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 Honda Accord Sport 6M - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Theodore Tulon, CO - August 31 - 10:58 pm

  Do your research. I went to Planet Honda in Denver and got an excellent price on a new Sport. My big requirement was that the car be a manual. Planet Honda was able to obtain one at a very reasonable price. I have had the car for about 2 months and have put over 5000 miles on the vehicle. I have been very happy with the car overall. I drove the car from Denver back to Rapid City the day that I purchased it and was immediately impressed with the comfort of the seats. After 6 hours of driving I was un-fatigued and not at all sore. The vehicle drove very well, although the shifter takes some getting used to. Im not sure if it was because I was switching from a 5 speed 2007 Honda Accord or if the 6 speed is just different than most. Once I got used to it, it hasnt been an issue. The performance is quite lively, especially (and in my opinion, only) with the stick. Ive been getting about what the EPA predicted for mileage, which is impressive given my exuberant driving style. The big downside to the vehicle is the lack of a decent stereo. My old Accord had an aftermarket stereo and speakers with a small subwoofer. The Sport only has a 4 speaker stereo. While it is not bad for a base stereo, I would prefer a little bit more oomph. But I imagine that it would be fine for the majority of consumers. When I was looking for a new car one of the main vehicles, aside from the Accord, was a GTI. Obviously the GTI is a quicker car and the Accord gives up a little bit of speed and sportiness. The big draw of the Accord over the GTI is the roominess of the Accord. We have a 3 year old and he had a lot more space in the back of the Accord, obviously. While we were able to get his booster seat in the GTI, I had to put it in the middle seat to provide enough leg room for him. I have several friends and coworkers who are over 6 feet tall and I have yet to hear a complaint about lack of room. It is just a very comfortable car. This is starting to ramble so I will end by saying that despite the new car smell having worn off, so to say, that I am still very much enamored with this car.

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  Luxury with a capital L - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Linda - August 31 - 5:55 pm

  my HOnda Accord Sport has 18 inch tires that make you feel like you are driving on a cloud, the most comfortable car to drive and the price is fantastic for the quality of this car. i just love it. it has lumbar support, blue tooth etc. test drive one and you will absolutely love it.

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  Blue Smoothy - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - August 29 - 9:20 pm

  I always wanted a Pilot, but couldt justify the cost, but I finally made the plunge and love it. Sure, I looked at the 2015 Highlander and almost spent a few grand more to get the latest tech, and maybe in retro spec I should have, but the family and I love our Pilot and how it gets us around in our daily lives. The DVD player for the eight and twelve year olds are a must. Great MPG and my wife and I love how it glides down the road. Would buy another one. One crazy thing though... I had all four brake calipers rust, just surface, and Rivertown Honda replaced them under warranty without more than a "Hey guys what do you think of this." Cant say enough about how easy that was and a new 2015 Civic for the day without charge. Thanks Honda and Rivertown Honda of Grandville, MI.

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  love my Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By kevin K - August 29 - 5:56 pm

  i purchased my fit in October 2014, no problems fantastic mileage. If the front seat bottoms tilted I would have given it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟. I travel a lot and get 49-50 mpg on highway for a combined mpg as of 8/29/15 of 38.9 mpg.

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  Nice ride, great MPG, and no engine vibration :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JAH - August 27 - 8:35 pm

  I have not experienced the vibration issue that others have mentioned after owning this car for 2 months. I looked at the all of competitors in this class, but Honda was the best overall value. I preferred the CRV interior over the others...the others seemed cheap (imo). I do mixed driving, but mostly highway, and Im getting 32 mpg currently. I couldnt be happier. The only thing I would change are the EX wheels (not the most attractive). Other than that, this is a great car!

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  Love, love, love Wanda the Honda! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Julie - August 27 - 8:10 pm

  Ok, a disclaimer. I bought this car with 40K miles on it when it was 10 years old from a trust company. They had put a new timing belt on it (due to age). I drove it for 15K miles and the tranny went out because the original owner did not follow through with the recall since she was not having any problems. THAT IS THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR!!! You know you truly love a car when you name it. I have had Wanda for five years now and have no plans to sell her. She has 140K miles now, and hopefully will go much farther. She gets the oil changed frequently (every 3,000 t 5,000 miles). These are GREAT cars, other than the transmission issues. Once those are fixed, they keep on going!

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  No problems in five years - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Mike in Boston - August 26 - 12:06 am

  Bought the car new five years (41,000 miles) ago. It has not needed a single trip to the shop except for oil changes and tire rotation/alignments. Acceleration is sufficient to merge and pass on the highway. Wont win any drag races, but at this stage of life I am more concerned with fitting three baby seats across the back seat, which is no problem with this car. I am completely satisfied. What Im dissatisfied with is this stupid edmunds.com Web site, which refuses to allow me to enter a New England ZIP code starting with 0. It highlights it in red every single time, even if I delete the leading zero.

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  Nothing like it! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Tina Yake - August 24 - 9:16 am

  I have owned this car since 1990. You got it, it was brand spanking new. After 8 years, I gave it to my mom to use. I have since gotten it back, 24 yrs later. I had a mechanic look it over before driving it from California to Kansas. The only thing it needed was a new main relay, an ac charge and 4 new tires. For insurance sake, I had him replace the timing belt and water pump. The acceleration is just like when I first bought it. Handling is still smooth. All our mechanics told us that if there was a Honda model to own, it was that. I own a 1996 Accord and a 2006 Odyssey and both vehicles, cosmetically suck. We have had more issues with the newer models than my 1990 Accord.

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  My Dream Luxury SUV!!! - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By R.W. Bey - August 23 - 6:12 pm

  Since I have purchased and driven my "luxury SUV" , I have enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. Thank you Honda!!!!

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  Honest review - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Bugs - August 23 - 6:01 am

  This is my first Hybrid car, first cvt transmission also. Bought this car for gas mpg and it has really impressed me on the mpgs. We just got back from a long vacation, 2565 miles with varies roads from Hilly, interstate, and city driving, it average 45.8.