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:

• 

  so so - 2005 Honda Civic
  By valkyrievf1j - February 17 - 6:03 pm

  I bought this car for 2 things fuel economy, and reliability. Based on those 2 things I am very happy with this vehicle. My main down point on this car would have to be the complete lack of any get up and go. Off the line starting power is poor, while the motor does pretty well at speeds in excess of 55 mph with little struggle. I dont think that this car is worth what it sells for, but so long as I can get 7 or more years of reliability out of this I will be pleased with my purchase.

• 

  Honda Luva - 2009 Honda Accord
  By kneebabyy - February 17 - 12:56 pm

  I have previously owned several accords but this is the first new one. As a Honda luva, I am very pleased with my purchase. I luv to drive my accord and I luv telling people that. I have had no brake trouble and my seats are comfortable...and I know because I travel a lot in it. I did not think I could afford a new car, but my accord was a very good investment. Thats why you see so many on the road!

• 

  2005 Pilot LX AWD - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By rjg - February 17 - 11:26 am

  Very disappointed in this vehicle! Extremely loud road noise - hard to hear on cell phones. Poorly designed climate and radio controls. No automatic headlights, etc. What was I thinking?

• 

  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dick - February 16 - 3:30 pm

  This is my first Honda and my last. Although it is fun to drive and quality seems ok, the leather seats are very uncomfortable, especially on a long drive. The sound system is terrible on the highway because of road noise. No compass except when nav is on. Mileage is as advertised. I am starting to look for a replacement.

• 

  Excellent transportation - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Walter Krauss - February 16 - 7:50 am

  What a joy to drive! Seats are comfortable, plenty of pep, excellent braking, very good gas mileage, and the car gets many comments for its looks.

• 

  Excellent, but could be better - 2010 Honda Civic
  By johnnymg - February 15 - 11:50 pm

  OK, Im going to be a bit tough on this car even though Im pretty happy with it. On the plus side: EXCELLENT leather seats~~!!!! Good power and nice auto trans. Good but not great gas mileage. On the negative side: The rear speakers are just hanging "bare" with no rear covers. This is really unacceptable. Cheesy badging all around the car. Cheesy interior badging with a big chrome H on the steering wheel. The interior looks like it was designed for "kids". Lack of a power drivers seat. Lack of a instantaneous and avg fuel usage. Could use a slightly heavier steering. These are all minor nits against a pretty good car. I drove a Prius and that was a real joke compared to this Honda.

• 

  Great Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Sayinala - February 15 - 1:28 pm

  I have bought from a private party, using for 5 years. I never had an issue. Runs great, love this model.

• 

  Excellent on technology; falters on audio & shifts - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Tim Stockton - February 14 - 6:21 pm

  Overall this is a very good car, but I have two main issues with it: the sound system is poor, and the transmission "jerks" the driver as it shifts. The sound system does not handle highs and lows of sound properly. I expect much more out of the "premium" seven speaker sound system I paid extra to add onto this car. On researching the issue, it is apparently inherent in the output for noise canceling in order to keep the care quiet. But it ends up making the audio terrible. There used to be a solution to this as described on internet forums: what you would do is open up a secret menu on the screen, then set "FLAT" to off. But, in newer versions of the car Honda has taken the ability to modify this feature away. Thus I am stuck with this terrible sound. The second issue I have with the car is the transmission. When upshifting or downshifting there is a noticeable "jolt" or "jerk" to the car. This is FAR worse in cold weather. If you live in a climate that is cold year round, I would avoid purchasing this car. From what I have read, this is somehow due to government requirements to implement shifting to keep gas usage low (supposedly). Besides these jerks, the car with v6 engine does accelerate fast. Otherwise, the main way the car shines is with its tech. The lane sensing ability is pretty good at staying in lanes. If you let go of the steering wheel, the car will beep at you after about 30 seconds to touch the wheel again. You can get the car to fully take on lane sensing by just lightly putting pressure on the wheel but letting it do all the work. Careful on turns and at exits - it tends to lose its way. Adaptive cruise control is a feature I never knew I needed. This dramatically increased safety on the highway, highly decreasing your chances of hitting any car. But if you are in a high traffic area, best to turn it off. The car leaves too big of a gap in that case and lets other cars sneak in front of you. Then the car smashes the brakes to but another gap in between you. Its not too much of an issue once you get to know your car but can be annoying. Theres a right sided blind spot camera thats neat but for some reason not one on the left side. If you accelerate toward a car to fast and get to close, an orange light beeps at you to warn you. Its helpful. The display panel interface is pretty wonky to use, not user friendly. Apple Carplay is an amazing addition (its not easier to use by touch than just using your phone, but it does look very nice on the screen. The integration with Siri comes in handy. I find myself using it to navigate). The car seems to be tight on steering. Overall the car is very quiet. Bottom line, this is a very good car. But the problems with the sound system and transmission hurt its performance. At $30K for a V6 touring Honda Accord, I cant help but think Id be better off with an Audi.

• 

  First Time Honda Owner - Very Pleased So Far - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Wilson - February 14 - 2:12 pm

  CVT Transmission takes getting comfortable with. Once you understand what it is doing you will realize it is nicer than a standard shifting automatic transmission. Read things on the internet as to how CVT works so you understand what is going on with your CRV. As for the vibration issues - there are fixes but I have not had any done. Basically you can eliminate the issue by simply turning on the headlights and keeping your oil changed as required. I additionally only use Top-Tier Gas (Regular) and ---- the big thing in addition to the headlights ---- I do not use the Econ Green Button System. I also see comments regarding seat comfort. I am 6 Tall and have no problems. I use a wooden bead vented driving seat and back and it works great. As for the problems reported at higher speeds. I have had no problems going quite fast - on roads with 70 mph speed limits.

• 

  Wait and Se - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By P.McMillan - February 14 - 1:26 pm

  Totaled our 1999 Ody of 3.5years in Jan 08. Test drove 3 potential used 2004 replacements at local Honda dealership. Ride quality ranged hugely. Tried three (50K)2005s and we were hooked. If 2004 was 8 on 0-10 scale, 2005 was 10. Similarity of ride between the 3 2005s identical. Have had the 2005 EX a week now. Interior comfort styling, function is TOPS. Well taken care of by prev owner - all dealership maintenances. Steering pump and reservoir, brake pads, windsheild reglued by warranty under prev owner. Stereo increadible although old tech in no MP3/Ipod capable. Roomy, lush, quite tight ride, all power. Great van buy thus far - will advise later.