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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  2006 CRV LX AWD - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 10 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle gives the driving impression of being a larger SUV. The interior is very functional with lots of small storage trays and well laid out. Power is suprisingly adequate for a 4 cylinder. Gas mileage is 25 to 27 in urban driving. Vehicle performs very well on wintry roads.

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  The car that makes me smile :) - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Accord driver - May 10 - 1:28 pm

  We were looking for most reliable, comfortable, low maintenance cost car that would drive tall guy from A to B. It should be powerful and with good MPG… We have tested Optima, Sonata, Mazda 6, Outback, Escape & Avalon. I fell in love with Accord 2016...Instantly, so I am biased now :). From the moment I sit in a car it was easy to see myself driving it. About Accord: 1) I do like 2016 design for its aggressive front stylish rear and sporty sides. Beautifully designed front grill and wheels. 2) I do like Android connectivity. Based on reviews I was looking for EX-L with no navigation and sensing. I love my google map on Galaxy and Honda gives you an amazing technology to “mirror” your screen for several apps like Pandora, Google map, Amazon music, Phone/text etc simply connect it by USB cord (1.5 amp). I love google map (free updates) so there is no need to pay extra for Honda navigation & its expensive updates. Also Bluetooth works just fine when my galaxy connected via cord… not sure about IPhone. BTW, it does connect Skype conversation which is amazing. 3) Speech recognition is very friendly! Click on microphone and send message to any number while driving … it’s pretty accurate. 4) I do love power of V6 and automatic transmission. It’s beyond Optima &Sonata options with much better fuel efficiency. (Honda’s 278 HP and 21/34 mpg VS Korean 2.0 turbo with 20/ 31mpg). When you click economizer button accord makes it even more efficient. With V6 it does turn off 3 cylinders on a freeway and my avg mpg is about 40 or higher. 5) It’s Quiet. It’s a truly quiet vehicle. We test drove Optima & Sonata and the road noise was a killer. We could not hear each other… no exaggerations. May be a little. 6) Also Honda sound system is amazing! EX-L does have 7 speaker system (6+1) and the quality is outstanding much better then Infinity system in Kia. Pandora Jazz#$%^& just phenomenal. 7) We saw very good Mazda 6 reviews online but we didn’t like the car. 8) We think Honda Accord has made a big step forward in design while nice & attractive Optima became more & more boring and Camry… what have you done!? 9) Acceleration is amazing, turning radius is good. 2nd row is super roomy (5’11” person sits very comfy behind driver). 10) Good Michelin tires with pretty 17” discs. 11) Crosstour was an option as well but price was higher and it’s discontinued… First tank of gas gave us 26 mpg avg fuel efficiency. With second one we have a little above 28. We do like exterior white color a lot. It comes with ivory interior which is nice but requires a bit of cleaning.

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  Real Honda satisfaction - 1996 Honda Accord
  By hondaboy - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Simply a great, dependable car that drives very well. Accord currently has 113000 miles, Ive owned it for the last 40000. Outside of routine maintenance (tune-up, timing belt, etc.) only expense was a faulty emission sensor. As with every Honda Ive owned, the gas mileage has been better than advertised. I consistently get 30mpg+ with this Accord. I cant imagine owning a different brand of car.

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  Best in Class - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By RickE - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Odyssey for 1 year today. The car has exceeded expectations in every way. With 2 young boys, the car is very roomy and provides tremendous versatility. Mechanically- flawless! The fit and finish remains impeccable. When on the road with the family, there is no substitute for being comfortable and secure.You wont find a better family car.

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  fun to corner - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Fang - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Whenever I made a sharp turn in my prelude, it just makes me feel handsome. The build quality is also outstanding. The only problem is that the car feels bumpy on uneven road. I think Honda could not avoid this problem since the car is too light.

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  Excellent! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By josteelers - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car I ever bought. I bought it used, off a Honda Dealer and I got to say, so far, its been the best decision Ive made! It is great on fuel, it looks great and it is very reliable. I just make sure I get oil changes every 3-4k miles, and its good to go. Since Ive owned it, all that has need replaced are "wear and tear" items, such as brakes, tires, muffler, battery. The exterior still looks great - my car is black, and there are no rust spots, or chips in the paint - its still has the glossy finish.

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  Owned for 3 months - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Alicia - May 8 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had this car for just over 3 months. And I have to say I truly love it! I knew this was the car for me from the second I sat in it. I find that the seats are very comfortable, unlike some other reviewers. I think this is just because Im very small, while my average sized bf find it to be just ok. My only complaint is that it can occasionally get louder than my old Prius at high speeds. But its really not even that loud.

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  VERY GOOD!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By shen0282 - May 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A NICE CAR.IT IS FUN THAT I DRIVING EVERY TIME.THE NEXT CAR,JUST HONDA ACCORD.

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John - May 8 - 12:41 am

  I traded in my 2010 Toyota Sienna last October. The first thing the 2016 Pilot impressed me is its fuel economy. It is much better than my Toyota van. In the Minnesota winter, I could get average of 20 mpg for mixed local and freeway drivings. The new Pilot is also very quiet, much lower road noise compared to the minivan I had. The ride is so smooth and stable. On a smooth road, you just cant feel the speed you are driving. With the AWD, it handles so well on snow. The car doesnt look big from outside, but sitting inside you feel its quite roomy. I had 8 adult rides several times and never heard anyone complained. Before I bought the Pilot, I read much about the problems with the same 9-speed transmission on Jeep. But I never had any issue with my transmission. It always shifts smoothly up and down, and reacts swiftly. I guess Honda must have a better software control. The lane keeping technology works very well even with poor road marks, at night, and in rain conditions. I really enjoy driving the 2016 Pilot.

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  Runs Forever - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Runs Forever - May 7 - 5:36 am

  This is our 3rd Accord LX 4 cylinder (See similar reviews under 97 Accord and 2000 Accord Runs Foverer). 97 LX model has 209000 miles & still going strong with no major repairs, 2000 LX model has 73000 miles with no repairs. The new 2005 model finds an excellent middle ground between the 97, which runs and feels like a sports coupe / 2+2, and the 2000 which drives and feels more like a traditional family sedan. I switched from Toyota after blowing the head gaskets in our 92 3.0 liter V6 engine twice (@ 85K and 140K miles) due to an engine design defect which necessitated a complete engine rebuild. No more toyotas for this driver.