Becky Haley Wilson - March 12 - 10:14 am

  Love my 2012 Pilot I traded in a 2007 Pilot and love it also. The only problem I have is that in the 3 months that Ive owned it, I have 4 chips in my windshield. I didnt have one on the 2007 windshield. Driving the same roads at the same speeds. Is this due to the way the windshield slope or lack there of? Just curious if anyone else has this problem.

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  Excellent commuter car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By cme4brain1 - March 12 - 7:01 am

  I needed a commuter car and did lots of internet research, and it came down to the Mazda3 or this Honda, but the Toyota corolla would have been a fine choice as well. The mazda3 had better mileage and was a sportier driver, but the seats were hard and uncomfortable for me putting my thick wallet in my hip pocket. The Honda seats are way more comfortable and the ride is a tad softer. It is a well made car with great fit and finish, moreso than I would expect (last econobox I bought was 15 years ago).

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  Long Term Review of 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By asuchemist - March 11 - 1:02 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd is nearing 110K miles. Paid $17K brand new in 2008. The vehicle is a no thrill people mover. Interior material is average for the time and holding up. Oil and Transmission fluid changes are easy. Oil change interval 5K miles and transmission change intervals done every 15K miles. After a couple of years the interior has developed a rattle and at stops in drive the motor has some vibration (motor mount design). The CRV has enough power for on freeway acceleration. Kept everything standard, no upgrades. Normal things I have done: -Front and rear brakes (finally after 100K miles on them) -New rotors -New Shocks and struts (front back)

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  Unfit Fit. Done with Honda brand. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By mazdafun - March 10 - 10:02 pm

  HVAC issues since I bought it in mid-June 2014. Dealer couldnt fix it after 3 attempts and continued musty, moldy emissions cause severe health symptoms, so I have filed a Lemon Law claim through Hondas arbitrator. Front seats are the worst Ive had in a vehicle. Sit in them for at least 40-45 minutes to confirm they work for you. My test drives were too short to make this apparent. The pain kind of sneaks up on you. The positives (which are many) dont outweigh the horrible mold allergy symptoms Ive had. American Honda has been unresponsive and the dealer has been barely supportive.

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  Blue tooth/home link - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By sharynk - March 10 - 8:48 pm

  I hate the hands free. So far the car has been evaluated and 2 microphones replaced, 1 blue tooth, speakers. I still have garbled voices on both ends. When connecting the noise is also garbled. I called the service department from my car and I was asked to call back on a land line. What is wrong with this? I realize this is not necessarily the service departments techs as they need to follow proticall but but but. I cant be the only car with this problem. I know Im not. Hope I can get this resolved. I have had a few honda pilots and I now am very unhappy,

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  Love my Honda accord 08 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Luis Gerardo Cervantes - March 9 - 9:05 pm

  I dont have any problems with this accord love the way it drives have Hondas since I was 16 years old now Im 32 and keep buying Honda and Acura Im in love wit) this cars

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  Absolutely awful. There are better choices - 2015 Honda Fit
  By festiboi2 - March 8 - 5:47 pm

  Bought a brand new Fit because it made an excellent showroom impression the magic seats, cargo flexibility, and lots of standard features on the base model. But owning this car is a nightmare Reliability woes have haunted this car from the beginning mostly odd trim and electrical issues, including exterior trim breaking and taillights filling with water Its not the most refined subcompact other offerings have more power, better sorted manual transmissions, and are quieter. For city life, it is perfect. Its easy to park, economical, and can haul loads of gear. Honda just started building the Fit at an all-new plant in Mexico and some of the quality issues are showing.