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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  Many many miles 325K - 1996 Honda Accord
  By jdwebb - September 22 - 11:01 am

  I bought car8 years ago for daughter to have basic transportation in Chicago. She did not have place to park it so I started driving it. Bought for $200 with 218K in almost perfect running condition. Drove it to 325K with regular maintenance. Only oddity was the computer died. Had it rebuilt for $400 and drove it on. Sold it to high school student who is still driving it and still looks good. Other cars I have are Lexus, but if they go half the distance they will be considered a good car. Acccords of that era with under 200k are probably a great second car

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  Great hatchback, perfect car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By fitnc - September 18 - 8:38 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years now. Its best habit is the city and the burbs. I use mine for work and its great for piling full of equipment and also the occasional creature that needs a ride. On the weekends it can haul camping gear or stuff from home depot. Its not a -powerful- car, but the engine is capable if you gear it properly, the engine needs to kept in its proper power band, the paddles help do that. It is a very lively driving experience, but remember to gear down to 4/3 to have enough torque so you dont get stuck, ex merging/passing, etc. The hatch is the perfect height to keep me dry when rooting through the cargo area, Im 5-11 and I fit.

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  LOVE IT! - 2014 Honda Civic
  By jackowen112592 - September 18 - 5:27 pm

  I leased my 2014 EX Sedan in late July and now have almost 400 miles on it. I had a 2012 EX Sedan before this and I think this car is way better!. The steering feels better weighted, maybe even sportier, plus this car is quiet whereas my 2012 was loud. I love the backup camera and the LaneWatch monitor because I had neck surgery last year. I also looked at the Subaru Forester but I didnt want an SUV and wanted good traction because Chicago winters can get messy, so the Civic fit the bill and it has FWD so yes, my Civic can handle the snow just like my old one did. The Hondas interior is modern whereas the Subaru looked outdated.

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  Make sure you customize sound settings! Great Car! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gn842 - September 16 - 9:17 pm

  For $19.3k I think I got a terrific manual Accord. But only 600 miles so far, cant speak to reliability. I preferred the Accords manual stick to the Mazda 6 manual stick. I swapped OEM tires out for Continental PureContact Eco Plus and was surprised at improved handling and even quieter ride. Much quieter ride than the Mazda 6. This is important to me, I like handling but low profile tires are a liability in the NE with its potholes. And the handling is plenty great with 16" rims.

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  Brakes - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By cole27 - September 16 - 5:51 pm

  2nd honda odyssey. 1st was an 08 and it was great. Our 2014 on the other hand has 20000 miles on it and has had the rotors turned 3 times. Not replaced because thats not what the honda specs say to do so they grind them down. It also has a clunk in the front end. I called honda and they suggested the brakes got hot from riding them. The regional rep didnt seem to care and waived the resurfacing cost since the brakes are now out of warranty. No explaining why our 2008 didnt have that problem. We paid more so we could have a good vehicle and that doesnt seem to be the case. We even drive 2 hours to a certified dealer. I will trade very soon.

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  Most under-rated Hybrid - 2014 Civic Hybrid - 2014 Honda Civic
  By chorlacher - September 16 - 12:08 pm

  My wife and I both love driving this car! Its a smooth quite ride and has a very comfortable, and nice looking, interior and we love the exterior look too. We bought it almost two months ago and have over 3000 miles on it. We had a 1600 mile trip to Canada with it. We averaged 47mpg for the entire trip. That was with a family of four (a 5 year old and a 3 year old) and the car loaded down driving up and coming home. My first time filling the car after two weeks of regular usage it took 10.8 gallons and we had driving 555 miles since the last fill-up, 51mpg! For just my 18.6 mile commute to and from work I get high 50s (up to 62mpg) to work and low to mid 50s home.

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  The Fit fits! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By nau - September 15 - 1:09 pm

  We have had our Fit for about a month now, and have put almost 3000 miles on it. Have averaged 38 MPG in a 50-50 mix of city and highway miles. Our CVT Fit gets about 45 MPG at a steady 60 mph, 43 at a steady 65 mph and just over 40 MPG at a steady 70 mph Have hauled lots of things in it, has carried my wife and I in the front with three of our adult children in the back, and have just returned from a 700 miles trip this weekend from Cleveland to Chicago and back. We find that in spite of the black interior, the seats dont get too hot to sit, although we wish there was a bit more padding after three hours of straight driving and sitting. Back and right side cameras work great.

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  My 6th Honda Pilot - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By bobg1957 - September 14 - 9:38 am

  I have owned a 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010,2012 and now a 2015. I am really disappointed with Honda. Since my first Pilot the quality of the Navigation system has gone down, the software ease of use has gone down, brakes are worse and the wind noise at Highway speeds is beyond description, you might as well turn off your radio. So why do I keep buying them? I was hoping things would improve, but they dont. I kept going back because I love the all the space and the engine/transmission along with the good gas mileage for such a large SUV.

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  Great Car - 2013 Honda Fit
  By sansken - September 12 - 9:57 pm

  Overall this is a great car. There are a few quirks with it, and the technology leaves something to be desired, but for the price you cant beat it. Theres a USB input jack as well as an auxiliary jack. There is so much room in this car! When the back seats are folded down I could sleep in the back of this car. There are some strange blind spots which definitely take some getting used to. There are small windows on the side of the dash to help with this, but dont do as much as you would expect.

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  Lesson learned over 10 years, buy Honda. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gski1 - September 12 - 12:34 am

  Hit 11K today after a 620 mile round trip. MPG is well better than stated, I get 34 highway driving it like I stole it. Im just SO happy with this car. Its smooth, fast, comfortable, full of the latest tech, reliable and affordable. All Ive done is put gas in it and change the oil around 8K (theres an oil life guage that tells you when to change it, I change early. Amazing. It took 10 years to learn the lesson to stick w/Honda after my 2004 that was bullet proof. I replaced a 13 Altima, bought back under lemon law due to numerous problems, largest being dropped the transmission twice within 7k miles. The Lord works in mysterious ways, got enough $ to upgrade to the V6. Love my Honda!