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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  7k miles then problem starts - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ned20 - January 30 - 12:21 pm

  Bought the new crv 2014 lx model July of 2014. Just this winter when temperature drops 40 f below, grinding sound from the engine will shoot up for 5 to 8 seconds ( first start in the morning. Took it to the dealer and change the vtc actuator. Scared that it will sound again because a lot of crv owners experienced the sound over again even though they changed the part several times. They should do a recall for this.

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  Fun car, but buyer beware - 2015 Honda Fit
  By hondaowner34 - January 28 - 12:07 pm

  I have owned my new Fit for about 6 months. Overall I love the car. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, is easy to park in tight places, and looks great. However, Ive been having a major problem with paint chipping. I consider my daily driving to be less than average in pretty average conditions, and yet my car has sustained considerable paint damage. My 10+ yr. old Toyota never had this problem, and I think it reflects poor paint quality on the part of Honda. Dealership and Honda Customer Service dont consider this a "warrantable" problem, so I guess this is supposed to be acceptable for a brand new car.

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  Rickys 2015 Honda Fit =) - 2015 Honda Fit
  By sparkndutch - January 27 - 1:08 am

  I just traded in my 2013 Honda Fit Sport, IM SO GLAD I DID!!! Anyone with an older Fit thats been thinking about trading it in for the new one... DO SO! I went ahead and bought the fully loaded trim level to which Im very happy about. It certainly does not feel like a cheap subcompact car at all, I own several Lexus and a 2013 Accord Sport and this Fit is my favorite car to drive now. I would suggest everyone whos negotiationing for a price to use the "Edmunds Price Promise" I was able to use this at the dealership and in fact got way below invoice price since I used College and Military discount. So before taxes I bought it for $19.4k at Galpin Honda in Los Angeles, CA.

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  This car is literally bullet proof - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mikey281 - January 26 - 9:52 pm

  My mother bought this car new and Ive had it for the past 3 years and 50k miles (190k total now). It has handled everything I could throw at it. Last summer we took it through 4000 miles of mexico and all the bumps and pot holes that that entailed. I even drove it through a river that washed out my road. It has only had standard maintenance done to it (fluids, timing belt tires) and a few other parts to replace some damage i caused when I went off the road (ball joint, new wheel) Someone even shot a gun into the hood and the support brace stopped the bullet so no damage was done to the engine! Hows that for bullet proof!

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  This Accord is better than me - 2014 Honda Accord
  By glastonbury - January 24 - 11:50 am

  I rent all makes and models of cars for work (I travel quite a bit). I dont work for, or have any affiliation, with any car brand. I can say the Accord (I have a 2014 EXL) was my favorite in the mid-size lot on build quality, engine design, ride, and comfort. Its as if Honda knows this is a big seller car, and so puts in even a little extra engineering thought into their top seller. Paradoxically, yes, the Honda is a toaster in one respect (there are so many out there) however, its this very reason the car is so well designed.

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  Overall its a good van, but feel dizzy driving it - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By popoton - January 22 - 9:29 am

  Just pull this minivan back home from dealer yesterday. when test drove another way everything seemed great. now after taking home another one (different color), I feel very dizzy driving it. the front window seems curved... and it makes my eyeballs and brain feel twisted and dizzy looking to the front. has anyone experience this before?

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  Will keep it for life! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By monkeybomb - January 21 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 1996 civic 3 years ago. Ive put the work into it that it needed replacing cv axles, ball joints, control arms etc... I attribute these things to previous owner errors. This has been the best car! Its small but not cramped. I have 3 kids and we all fit. Mine is a 5 speed standard transmission and I routinely get 37-39 combined MPG! I HAVE ~240,000 miles on this car with the original transmission, clutch and engine. Shes still running strong and is well worth every penny I have into her. If taken care of properly, this car will go forever! Buying seals from auto parts stores will not fix any leakage problem buy direct from dealer.

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  Long time Honda owner not so happy - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By notsohonda - January 20 - 1:15 pm

  Purchased a 2015 Pilot EX-L thinking it would have better build quality than the other vehicles that looked sharper and had other nice features. After a few weeks of driving my new Pilot Im really disappointed. Door gasket rubs all the time, noises in the dash, back hatch squeaks every time it opens. Gaps in panels on the outside. Engine rattles when running on 4-3 cylinders. Honda are all we purchase but this one....not so happy of a Honda experience.

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  Solid Honda Engineering - 2014 Honda Civic
  By scottywood - January 18 - 11:08 pm

  We got a great deal on a lease and traded in a Prius that needed a new hybrid battery pack. Honda has always been my wifes favorite. This is our third new Honda. All you do is change the oil and put in gas. You cant kill it. It just keeps going. We have the base LX, but it is still a beautiful car with excellent fit and finish. It doesnt lack any features that we miss. The interior is pretty with hard ugly plastics mostly banished and replaced with soft colorful materials. Gas mileage is great and we achieved the E.P.A. estimate of 39 m.p.g.on a long highway trip.

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  Great Car (dependable) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mmeyering - January 18 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this car in an auction never had a honda because of the price to but one, but really glad I bought it. It handles like a sports car. I hear a lot of complaints about power really?? its a 1.8L but it really go good! The gas milage I cant complain like so of the others I get 38 most all the time. I have had no trouble at all for 2 years now bought it with 95k now have 140K. I have Good Year tires and this thing is like a snowmobile in the snow, never been stuck!