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:

• 

  This car is the best at its price! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By jpaule - October 17 - 2:45 pm

  Yes, the Prius is roomier and even more fuel efficient, but, after five and one half years and 71,000 miles, our Insight is a great value for the price, which was about $ 4000 less than a comparable 2010 Prius. We have replaced only tires at 30K and are still running safely with the original brakes at all four wheels. We have had no warranty, recall or parts replacement issues and fully expect to get another 70000 miles with only normal maintenance. Honda builds quality and it shows!

• 

  Find a better car for the money... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By atarian - October 16 - 9:01 pm

  I bought my Accord V6 in June of 2013 and have approximately 11,500 mostly highway miles. In light, early morning traffic I average 35 MPG on a 30 mile trip to work (90% highway) which is better than both my 1999 Civic 1.6L manual and ex-2002 Nissan Sentra 1.8L manual. Engine is quite powerful - several sources quote 0-60 in 5.5 seconds which is well into BMW 3 and 5 series territory. No problems so far. I purchased the "Modern Steel Metallic" exterior with the black interior. I wish I would have held out for the tan interior as the black shows every tiny bit of lint. My only real complaint is the premium stereo is not really all that premium. Great value for the money and fun to drive.

• 

  Too much wind noise - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By huyt - October 16 - 6:24 pm

  Radio/Nav unit died after 10 miles out of the dealership. The left front corner of the moonroof was sticking up a little. On highway (70mph), I can hear a lot of wind noise from the ceiling - near windshield. The day I took it to Honda dealer to check on the noise, I also got a message to check the fuel cap. The technician heard the noise, but the noise was the same when test-driving another 2015 Odyssey. So, he could not tell if anything was defective. Today, I drove the van with a service manager any an American Honda Rep. We heard the noise, but it was concluded that it was due to the exterior design of the trims. Im wondering why many Odyssey reviews on popular sites say "quiet"???

• 

  The Crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By jetn1 - October 14 - 1:29 pm

  It took me awhile to wrap my head around the fact that Honda is putting out a better product than Audi & BMW. Honda seems to have overbuilt the Crosstour to ensure it would attract the attention that it is getting. No flaws.

• 

  Nicely re-done, Honda - 2015 Honda Fit
  By rvarney - October 13 - 1:47 pm

  I just bought the Fit last week and havent even used an entire tank of gas, but thought Id share my experience so far. I have been driving standard shift cars for years and the last one was the Mazda 2. Id had enough shifting for one lifetime and despite the bad things I continually read about the CVT, I decided to give it a try. Im a driver who cares about maximizing mileage rather than performance and I like the CVT. Its very smooth and the paddle shifters still allow me to do engine braking. The Fit has decent power and is able to pull smartly away from stops and up hills - something the little Mazda wasnt always able to do. It corners pretty flat and the ride is comfortable

• 

  Check Engine Light and Repair costs - 2010 Honda Accord
  By capitals1 - October 13 - 10:12 am

  Since this summer, my 2010 V6 Honda Accord has been in the shop for well over 2 weeks. The check engine light comes on and after reading of others experiences, I just drive it to the dealership before it lets me sit. We have spent a minimum of $700 for each repair. Very disappointed and will not buy a Honda again because I purchased it for reliability and going the distance. My old Dodge gave me 250,000 reliable miles and this car starting having issues a little before I hit 100,000 miles.

• 

  Not buying Honda again - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By catnparadise - October 12 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Odyssey new in 2006. First 4 years, everything was perfect. The last 4 years a money pit. First thing that went wrong was a cracked rear motor mount apparently Honda put some kind of electrical piece with that part, making the repair be over $1000. I have gone through several batteries, way before their time. DVD player stopped working. Window screen clips break easily. My most recent repair was a new alternator, and now I have a whining noise that comes and goes, probably power steering pump. I really expected more from Honda, and was hoping to get at least more years out of it, now I am shopping for a SUV, not even gonna look at the Pilot.

• 

  my black accord - 2012 Honda Accord
  By christosd - October 11 - 1:37 pm

  I have the 2012 accord SE for 2 years . I lease it after my 2002 Mercedes c class took water in the engine in a rain storm and was total. the car is very good for me . it doesnt drive like Mercedes but I was not expecting that . so far zero problems . it is roomy and easy to drive . very good visibility from all sides . very good for driving in long trips . I have no problem with the drivers seat but my wife said that the passenger seat is not as comfortable so she use a special seat pillow. I do about 31 mpg in long trips but incite city driving mpg is not very good average about 15mpg

• 

  2.5 years of love for my ep3 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kingchristo - October 11 - 12:52 pm

  My Civic Si looked new when I bought it 2.5 years ago with 55K (totally stock). Its now at 90K, and its been really great. The handling is a dream, its comfortable as can be up front, and I get 30MPG+ even while having some fun on the mountain roads I drive daily. Its quick enough to be fun, though there are *now* a lot of faster cars for everyday use. I had to replace an O2 sensor and a door lock actuator (both of which are relatively easy to do yourself, luckily, and thus done for < $300 total). The backseat is a bit tight, but much better than what many similar cars have. The biggest shortcoming of this car is the lack of a 6th gear. 5th at 75mph=3700rpm.

• 

  doesnt drive striaght - 2014 Honda Accord
  By s3dutra - October 11 - 10:57 am

  brand new off the lot 0 miles, 6 months later problems with steering, car pulls to the right. have had an alignment done and the steering wheel had to be reset on 2 separate occasions. the problem still exists but honda denies that the car has any issue even though it had to be serviced 3 times now. do not but this car. honda will not work with at all!!!!!!!