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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  Better than the last generation... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pkl226 - July 25 - 5:22 pm

  I have owned each of the past 6 generations of Accord, plus an Acura TSX thrown in, so Im pretty knowledgeable about the car. This 9th generation is worlds better than that 08 I owned prior -- the build quality is better (no squeaks/rattles yet), better fit/finish, impressive fuel economy, more fun to drive, etc. My car is a later build 13, so I have none of the CVT juddering issues, radio lag/freezing issues, or squealing brakes that many have complained about. I can understand others frustrations -- my 08 had many teething problems of a new generation. The car doesnt feel bloated & sluggish like the prior generation -- the 2.4L makes the most of its 185hp/181lb torque.

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  Nice Looking Car Bad Transmission - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jpl572103 - July 24 - 9:08 pm

  The 2013 Accord has a transmission shudder or judder in it when cold and in stop and go traffic. I have called the dealer and called Honda, Honda agrees there is a problem but there is no fix yet. I tried to get them to buy the car back, only have 1000miles on it. They wont. So I DONT recommend you buy the CVT version of the 2013 Accord.. You have been warned. I am stuck with the car, but I have contacted Consumer Affairs, BBB, and WAVY TV 10. I hope Andy Fox will call me and go for a ride in this car. The test drive was after the car was warmed up and on the highway. No stop and go traffic.Figures. Honda if you take care of me , I will stop this bad publicity of your 2013 Accord.

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  08 accord coupe V6 AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By butler1985 - July 24 - 7:27 pm

  Bought the car used with two other owners before me. Had 68k miles. Test drove it twice, and did not notice a weird shuttle in 2nd and 3rd gear. After using the car to drive to work which is 38 miles away I noticed a transmission problem. Took it to dealer and they said they could not find a problem but offered a software update for the transmission. The update was $110 and DID fix the problem. I didnt think it would but its been 4 days of driving and have not done it one time. I do love the car, its fun for someone how does not consider the accord coupe to be a performance car, it is not but gives a good feel for one.

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  Rattles - 2013 Honda Accord
  By barsky - July 23 - 11:51 pm

  For the most part Im pleased. But the dash noise, rattles and speaks are getting to me. When I first start to drive the car after its been sitting in the heat the center dash snaps, crackles and pops. Sometimes on rough highways there is a rattle/buzzing noise from the center dash in front of the audio display. If I place my hand on this flat part of the dash the noise stops. I had a friend video this noise just in case the dealer cant reproduce the noise. I dont know if the video will help.

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  CVT Trans Will Make Me Trade This Car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By palalt1 - July 23 - 2:48 pm

  I have a 2013 Accord Sport with the CVT transmission. It has become so annoying to drive with only 3000 miles that Im considering trading. Honda tells me there is no record of a problem and the dealer says the unit isnt serviceable. Under normal driving, there is almost a constant slinky toy or rubber band feeling that actually makes the engine rpm go up and down when it should be smoothly accelerating. There is some kind of intermittent slippage going on the whole time you are driving it. Anything but Constant Velocity. Honda is playing stupid and merely patronized me with statements like: "Well make a record of your concern." I own a Murano CVT so Im familiar with this technology.

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  Reliability issues - 2011 Honda Fit
  By autonix - July 23 - 8:43 am

  Less than 3 years old and have already had to have valves adjusted and the heater blower motor replaced! Definitely reliability issues.

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  Still Running Great - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By sb2323 - July 22 - 10:16 pm

  Bought used in 2009. It now has 120,000 miles, a mix of long highway driving and short trips. This car has not been babied. Only maintenance is oil/filter changes. Weve had to put a couple thousand dollars into it replacing normal aging things. Passenger side door has to be pulled twice to get it to close or open and it kinda thuds when it does. The cloth interior has a lot of worn spots and paint around the bumper is peeling in places. Overall its been a great car. The kids hate driving in an "uncool" minivan but love having room for a bunch of friends. They love the interior as well. This car is great for long road trips. Very comfortable. I plan to drive it another 100,000.

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  Peeling Paint - 2011 Honda Accord
  By drfish - July 22 - 7:35 pm

  The paint on our new 2011 Honda Accord began peeling off after not quite two years. Both front and rear bumpers had paint peel off. Some pieces were 4X5 inches in size. The Honda rep allowed that Honda would repaint our bumpers as a "courtesy" because there was no evident cause. The body shop told be that the reason for the peeling paint was an improper repair of previous damage. Honda told me that they had no information on the car regarding previous repair history. They said that they just manufacture the cars and are not responsible once the car is delivered to the dealer. Seems that Honda lacks in honesty and integrity.

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  great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By ptg2001 - July 22 - 11:25 am

  we now have approx eight thousand miles and did the first oil change very easy and the care still runs great we get combined around town 23 to 27 mpg and when it includes more freeway we get 28 to 31 and stright freeway going down to magic mountain approx 350 miles driving 75 to 80 we got 30 to 31

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  Beware - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rockamatic - July 21 - 11:29 pm

  Its a pretty good car, but buyers beware of some strange features. The Sport edition has some weird thing on the steering wheel called a paddle shifter. Its there so you can get the feel of a stick shift on an automatic. But the problem is... you go to hit your blinker, and lo and behold youve just downshifted going like 80 miles an hour... really dangerous! The other weird feature is the drivers side rear view mirror. It has a second little mirror attached to it. This bends the image of the oncoming car. Im driving down the interstate, and this car is coming up beside me, and to my surprise he cuts over into my lane and nearly sideswipes me, so I swerve. But that was only an illusion.