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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  Not impressed - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Megan M - February 4 - 5:12 pm

  We bought this car because of the advertised gas mileage and we wanted a reliable family vehicle. We chose Honda because they are a reliable company and Honda resale value holds up really well. Overall the car is a great point A to point B car. We bought our car brand new with 15 miles on it. It drives smooth and has a surprising get up and go. Its also idles incredibly quiet. When I first got the car the only way I knew it was on, was by looking at the ignition! The most Ive ever spent on a full tank of gas has been $25. Its usually only about $10 for 3/4 tank. My husband is a mechanic and does the oil changes at his shop so Im not sure exactly how expensive maintenance fees are. We have not had to make any mechanical repairs at all. The car has 30k miles on it and it still runs really well. However there are some major flaws in the design. Just 1 year after our purchase we realized there were chips all over the hood and front side of the paint. So we repainted it. But again there are more chinks. It doesnt matter how closely I follow someone, the paint is just poor quality. Also, you cant hit even the smallest pothole or you will have to replace a rim. My rims are dented all the way around. The stock tires were so poor that they only lasted 6 months before being replaced. And even our replacement tires are horrible on any form of precipitation including rain. I also have a young son so I have a car seat in the backseat. I have to move the front passenger seat all the way up to allow him in and out of the car. So it makes having extra passengers almost impossible because whoever sits up front has to have an up close and personal relationship with the dash board. Also, the backseat has headrests that fold all the way down over the seat. Its incredibly uncomfortable for anyone sitting in the back seat without pulling it all the way up. And if they leave the headrest up it causes a major blind spot for the driver out of the back window. In the winter dont even try to use just the heat setting. Your windows will fog in 2 minutes. You have to use the defrost setting only for cold weather. Which is fine except when youre behind a stinky truck or you want to recycle your air instead of inhaling fumes. The cup holders up front are impossible if you have a cup bigger than a 12 oz. You have to pull your cup carefully out at an angle to avoid crushing or spilling your drink. The option of using your ipod through the second glove box is wonderful but if you have more than 100 artists on your ipod youre going to spend 10 min scrolling through artists until you find the one you want. It doesnt allow for playing by genre and it doesnt read all of your playlists. Even the max volume is comparatively low. We also had to replace our wiper blades within the first year because they were so poor. Overall this is a good car. But I dont recommend it as a family car. This is perfect for someone to drive to and from work only. Its great for long distance drives. Maintenance oil changes dont happen as frequently as they do with other cars. Gas cost is incredibly low. But if youre looking for comfort look elsewhere.

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  Questioned Reliability - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Max Epr - February 4 - 1:27 pm

  Bought this car new. The 8th Honda product in my family... 3 Acuras. Auto transmission failed at 76,000 miles. All scheduled maintenance has been performed. Car was out of warranty so took it to local transmission repair shop. Cost $2,200 for overhaul. Faulty torque converter was cause. My next car will be a Camry.

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  A Nice Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By LoveTexas - February 4 - 1:17 pm

  I use my Fit to run around town, drive to work, get groceries, take short road trips (2 hrs), etc. Typically its just me in the car but at least a few times a week Im hauling two or three other tall adults along with me. Im 6 1" and the rest range between 5 10" and 6. Handling is responsive, engine is reliable, and fuel economy is great. The Fit usually gets between 30 and 32 mpg with a mixture of city and highway. However, I drive pretty aggressive so Im very impressed considering my 03 Montero Sport averaged 16 to 17 mpg. Stereo works great but Im not an audiophile. I wish the AC had a bit more cooling capacity but after getting darker window tinting this is not as big of an issue.

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  Great Buy! We love our Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ryan - February 4 - 7:46 am

  We bought this vehicle to take a 21 hour road trip while my husband was deployed. My daughter (3 years old), our dog and I piled up in the Pilot with enough stuff to be away from home for 8 months. The space inside of the vehicle is great. You can pile a lot of stuff in it and there are many places to store things (like breakables or liquids). We didnt get the Pilot with the DVD player but had one installed at Best Buy and love it. I didnt want to pay for leather seats to get a DVD player. Gas mileage was a little disappointing but it does get the mileage it claims it will. I can get better mileage if I use cruise control. Vehicle has good power. Sits higher then other SUVs.

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  Sorry I bought this car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Milton - February 4 - 6:30 am

  Engine is great, handling not too bad. However, the clutch engages so high off the floor, it makes smooth shifting very difficult.This was not a problem with my S-2000. Clutch evidently cannot be adjusted. I wont have this car very long. I found out now ( way too late ) that this ia a known Honda problem for many years. Thats inexcusable. This is my last Honda.

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  Review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Civicac - February 4 - 6:00 am

  I traded in my RX-8 for better gas mpg. I only average 28 mpg city/highway. I like the car but have some complaints. The fit & finish is OK, not great, my subwoofer causes a vibration noise in the car. This car is very hard to judge because you cant see the front or rear of car. The ride is very nice. I like the car but I am somewhat disappointed in some areas. I hope the mpg improves.

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  Unsure if Ill go Honda Again? - 2017 Honda Accord
  By BarbieinConn - February 4 - 2:49 am

  Im a huge Honda fan, having owned several over the years. I could hardly wait until the 2017 Accord was released. How disappointed! My turn signals are out of sync: I turn the right on and the left stays on for 4 secs. The AM station plays FM and vice versa. On cold days, the radio wont come on until I turn the car off and restart once the engine gets warm. I live in CT so it can take a while. Now the wont start at alI and I hold my breath. I detest the start button in lieu of a key....horrible. Ive never been able to warm the car up on cold days either. It starts but its ice cold, although I keep everything blasting the night before. Also, I spend half my ride adjustingri the temp controls, as its never comfortable. Sorry, Honda:(

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  Review - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Datalis - February 4 - 1:30 am

  Overall a great reliable car

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  Recommended Honda HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Jim - February 3 - 11:24 pm

  The only real issue I have had is the center console lid spring broke twice and Fischer Honda ordered an entire assembly replacement and so far so good. Other than that, the HRV rides great; handles good and has been reliable with no real issues. I have a little over 18000 miles on the car and it still running fine for me. I would definitely remcommend Honda weather built in Mexico or Japan or even the U.S.

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  Steve in Guelph - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Steve in Guelph - February 3 - 8:39 pm

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Passenger window rattles, brakes are poor, seat is hard and uncomfortable, radio sound quality is dismal. Also the paint is rough to the touch as though it has dirt embedded in it. The steering wheel does not return to the on center position without assistance. I read all the reviews before purchasing and cannot believe that they were mostly positive. Perhaps the higher models are more comfortable.