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:

• 

  Think twice before buying this vehicle - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rtlh - October 5 - 1:32 pm

  For all the good Honda has had over the years, they really messed up with this car. And I am a 2nd time Honda owner. The 2003 Accord I had was the best car I ever had and that is why I decided to go with another one. The CVT transmission is lousy. The car buckles and stutters, especially on acceleration. Have had it back to the dealer and even had Honda look at it but they insist nothing is wrong. They even said that the stutter is part of the CVT technology. These transmissions are put in for fuel economy. But at the expense of this kind of performance is un acceptable. All I can say is Honda will have a very difficult time selling these vehicles if this continues.

• 

  Not your everyday mini-van - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By stephanie37 - October 3 - 7:54 pm

  I bought this van a year and half ago. It was the best purchase I have ever made. I haul around 3 large dogs, 3 children from 5-13 and there is still room for the husband and our luggage.. I put 25k miles on the van in less than 2 years. I only ever had in the shop for routine oil changes and tire rotation. I bought this van for its convenience, comfort and above all safety. The van is loaded with safety features. Sadly, just this week I was t-boned from the drivers rear by a driver speeding off an exit ramp. The van performed exactly the way I had hoped it would should an accident occur. The van is totaled and I am walking with only minor injuries. If you want safe, get Honda!

• 

  Best Value for Luxury features. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By clivettej - October 3 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car! It is truly a "personal assistant." Great on gas mileage with the econ feature. Love the side camera where you can view the side of your car when changing lanes. Blue tooth. Nice leather seats, moonroof, and an extremely comfortable ride. [non-permissible content removed].

• 

  First new car ever - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By pilot27106 - October 2 - 6:28 am

  I bought my first new car ever. That being a 2013 Honda Pilot exl. I did much of the same research on here and still decided on the Honda. I will say it is not as stylish as the others. However, there are a few great things to be said about the SUV. Gas mileage averaging 22.5 in the city. I drive mainly in the city. Nice heavy duty plastics used. Not cheap materials like the rest. No squeaks and rattles. The seats are very comfortible in the front and rear with plenty of leg room. Finally, it has more than enough power. I promise! I have yet to find a situation that I have needed a 300hp or twin turbo motor. This is a utility vehicle. I have owned 50 plus cars,tr

• 

  Perfect blend of versatility - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By rdougr - October 1 - 11:23 pm

  I had a Ford F-150 FX-4 for the past 10 years. It was reliable and a great truck, but the gas mileage sucked and i wasnt using it as a large truck should be used very often. When I did it always filled the bill, though sucking up a gallon og gas every 10 miles got old. It was also cumbersome to drive & park in traffic. The Ridgeline is a well-built, more compact truck that more suits the way I drive these days. It will pull a trailer and get me through the snow, just not as heavy a trailer or as deep a snow as the Ford. The Ford was a super cab with a small back seat. The Honda is crew cab with a roomy back seat. It gets 21 mpg at 70 mph and 20 mpg at 75 mph.

• 

  Honda got this model right! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tony181 - September 30 - 10:39 am

  After 3 Camrys we went with an Accord this time around. Honda did a great job tweaking various things to significantly improve what had been a very good car for many years. Handling and ride superb for this price class. Fine blend of power and gas mileage. Went with EX-L because of several features we really wanted. Recently returned from a 1600 mile trip. Very comfortable car on this long trip.

• 

  Premium Vehicle for Non Premium Price - 2014 Honda Accord
  By 4thhonda - September 29 - 6:32 am

  This is my 2nd Honda Accord and 4th Honda overall since 1990 and this is surely the best one yet. I started looking around a year ago to replace my 02 Accord and really wanted something different. I took a hard look at the Nissan Altima but there were numerous consumer reviews complaining about transmission issues and overall workmanship. At the end of my research I decided I would buy another Accord and I am very happy I did. The included features, design, MPG, quality, performance, and consumer and professional reviews made it a no brainer that the Accord was a class leader. The car handles very well on the road, the CVT is silky smooth, and the interior is very comfortable.

• 

  Rough Ride - 2013 Honda Accord
  By krausejohn - September 28 - 4:58 pm

  I have had a 2008 and 2011 Accord and the 2013 is the roughest ride I have ever experienced. I took it in for service as I thought this cannot be by design. The tech said the transmission is designed to downshift when you take your foot off the gas (regardless of whether you want to slow or not). The constant shifting between gears makes for a very rough ride. I constantly have the desire to shift to neutral to stop the shifting. Clearly a step down from the 2011 Accord. The Navigation system is also a downgrade from the 2011 model. Be cautious with buying the vehicle especially if you have been happy with previous accords.

• 

  Excellent Value and Fun to Drive - 2012 Honda Insight
  By swarfer - September 28 - 1:29 am

  This is my second review after one year. Im averaging 48-49 mpg but routinely get 60+ during ideal conditions. To get the most out of the Insight you need to drive it correctly otherwise you will be disappointed. The Insight is a very efficient conventional automobile with hybrid assist. It is very affordable being less complicated than the Prius. As an engineer I find the Insight brillaintly simple while the Prius is more a technological feat. Note that if climate control is in auto the engine will start as necessary at stoplights to maintain the desired temperature. This has been incorrectly reported in a number of reviews. No problems and I would buy again without reservation.

• 

  Honda used to mean quality - 2010 Honda Accord
  By pjinca1 - September 26 - 11:35 am

  Our 2010 Honda Accord has been pretty terrible. From panel gaps you can drive a truck through to the battery lasting less than 3yrs/40k miles. Andd now, the NAV is blank, dead, deceased, it is an Ex-NAV system. Pathetic considering the 3yr/36k mile warranty.