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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  Wagon Ho! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By steven A. - June 30 - 2:00 am

  With well over 200K on the odometer, this baby runs like a dream needing only routine maintenance. Only broke down once in 12 years. Still feels tight and solid with only one little rattle in the dome light. Seems as if it will last forever if you take reasonable care of it. I am sold on Honda!

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  Go Honda - 1992 Honda Accord
  By lkp - June 30 - 2:00 am

  has been a wonderful, dependable, reliable car

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  An o-kay minivan - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By norwin89 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good car,love the ext design, but terrible int design and gas mileage, very comfortable seating and third row seating good enough for medium sized adults, a Good car, but could be better

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  Best bang for the buck, period - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Coinneach Fitzpatrick - June 28 - 8:44 pm

  Ive put 1400 miles on my EX-T in 2.5 weeks of ownership and have pretty thoroughly shaken it down. This is my first CVT car; I was expecting a slightly more refined version of the terrible Altima transmission, but instead, Im very impressed. Its unobtrusive, responsive and smooth. The 1.5L turbo isnt nearly as laggy as everyone claims, and considering its Hondas first attempt at a turbo, it does a fantastic job. My first tank scored a 50/50 (45 mph average speed) combined economy of 37 mpg while still being a blast to drive. The steering is slightly heavy (its a Honda, this is how they roll) but precise; it does seem to fall toward the down slope of the road crown a little more than it should, which I believe is caused by the frankly low-end Firestones. The brakes are solid and ABS works perfectly. The seats are very firm and supportive, but the extremely tight weave of the fabric means they tend to heat up quickly; the automagic AC takes care of that problem. Ive had back-seat passengers bonk their heads on the very low, sloping entrance, which is just a limitation of the fastback design. The Display Audio system is buggy, probably because its simply a tablet based on Android KitKat; however, the GM MyLink in my previous two cars was just as bad. The controls and instrumentation are very clear and logical; the windows and moonroof seal impeccably; the build quality is phenomenal (more than once Ive heard "This is a *Civic?!*") and it just flat looks badass. tl;dr: Honda knocked it out of the park with the 10th Gen Civic.

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  2016 Honda Accord V6 EX-L - 2016 Honda Accord
  By MPK - June 28 - 5:44 am

  I just purchased on 5/26/16 a brand new 2016 Honda Accord 6 cyclinder EX-L. I traded in a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited. Here are the other cars I looked at and test drove: 2016 Hyundai Sonata- Regular and Hybrid 2016 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid When I drove the 2016 Sonatas both of the models above, they were ok. But one thing I noticed is how much more solid both Toyota Camry and Honda Accord felt in the doors and the workmanship. I went thru everything with a fine tooth comb. I am a Dealerships worst nightmare. If I had to rank workmanship and quality of build between the 3 I would rate like this: Honda 9.25 Toyota 8.7 Hyundai 5 I was very much torn between the 2016 Honda Accord 6 cyclinder EX-L and the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. I was very very impressed with Camry Hybrid. When I left the Toyota dealer for my 45 minute drive home, several times I wanted to turn back but I said think about it over night. I went back to Honda dealership close to my house in Pompano Beach, FL and they gave me a better deal on trade in and the new car over another dealer. (Tip #1 If you dont visit at least 2 dealers of the same brand you are doing yourself a severe disservice). You need to play the game. But after really looking at the Honda again, the thing that convinced me to buy it was the outer appearance and quality of build. The Accord felt a little bit more refined then the Camry. Again, very narrow and Im splitting hairs. The doors seemed a little heavier, everything tight and tad bit higher quality feel. But again, Camry Hybrid was great. Essentially, the Camry Hybrid XLE I could have bought for about $27,800 and the Honda Accord EX-L I bought for $26,900 (MSRP $31,580). Other great things about the Accord: V6- great pickup Ride- very nice Reliability- unmatched Honda Sensing- this is the safety package I didnt get it because its not good. In 2 years, trust me it will be standard so why pay. My experience with my local Honda dealer was nothing short but a nightmare but the General Sales Manager repaired and rebuilt the deal. In Florida, DO NOT PAY the "Dealer Administrative Fee" they will tell you over and over again its mandatory. Most everybody that works at any dealer including some managers dont know 100% AGAINST FLORIDA STATE LAW. Usually, only the top guy, General Sales Manager knows, salesmen do not know, clueless. (Check your states law via Google) Here is Florida State Laws and my letter that I brought to the dealer: Thank you for allowing me to work with your dealership in my quest to purchase a new vehicle. Since I am a resident of XXX, I felt the necessity to shop local initially. However, I did search at other Honda dealers to allow ample opportunity to make a wise decision. This letter focuses in on a Fee called “Dealer Administrative Fee” As I’m sure your dealership is aware, under Florida State Law, specifically Fla Statute 501.976, (16) Actionable, unfair, or deceptive acts or practices: In addition, Motor Vehicles Sales Finance, Chapter 69V-50.001 Miscellaneous Charges, clearly define those permitted charges by Florida State Law. Essentially, the Dealer Administrative Fee of $799.00 violates Florida State Laws. As such, I want this process to continue to be a good experience. Essentially, I see we have three options: 1) Option 1- I pay the Dealer Administrative Fee, take possession of the vehicle, then file a complaint with the dealer within 30 days as required by law, then proceed with a lawsuit for the $799, plus other fees, costs, and damages 2) Option 2- I simply leave the dealership with no dealer and I inform the Attorney General of Deceptive Advertising and Practices 3) Option 3- (My preferred Option) We work things out to where this “profit” fee is waived UPDATE 6/9/16 Some negatives after 2 weeks of driving; 1) There is pretty noticeable wind noise on the highway, I can live with it but disappointed 2) The touch screen is not smooth for radio 3) Engine does idle hard off/on when parked/stopped 4) The V6 is getting bad gas mileage especially city, under 20 mpg; highway 27/28 Positive: braking, steering, good pick up with V6, dont hear engine much good soundproofing there

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  Sports car w/GREAT reliability - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By ebp lude - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Owned it for over 3 yrs since new. It has not failed me once. Its classic styling (esp. the headlights) grow on you. 200HP is not high for todays stds but power isnt everything. It is such a well-rounded sports car that does everything well, with handling being its best attribute. If you want a FUN and exciting car to drive w/good utility and great reliability this is it.

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  1999 Honda CRV LX - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Crackatonic - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This car just flat stopped working around 36000 miles. The engine would die while driving or in idle. The dealer could not determine why. The steering wheel was at an odd angle that fatigued the wrists and hands. The door locks and rear door functionality were poor. The electric windows wore out and had issues (screeching/squeaking) within 30k miles. Tires have poor traction. I would not recommend this one.

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  BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By pookey967 - June 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda, and Ive never been happier! I love everything about this car. I didnt get stuck at all this winter. I just took a 2500 mile round trip vacation and used my Element as my "tent". It is so comfortable even for a long haul, and spacious enough to live in for a week! I was planning on keeping it for 5 years or more, but am now planning on trading it in in 2 for the newest Element!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Interstate/Suburban Blend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tglaski - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Eleven months ago I purchased a new 2003 FWD LX CR-V and have driven it 25,500 miles (Southern Florida, with two 4,600 mile trips North to Rockford Illinois.) A buzz caused by an AC line touching the fire wall was fixed free with one trip to the dealer. One rear tire blew out after 18,000 miles, else no problems. Driving: 80% turnpike (at 80 mph) and the rest is city/suburb. I will buy another one, Silver.

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  Whats Not To Like? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hal - June 28 - 12:30 am

  Very nice car--my second Accord in a row. Never thought Honda could improve on the 2001 Accod, but they did--more powerful engine, easier to read displays, near perfect fit and finish, good stereo and A/C controls, heated seats, XM satellite, good cabin storage. Very reliable, great fit and finish. Weird looking tail lights (the 06 looks better), front end needs more styling. Noisy cabin. Bland handling. Highly predictable handling/performance, needs a little more fun factor.