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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  05 Accord V6 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tom - January 30 - 6:53 am

  Bought this vehicle to take a six week trip across the country. Went in the middle of August and returned the end of September. This vehicle was so comfortable we never were tired even after logging 900 miles in one day. Also, the V6 performed admirably and we averaged just over 30 mpg for the entire trip of 9,000 miles. At one point in South Dakota while using the cruise control (@75mph) we averaged 34 mpg. This is a beautiful car in every aspect and really fun to drive.

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  My Silver Bullet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Flyerniki - January 29 - 11:10 pm

  I bought this Honda Accord EX/V6(MT) Coupe after owning 3 Mitsubishis. Needed a sporty car with the room of a sedan. This was the one. The back seat is actually comfortable. My only regret, that I didnt get the nav system. Spend the money and get it. 90 MPH feels like you are floating and dont forget the 6th gear... it is there for traveling. Super fun to drive, my husband loves taking her out every once in a while. She has been across the country 3 times now and done beautifully all 3 times. My husband drives a Jeep and when he stops for gas I still have half a tank and it takes 87. Overall, love the car and would recommend it to anyone!

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  Pretty fun, cool car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike - January 28 - 10:33 pm

  I just bought this car after my 1999 BMW 328i had some mechanical problems. I am super pleased with this car. Fun to drive and very fast. Would definitely recommend this car to everyone.

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  I love my Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lovemyhybrid - January 28 - 2:20 pm

  Great car. I get about 46-48mpg on average each tank of gas (I reset the calculation with each fill up) during my daily commute which includes some city stop and go traffic and some highway driving. Keep it on "Econ" feature most of the time. It picks up great when getting on the highway and passing. Smooth transition when stop and go (although it was jumpy when I first got it. Not sure if my driving changed, or if it had to go through a breaking in period). Only problem is that it sometimes rolls back if you stop on a steep hill, and you need to take the econ button off when going up a steep hill. Concerned about what this will mean in the winter. I love passing and parking next to Priuses.

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  Excellent car!...FUN to drive - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brian - January 28 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Accord a month ago and already logged 3,500 miles due to a long trip. Therefore, I have spent plenty of time in the car and can say it lives up to other positive reviews Ive read. Hwy mileage was 30+ MPG and hovers around 23-25 in city/hwy mixed driving. Onto the features...the interior finish is terrific and seems way ahead of the competition. Navi sys is precise and integrates audio, climate control, and other settings into its functionality . Most importantly, this car is VERY fun to drive. The car moves in any gear, and takes off when pushed above 4K RPMs! There are sportier-handling rides, but it is still very responsive, yet comfortable on long trips.

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  1000 miles so far, excellent... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SteveO - January 28 - 5:00 am

  I was wary of the vibration issue for the 2015 so I waited for the 2016 to come out and some indication from Honda that a fix was applied. I can tell you that my car is not vibrating excessively, either at idle or driving, at least its not noticeable to bother me or my passengers. MPG is good, I can get 32 on the highways, 26-28 otherwise. Car handles great, accelerates sufficiently, and just feels good to drive. I came from a 10 year old Accord and I can tell you the resale values on Hondas cant be beat. I dont expect reliability issues, knock on wood! Headroom is good, storage is more than enough for my needs, and I feel safer with AWD. Stereo sounds good with the upgraded subwoofer, climate controls work as expected. Rearview and blindside cameras are very well integrated, I miss them sorely when Im driving a vehicle without them now. Leather seats are comfortable and feel good even with long distance driving. Few nitpicks, sunroof feels small compared to some of the competitors. Also, the navigation system really needs an update, I cant believe they charge 1500 for it, doesnt read out street names and cross streets are sometimes labeled, sometimes not. The touchscreen interface is confusing and takes some time to learn. Road noise is a bit loud at 60-70 mph, but Im used to a sedan. Hope this helps some prospective buyers!

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  As good as it gets for amt paid - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HOLEW - January 27 - 4:30 pm

  I have a 2008 EX-L V6. Took delivery on 21 Dec 07 and have since put just under 15,000 miles on it. Considering the price it is probably the best car on the road today. It has room, performance, good MPG for its size and excellent reliability. The v6 is smooth and unlike some articles I have seen about the V6 with variable displacement technology I have not experienced any surging. Engine is most smooth. In this weak economy you should be able to buy an Accord for no more than dealer invoice. That is exactly what I paid for my 2008 in Dec 2007. In fact I am thinking you should be able to get it for $500 below dealer invoice and without dealer add-ons.

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  Accord #2 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Victor Jacobson - January 26 - 11:12 pm

  The 2016 Accord is a delight to drive. We love the comfort and style that the 2016 givves.

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  Im Lovin It - 2005 Honda Element
  By santoim - January 26 - 5:53 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It has great features and I feel like in driving a SUV twice the price. My only complaint is that you feel the ride on rough surfaces. I really enjoy driving again.

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  LOVE my Grainger Honda! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff V - January 26 - 4:13 am

  Vibration issues non-existent with 2016 refresh. Rolled over into new lease on a 16 CR-V SE, after previously leasing a 13 CR-V LX. Love the refresh! The SE added 17" alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and security system. Also like the center console-mounted a/c ducts for the rear passenger area. Color is mountain air metallic, with beige cloth seats, pillars, and head-liner contrasting a black interior. Went to dealership (Grainger Honda in Savannah, GA) searching for white diamond pearl, but was not readily available. Sales rep showed me the mountain air metallic and as soon as I saw the interior, I was in love! Went for a test drive and CVT shifting was smooth and effortless. Under normal driving, the CVT is barely noticeable. Just press the gas and youre off! The car has very decent acceleration and will get up to freeway speed quickly. While cruising at around 55-60, if you put the pedal to the metal, the engine will rev up to about 5,000 rpm before the rest of the car "catches up" and, if youre not paying attention, youll be doing over 90 in under 10 seconds! Gas mileage is excellent, very close to what I was getting with the old CR-V. Highway mileage with the CVT is a tad lower, but city mileage has improved greatly!