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:

• 

  Very good overall car and great value - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - January 8 - 3:20 am

  Let me start by saying that I was shopping for a Honda 2015 or 2016 Accord. The new apple car play, remote start and safety features made me wanting the 2016 Accord. I had a 2010 BMW 335i thats 3.0L and twin turbo. I’m getting married and want something more economical over the long term, reliable, and something maybe a bit more comfortable. I didnt even consider the 2015 civic as an option as the review were pretty far apart from the accord. If you are interested, you can do a quick search on the 2012, which is gen 9 civic, which the reviews were so poor, Honda had to do an emergency design update for the 2013 model year. Obviously, I haven’t have the car for long, but here are some feedback may be useful to you if you have your mind somewhat set up Accord or the new civic. First, make sure you test drive both the non-turbo (LX, EX) and the turbo engine (EX-T and above). What’s important to me are reliability, safety, and ride comfort. Also, the car needs to have enough merging power, getting on-ramp or out of trouble. The base engine certainly can do that. The turbo engine has quite a bit more power, and doesn’t need to rev as hard to get power, which does seem a bit quieter. Don’t look at just the published numbers, the turbo engine has much broader torque band. So, why I said to make sure take a test drive in both other than the obvious power difference? The cars ride differently. The turbo equipped cars ride better since the rear suspension are fitted with the new fluid-filled bushings all around. The LX and EX only have those on the front. The ride quality are pretty far apart. I found that the turbo equipped civic rides better than the 2016 Accord EX that I drove. In the 2016 Accord, only the Touring trim is fitted with the fluid-filled bushing all around. Accord maybe still can absorb bigger bumps or potholes better, but as far as road isolation, the turbo equipped civics are better than Accord EX. Obviously, Accord is much roomier, especially the back seats and very easy to get in and out. I prefer Civic’s lower driving position better. Accord has great visibility, lots of glass all around. After some consideration, I had my mind set on the Accord, due to leg room, head room and seat comfort. I was comparing the Civic EX-T vs the 2016 Accord EX in the showroom. I had driven an LX and a Touring back to back. With 5 minutes of test drive in each, it was difficult to absorb everything in. I remember liking the Touring quite a bit more. So, right before I made the purchase, I took one final ride between the two. I was in a Civic Touring, and I found out the contour of the leather seats fitted me much better. I’m a big guy 6 ft and 265lb. The contour of the back support just wasn’t comfortable for me of the fabric seats. I’ve also found that the power seats had more adjustments in both height and front to back. When you adjust the height of the manual seat higher, the seat also moves forward. To get more leg room, I had to seat lower. Also, not sure of the reason, the manual drive seat also gave me less head room. At the end, I fit quite comfortably in the EX-L, which comes with power and leather driver seat. I also opted for Honda Sensing. Just imaging my loves ones maybe driving this car one day, $1000 more safety suddenly becomes cheap to me. The warning systems works great without being annoying. Collision Mitigation works great (someone cut in front of me and slammed on the brake). Lane keeping assist is awesome, and as soon as you give a slight input to the steering, it over rides the system. The sensing package is part of the reason keeping me from shopping other cars. After taking 300 mile drive, the whole package definitely worth the extra. The engine is still being broken in, but I’m got 39mpg on the trip and it’s still going up on highway. Headlight brightness are decent, not as good as adaptive HID, but not bad. Apple Carplay works when using phone as navigations. Trunk is very large comparing with this class of cars. Center console flexibility is brilliant. Love the remote start, and smart key feature. Unless I want to use remote start, I never have to take the key out of my pocket. Touch inside of the drive side handle, the door unlocks. Push button start and stop. When I leave the car, just touch the black button on the door handle and the car locks. The LCD gauge is awesome too. I believe LX doesn’t get that though. Something that I still have to get used to is the car will coast! Not quite a manual disengage from clutch, but close. I have to learn to let off the throttle very early, so I can get better gas mileage and not as hard on the brake. Few things that I don’t like: shining surface on the back of the remote and near gear shifter seem scratch easily. Love the LCD display, but still would prefer volume nob, and bottoms for climate controls. Don’t like the limitation of selecting where air are coming out. Don’t have t

• 

  honda coupe 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jennie - January 8 - 1:40 am

  The dash has the best miles per hour and lighted dash I have ever seen in a car. The speed you are going is displayed where you hardly have to move your head down to see it. I looked at a lot of cars, it is by far the best for the money.

• 

  8th Honda still going strong - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lee - January 7 - 11:43 pm

  I have owned Accords and Civics for the last 16 years.(Also have a 05 Civic SE Coupe) Honda seems to keep getting better and better. This near luxury EX V6 is smooth, quiet and to my suprise, more fuel efficient then both my 99 EX-4 and my 02 EX V6. What a bargain for this kind of performance and luxury.

• 

  Good - 2007 Honda Fit
  By sharon - January 7 - 7:40 pm

  I am very pleased with my Honda Fit. I recently drove to LA (600 miles one way) & was very pleased with handling & good gas mileage (40 MPG). I love the roomy interior with easy to fold down seats. Very pleased with vehicle.

• 

  LOVE The Element! - 2008 Honda Element
  By mach1mustang6 - January 7 - 2:27 pm

  My girlfriend purchased a used orange 2006 Element EX-P with AWD and it had every option available on it. We both have fully enjoyed the Element. Originally looked at the new CR-V at the time but decided to go with the Element for its versitility and durable interior. Its fun to watch everyone look at you going down the road too especially with the orange paint job. Very easy to keep clean and HUGE room even for people over 6ft in the back seats. Love the interior design and simple climate control dials. Sweet sound system and it has a great spot for your iPod to hook up to the raido on the passenger side shelf above the glove box. The split liftgate/tailgate is a great feature too.

• 

  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

• 

  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

• 

  Love driving a Honda!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ODESSEY 06 ENTERTAIN - January 7 - 11:43 am

  I enjoy this item so much. It is easy to drive but I think I would pick a smaller one next time.......I am a solo driver and do not need all that room but it is wonderful. No problems at all

• 

  The do everything vehilcle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JC - January 7 - 9:14 am

  Ive had the Ridgeline for nearly a month now, so I feel I can give a better review at this point. Having owned several Hondas, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to drive a Honda Truck. My favorite things about the truck are its versatility and ride. I love being able to flip the seats up for extra space and being able to fit five adults if need be. I cannot stress how well this truck handles and how comfortable this truck is to drive. Weve had some snow in the north east recently, and the AWD worked exceptionally well. There are a few design quirks (placement of cruise control on/off switch, cavernous space below wipers for snow to gather), this is a great vehicle overall.

• 

  3rd Honda Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Andrew K. - January 7 - 5:56 am

  I recently purchased a 2010 Accord EX after trading in my 2007 Accord LX. The reliability/resale I receive is why I continue going back to Honda. Inside, the layout is very well designed and I dont have a problem with the button-heavy dash. I like the quality materials inside as well. The ride is firm and comfortable to me and passengers have complimented the space and ride also. Im 6 200 lbs and have no problem w/ 2 car seats in back. Although the 2.4L I4 isnt a dragster, its plenty quick enough for me. I think the gas pedal takes some effort to accelerate the car but isnt a big deal. Wind noise isnt an issue but is fairly noticeable w/ radio off. Overall great car to own and drive.