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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  2015 EX-L Coupe V6 6MT HFP San Marino Red - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Ed Sloan - September 21 - 1:30 am

  The HFP kit was an expensive option but well worth it. The suspension upgrade increases handling tremendously, the wheel/tire upgrade is a no brainier. The aero kits give an already aggressive stance a boost. Honestly, Im amazed by how many people are taking pictures or asking about the car in parking lots. The 6spd manual transmission is as smooth as silk shifting and the clutch wont wear you out in rush hour traffic on freeways. A lot of people complain about the interior in lower trim levels but the EX-L trim level has a very nice interior. Power from the V6 is really good and the car seems faster than a lot of vehicles with comparable power to weight ratios. I also installed the Borla axle back exhaust which gives the car a very pleasing note and even some burbling when letting off the power. Well worth the $700 extra cost.

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  Hondas new Prelude - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Anand K - September 19 - 3:24 pm

  Nutshell -- Pros: Sleek looks, surprisingly roomy, surprisingly fast, surprisingly efficient, surprisingly sporty - just surprising. Amazing tech and build quality, too. Cons: Slam-you-into-the-ceiling sporty/bumpy ride, poorly designed paddle shifters. Overall: The next Prelude, with Mercedes CLA specs. I traded my 2010 Altima for a 2013 Accord and it was one of the better purchase decisions Ive made. I cant believe what Honda has packed into this beast at this reasonable price point. Performance: Heres where it shines. Yes, its only got 4 cylinders. But, it has 185 horsepower and as many lb-ft of torque... and most of thats ready to go before 4000 RPM (unlike most Honda engines). Smash the gas, the engines at 4000RPM almost immediately, and your neck almost snaps. The CVT doesnt sound like one -- Honda made sure that lead footed drivers are rewarded with what sounds like a Prelude engine with a 7 speed transmission shifting it! Handling is at the norm for a Honda sport-class vehicle - The car goes where you point it. Even the interior is sport-oriented, with VERY well bolstered front seats and carbon fiber like trim. The car will really fool you into pretending youre sitting in something sportier than the two door version of a large family sedan. The only real thing to watch for here are the paddle shifters -- you can use them in Sport mode and pretend youre shifting up or down as if driving an F1 car. In all honesty, the paddles are small and its much more intuitive to grab whats *behind* them instead. In this case, expect to hit the windshield mist wiper stalk while shifting up, and the high beam flasher while shifting down. Build Quality: All Hondas shine in this department and the 2013 Accord Coupe is no exception. The doors slam shut with remarkable tightness for a 2-door. Top quality materials include perforated leather (EXL/EXV6) and aluminum-toned carbon fiber-type trim. Vibration is virtually nil, even on rough surfaces. One poor choice Honda made, though, was that glossy honeycomb pattern mess that goes across the front below the aluminum trim. Comfort: The EX-L/V6 models are decked out with pretty much everything imaginable for the class. Dual zone climate control, 10-way power seat, moonroof, and anything else you can cram into a sub-$30k car. The back seat will fit two 6 adults comfortably for under-2-hour trips. Coming from a 2010 Altima, though, the Accord coupes very intimate (read: rough) ride was rather jarring until I got used to it. It all comes with the sporty territory, anyways. Tech: The Accord went from being a behind-the-class piece of tech equipment straight to the top of its class. The HondaLink system is amazing (providing you have compatible devices). Its surprisingly easy to use (take it from someone whos used to using an array of 50 buttons to control his audio system). However, if youre intimidated by tech -- I wont lie here -- youre really going to hate this system Luddites need not apply. Efficiency: Now that Honda finally figured out the meaning of low-end torque, engine power is available to you at more usual speeds -- This translates to not just better acceleration, but also better fuel economy. The coupe claims 25/36 city/highway, although my own measurements have been a bit narrower (closer to 29/34 city/highway). Most of my driving is city, so I cant complain. You can even lead-foot every start (like I did on my first tank) and still get about 24 MPG city(!). Safety: This runs in the Accords bloodline. In addition to the highest level of active safety (i.e., good handling and braking), the Accord has lane departure warning (which can thankfully be kept off if you live in an area with narrow lanes, as I do), forward collision warning (an amber light that flashes at the base of your windshield when you get a wee bit too close to something), a rear view backup camera with wide angle, and something new for its class -- a right turn blindspot camera, which activates when you hit the right turn signal (new drivers might find this feature a bit distracting at first, but it helps, trust me!). Of course, add to that 10+ airbags and good crash test ratings. Overall: A close to 10/10 vehicle. Not perfect, but something to consider if you really want something sporty, reasonably luxurious, and techy to boot! The 2015 model, for those interested in a newer rig, is pretty much identically equipped and priced (and a bit more powerful).

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  Great Little Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kimyung - September 19 - 7:14 am

  I had this car from 82K to 135K miles. I had the stick shift model. I would have kept it too, but I got rear ended and they totaled the car out. I didnt do anything to the car besides a tune up and basic maintenance. Im really happy with my experience with this car. The AC compressor started to go towards the end. Ive only driven Hondas my whole life and I have had it happen a couple of times. I wish I didnt get hit, Id still be driving this little car.

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  Great car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By jay clark - September 17 - 3:53 pm

  bought it new, so far 85,000 miles not one major problem, it is a little noisy on the highway, tire noise, great in town, one of the best cars I ever owned. Dealership is OK I guess have never been there again, except to look for a new car last week In town it is the best, for traveling it is a bit small, next car will be accord or like, more trunk room for traveling but we love the civic. I average 30 mpg in town and around 40 on the highway, only problem is the trunk lock (inside the car no longer works, can release it and open it from outside but Honda had a lock so you could not release the trunk from inside and it does not work, stuck otherwise no problems in 85,000 miles, pretty good now days! would recommend it to anyone needs reliable transportation, not luxury for sure but very dependable and inexpensive

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  Best Ive had in 50 years of driving - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - September 17 - 9:47 am

  Not enough superlatives. At 140k original brake still good. Replaced battery at 120k. Oil change every 5 with synthetic.

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  The Last of the Simple Hondas.... - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Kris - September 16 - 6:45 pm

  Absolutely love this car! Purchased a respectable example with low-mileage five years ago. Gave it a very comprehensive service and full detail and she has been running like a clock ever since then. Almost 130k and it consistently nets me 38-45mpg with a mix of 80% highway and 20% city driving. Although highway merging requires planning with only about 105hp, the 5sp manual helps control the power band better than the automatic. Winter conditions in an FWD are no problem with good tires and a manual. Interior has worn very well for its age. Although not modern, it is simplistic, which is a major antithesis to the gadget-laden stuff on sale today. Hatchback is cavernous for its size with folding seats. Exterior has held up mostly well, although there are initial signs of a few rust bubbles around the rear wheels. Washed monthly and hand-waxed every couple of months has kept the paint mostly bright. Lives up to the "bulletproof Honda" mantra. High-quality synthetic and filter every 7500mi. Issues I have had are very minor (cracked distributor cap, frozen crank window regulators, lower ball joints, wonky A/C clutch) and have been low-cost to fix with good parts. Normal schedule for filters/fluids and preventative replacement of major wear components in the last 40k miles (clutch, brakes, full exhaust, shocks/struts, ball joints, etc.) should see this car get to 200k no problem. Id most certainly buy one again!

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  LOVE LOVE LOVE MY HONDA!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Kayla - September 16 - 5:59 pm

  I bought my 2013 accord about 2 months ago pretty much brand new!!! it was a rental with only about 9k miles!!! so take my review into consideration knowing I am a picky ass 20 year old female! i love everything about the car! I fall more in love with it all the time. I sometimes get 38.5 mpg!! the radio & entertainment is very user friendly & safe to use while driving! & dual climate control is my best friend. very roomy full sized car, could fit 2 car seats very nicely in the back maybe even three! I love that it is a full size car (good for family!!) but still has a very nice sporty look!!! I find it to be very comfortable, not to mention the back up camera is a life saver! Ive experienced no problems & have no complaints. wouldnt trade my car for the world & would recommend to ANYONE!!! :)))

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  its awesome - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Andy - September 16 - 3:11 pm

  Ive owned this car for only a couple months but its amazing how good this car is it gives me about 28-30 mpg and its not a slow car all i had to do was the regular service(oil and filter change) it has a 106,000 miles and it feels like it has a long way ahead of it

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  Thanks for saving my life :). - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Heidi Wilder - September 15 - 10:03 pm

  Im greatful for the desig of this car. I got in a very serious accident and was lucky to survive. Im glad my car was built the way it was! Ive had this car for three years till this accident and no major issues! I did have to do one repair from the get-go, but thats because I got it as a remade car. Have loved my car!

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  Great car if you get a 6speed - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Car Enthusiast - September 14 - 10:09 am

  The 2013 Accord is a great car for the money. Lots of interior room for a family of 4. The ride is great and the steering is very responsive. The suspension is likely more stiff than a malibu, impala, or other similar American cars although it feels very tight and performance oriented. I have yet to experience any problems after 2 months of driving. I purchased mine with 19k miles. I would highly recommend getting the manual transmission as the CVT (in any car not just honda), is quite terrible. Many auto manufacturers have jumped on this CVT bandwagon to achieve exceptional mpg at the sacrifice of reliability, performance, and ride experience. I would not recommend a CVT in any car. They simply do not last, require costly maintenance when problematic, and have a horrible rubber band effect during swift acceleration or deceleration. The 6 speed in the 2013 Accord shifts like butter, and really brings out all 181 horses. Although its not much, this car revs very high and is great for highway/city driving (Ive gotten 36.5 mpg highway and average 27 in town with conservative driving 3k rpm shifts). Take this from someone who has had a zr1, 99 m3, multiple subaru WRXs, IS300 and 350, gs400 etc. The car is great. Its really a great car if you get the 6speed. If you can only find an auto, buy something else that offers a standard 5speed/6speed auto. Avoid any cars with CVT transmissions no matter who the auto manufacturer.