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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  8 years and still a peach - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By obx2003 - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my RTS new exactly 8 years ago. Have 72K miles now. Ive had virtually no problems. OEM Michelin tires lasted 59K miles. Rear brake pads lasted 62K miles, front pads are still original. I had A/T, power steering and cooling system serviced at 62K. Other than that and replacing the battery at 45K, Ive done nothing but change the oil and the filters, which I do myself. The truck had only one factory recall: for a heater wiring harness. Troublefree Hondas are great. I hope they bring back this model so I can reup after 12 years.

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  Best value out there - 2014 Honda Accord
  By drewbs91 - November 5 - 9:07 pm

  Honda already has an outstanding reputation with its Accord, so I had high expectations when I went to the dealer, I was not disappointed. The car is absolutely stunning to behold, with its beautiful design, and I get compliments all the time. It amazes me that for just over $20k, People think it is around $40k just by its appearance. I also was looking at Mazda and the Honda was much more well mannered and so quiet on the highway. It is like driving a nimble luxury sedan at a great affordable price.

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  LOVE this car! (But IMID clock is insulting) - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By prowler_mq5qm_ - November 4 - 12:03 pm

  Local dealer needed more used Oddys. Traded in the 2010 I bought from them and they credited me 100% what was left owing on it towards leasing a 13 CR-V. Couldnt be happier! Increased my fuel economy 75% and lowered my monthly payment by 50%. Albeit I wont own it after 36 months, but usually I buy a new car every 3 years anyway. So far, it has been a wonderful vehicle. Standard features that one used to have to buy a Cadillac to get! The only complaint I have is the analog clock display on the center IMID. I love the looks of it center-dash like it is, but I find the inclusive digital time display insulting. I can read a clock, I dont nee the digital display along with it!

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  Never again, Honda. Never again. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By bdshell - November 3 - 9:54 pm

  I will never own another Honda. I own a 2007 with 77k miles. 1 owner, all routine maintenance done. The engine failed. Coolant leaked into the engine, the head is completely warped. This relates to a known issue but the dealership claimed the block wasnt fully cracked so they wont cover a cent of the replacement. Needing a new engine at 77k miles? That is unacceptable. I am completely appalled with the treatment I have received and will never own another Honda.

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  Love my baby! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By yori2929 - November 3 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my 2000 Honda Accord Coupe from an auction dealer. Within a couple of months, the transmission become faulty. I figured Id still use my car till the transmission gave in. I even took him to the Honda service center near my home and they immediately diagnosed the transmission giving it 6 months worth of use. Here I am, over a year after Honda diagnosed the death of my Accord and hes still running. No check engine light or anything related. I do take care of him and dont abuse it by sticking the pedal to the floor, though in Georgia it is known to go way higher than the speed limit. Cant say enough great things about my baby Accord. Still very dependable being a 14 yr old car.

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  3000 miles in. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By vincent33 - November 3 - 3:59 pm

  Recently forced to purchase a vehicle, rather than playing another round of used care roulette, I bought this Accord. Why? GM has blood on its hands, Ford (previous car was rusting out at 9 years/no more money to Ford!).Toyota (my last new purchase)got stale fast. Mazda 6, was a shoe in, but seat was too tight and lots of black plastic, didnt bother driving it. The Hondas rear seat is huge! I was skeptical about CVT (almost bought 2013 because of it) CVT is great "magic carpet ride". Im a gear head, but drive moderately, its a very nice package. CVT has a couple quirks, but its great, I now think traditional transmissions to feel antiquated in most situations (normal driving).

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  2015 LX Beware of Seat discomfort - 2015 Honda Fit
  By andy206 - November 2 - 11:01 am

  I just bought a 2015 LX. I like the car but the front seats, the driver seat for me, are really poorly designed in a concave shape. The seat seemed OK at first, but after about 30 miles or so, I was in terrific back pain, like my back had been wrenched. This is beyond discomfort, graduating to health hazard. I am trying lumbar supports with limited success. I traded in a 1999 Tacoma with bench seats, which gave me no problem. I have also driven a number of other cars recently including a 2005 Prius, a 2013 Kia Rio, and a Chevy Aveo, all with no problem. Unless i can figure something to improve the seat I will not be keeping this car.

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By thinicely19 - November 2 - 8:02 am

  my first car, and I absolutely love it. the drive is smooth, great on gas and very comfortable. i love that there is a 6-cd player. it was very easy to navigate around in the car with the heat, a/c, settings and what not.

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  2004 Honda Accord 4 cylinder vs. 6 cylinder EX V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ababner - November 1 - 5:04 am

  Prior to purchasing our 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 I read Honda was an outstanding car with proven reliability a Quality built car. My personal experience has proven this to be untrue. Unfortunately there is a major difference between the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder Honda Accord. The six cylinders are notorious for having transmission problems. We found this out the hard way with my wife breaking down with our three kids in the middle of the highway. I received a call at work engine racing but car not moving help call. Wife and kids abandoned the car and when I got there found the transmission failure.

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  One More Time - 2014 Honda Crosstour
  By like2bike - October 31 - 8:24 am

  I had a 2010 Crosstour and now have a 2014 - the first time I have ever bought the same model twice. The comfort, quietness and practicality are compelling. Try as I might, I couldnt find another vehicle that fit my needs as well. The interior is upcale enough for clients and the backseat comfort and leg room are outstanding. Chicago winters demand all-wheel drive. I use the speaker phone a lot and the Active Sound Control provides a very quiet cabin. Unlike many SUVs, my bicycle can be stored in the back without the seat down, plus its out of sight. Gear fits cleanly into the floor storage compartment. Good acceleration and over 30 mpg highway.