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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  Great all-round car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By accord owner - July 4 - 4:06 pm

  This car will treat you well. Its comfortable, and its passenger volume is excellent for a coupe. Its huge trunk and folding rear seats make it practical as well. Hondas reputation for reliability has held up so far, however regular wear items like the tires are surprisingly expensive on this V6 model with 18" wheels. The car handles faithfully and has excellent traction if you have the original-spec tires. Theres a general sense of solidity to the car, even at seven years old and more than 100,000 miles, the interior doesnt squeak or rattle, wind noise is minimal, and the ride is still comfortable but taut, as a coupe with sporty pretensions should be. Speaking of which, straight line performance is staggering. This engine loves to be worked hard, and has a pleasing intake note. Low end torque is excellent, and power increases linearly to 5000 rpm, where there is a second wind due to the variable valve timing. When youre not working the car hard, it settles down nicely as a daily driver. Fuel economy in city and mixed driving is acceptable for a relatively heavy car with a big 3.5 liter engine. On the highway, two or three cylinders deactivate to improve fuel consumption, and Ive logged as high as 32 mpg. The navigation system is dated, but gets the job done. Disappointingly, bluetooth is only for calls, there is no way to pipe your music over the air. Over the aux connection, the stereos clarity and bass strength are impressive. Dual-zone automatic climate control is amazing, and frankly I dont think I could buy a car without it, now that Ive gotten used to it. The driver and passenger can set their preferred temperatures independently, to be maintained by the climate control. The front seats are comfortable and well bolstered and, when required, the back seats are capable of fitting two adults in satisfyingly comfortable conditions, though entry and exit are a little undignified. As for complaints, the transmission can be dim-witted at times, and reaches for higher gears earlier than I would prefer. When you demand full throttle for an overtaking maneuver, a second or two can pass until the transmission drops a couple gears and the full grunt of the wonderful engine can be used to effect. The interior trim is hard plastic and a pseudo-aluminum that seem cheap, although the fit and finish are stellar. Overall, the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 is not only excellent value for money, but an excellent car outright, even at almost a decade old. Honda built the Accord Coupe better than it needed to be, and better than I expected. Its an ordinary car that makes me feel extraordinarily satisfied as an owner.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Matt W. - July 4 - 9:21 am

  My Honda just rolled over 95,000 miles and it still drives like a brand new car. The only problems its ever had was needing a new starter at 90,000 miles and new battery last year. My favorite part about the car is that it has a lot of power and accelerates very quickly when you need it to, (5.8s) to 60 which is pretty quick for a midsize sedan. My only complaints are that the low profile tires dont give a very smooth ride and theres no aux cord or bluetooth to connect a phone. But overall Its a great car and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. This is our third Accord one has 290,000 miles and the other one has 165,000 miles, with routine maintenance this car will last forever.

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  Civic EX Best Thing Yet! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Foussé - July 4 - 2:00 am

  What more could I ask for then a all around great car. Looks good, awesome gas mileage, fast, handles great.! I love it!

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  Pilot is Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Golden - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I was the first person to buy a Honda Pilot EX-L in Greenville SC and I had been waiting for it for a year. It now has 10,000 miles and is 6 months old. It has exceeded my expectations and I love driving it. The third seat has come in handy when extended family comes to visit so we can all sit comfortably. The third seat folds down so easy for my two golden retrievers to ride in the back. (Cargo liner is great for pets) I highly recommend the Pilot not only because of its great appeal, but also the reliability of a Honda. The Pilot is great because it is not too big and not too small.

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  An extremly practical little sport UTE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Doug Howse - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at getting a Ford Escape until I test drove the CR-V. Build quality, wind noise, fuel economy, interior layout and price all favored the CR-V. Decent power and better gas mileage than the 3.0L V6 in the Escape. After 3200 miles my mileage in mixed driving is up to 25 MPG. Sound system: The speakers look like paper plates with refrigerator magnets stuck to them. Putting in decent speakers involves fabricating new brakets from scratch. Reccomend hondasuv.com and hondacr-v.org for instructions and hints/tips on adding accessories. This is my first Honda and, based on my impressions so far, it wont be my last.

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  1st Honda Buyer - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Tracy Ferguson - July 3 - 11:23 pm

  Absolutely love my decision to purchase a Honda. From the salesman to the quality of the car, value of the car and great deal, it was a great investment.

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  fun car to drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gf - July 3 - 6:33 am

  I had a 92 honda accord and loved it, it was reliable and fun to drive, when looking for a new car I knew I had to get another honda. I got my first speeding ticket with this car, (I couldnt feel the speed) I got used to the 130 hp. going 90 in this new car felt as if i was going 65 in my old car.. I was impressed with the power, acceleration and handling..

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  Good practical transportation - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DantheHondaDrivinMan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, and a fantastic redesign over the 1999 I used to have, for roughly the same price. The front seats werent made for tall people unfortunately (Im only 510" and could use another inch or so of leg room). Only gets 23-24mpg, but for an SUV thats not too bad. Overall Im very happy with it.

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  Perfection - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By DAWGFAN - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I researched every SUV out there for the better part of 2 years, nothing compares to the Pilot. We waited until 05 for the factory sunroof and it was worth the wait. Excellent rig, highly recommend it.

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  Luxury in a CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Fan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Honda CR-V SE is a great suprise to me. I owned a 2002 CR-V EX before I got the SE 2 weeks ago. The Diff is amazing.The trans. is smoother,Eng. noise is lower, and the leather seats are comfy for long rides. I have 800 miles on it and which are all highway so far, the CR-v holds it lanes and is easy to drive on the highway at all speeds-----sometimes you do not know how fast your going in the new HONDA CR-V Special Edition.