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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  A superb quality car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Scott - October 31 - 1:27 pm

  My wife absolutely loves her Accord. Its our first Honda car (although weve owned Honda powersports equipment) and we couldnt be more pleased. Purchased at 35,000 miles on the clock and 41,000 miles later, all weve done are oil changes, a new battery, new tires and brakes. The only issue that we were somewhat disappointed in was having to replace the rear brakes at 50,000...and it just wasnt the pads. We had to replace calipers, rotors AND pads. But, some of that could be attributed to the cold, snowy climate that we live in (Northern NY). Other than that, the car has been a joy to own. Surprisingly decent power is supplied by the 2.4L 190 HP 4 cylinder engine and the 5-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed shifts smoothly and is a blast to run through the gears. Inside, the car is very comfortable and the 8-way power seats are wonderful. Its very good in snow IF you run snow tires on it, especially with the 5-speed and front wheel drive. Great sound system with the multi-CD changer & 6 speaker setup. Air conditioning works great as well---you have to wear a jacket if you have it on. The Accord is a very high-quality vehicle, and we would recommend it to anyone. My wife will be back for another one...if I can ever get her to part with this one.

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  pos - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jerry wienstein - October 30 - 7:49 pm

  Worst car I have ever owned , nothing but one failure after another and its only got 80,000 mi . Im not sure if Im going to fix anything more since the engine block could crack and render the car junkyard bound .

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  a very expensive vibrating machine - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rosa harris - October 30 - 7:08 pm

  not happy at all stop at light and if you have a drink you better have top on tight because it will shake it all out ,will not buy another one should have got the Toyota lesson learned will not recommend this to anyone very very disappointed

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  A Different Car! - 2015 Honda Crosstour
  By David DiIenno - October 30 - 4:43 pm

  I went to the dealership to purchase an Accord for my wife. She has been a Honda die-hard for many years, jumping from an Accord to several generations of the Pilot. The children are older, and the days of carting around strollers are long past, so the need for an SUV is not so important. She opted for the sedan. While waiting at the dealership, the Crosstour caught my eye. I need AWD and the space this hatchback provides would be more than enough for any shopping trip. I live in the Northeast so a sure footed ride is essential. I test drove it and was impressed that the Crosstour behaved like an Accord, albeit having heavy characteristics, most notably when braking. I want to caveat this, as I drove the Accord for hours before testing the Crosstour. I like the fact it sits higher than the standard sedan, but yet it is not like the "stanbdard" CUV/SUV that has more capacity that I rarely need, and poor gas mileage to match. Before I give my opinion on the car, i want to convey that I have owned Suburbans, Audi (A7&A8), and Explorers. Pros: This is a car is a well appointed Accord on hatchback steroids. It doesnt look like the sharp lined, rolling boxes that are dominating the car market. There is so much emphasis on the storage capacity that is claimed to be lacking ( which if you used one, you would realize it has a tons of space), but no mention of the rider comfort that is lost in the other CUVs such as the Venza or the Outback. Try riding in the back seat of one of those cars for a two hour trip... The rear seating area in the Crosstour is comfortable for two average adults with surprisingly ample legroom and ceiling height. The cabin is very quiet. The access to the rear hatch is waist high...no bending or leaning in. The V6 is very quick and responsive. The transmission shifts smoothly. The EX-L is loaded with amenities. Handling is adequate. Cons: I find the Crosstour to be too much like a Honda sedan! Is that a bad thing? The rear view is not for the average Mommy. It is a fine highway cruiser, but the city environment transmits a bit much through the wishbone suspension. Closing: The Crosstour gets a bad rap for being real. Come on...I mean when do you need over 51 Cubic Feet of cargo space every time you get behind the wheel? I find it humorous that cargo space is king when 99% of the time its truly empty space. If you have more than three kids, you would need an SUV anyway. Its a well thought our cross-breed that has tons of space for those occasions of uber shopping, and yet it is a fine sedan when you need one, which is 99% of the time... and 24 MPG average doesnt suck.

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  Honda Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Honda Civic - October 29 - 8:58 pm

  Im very impressed with my civic! I give it a 5 star overall!!

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  THE CAR IS A TROOPER - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JACKIE - October 29 - 11:28 am

  145000 miles had since new Sep 2003 ,,now son has been driving it last 4 years, in his last year of college. Other than normal wear items The car has been wonderful...

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  Accck, where is the Honda quality? Love the design - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Shannon - October 29 - 7:57 am

  We are on our 2nd Honda Odyssey. Our first died at 135K with a starter problem that couldnt not be fixed, by anyone! That car also had transmission failure at 100K, replaced under warranty. ( a different dealership) Our 2009 Odyssey has had power steering pump replaced- twice, fuel pump replaced and now, the same starter problem at 135K. The starter has been replaced but it did not fix the problem. We are done with Honda, though I think the this dealership has gone above and beyond in trying to make us happy. The cars - both of them, not up to our quality standards. Love the minivan, hate the repair hassle.

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  Just what I needed - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Ken - October 29 - 6:49 am

  OK, I really really really wanted a Nissan 370z. Its been my dream car for such a long time. But I realized that I just needed more room on rare occasions. I also needed to buy an automatic this time because my wife cant drive a manual. Driving the Z automatic was a bitter disappointment, that cvt on the z was just terrible. I also didnt like the idea of premium fuel again. Enter the Honda Accord Coupe. That amazing Honda reliability, a very peppy V6 that doesnt need premium fuel but still gets nearly 300 hp, and a bit of a sporty look. I bought the White Accord and the 2 tone leather seats are just beautiful. Most of my commute is on the highway and I regularly get between 31 to 37 mpg. You read that right, on occasions ive reached 37 mpg. Add to that a nice quiet, comfortable ride and its all pretty much perfect for me. I was a bit disappointed with Hondas top of the line stereo in the EXL, but after tuning in the frequency controls a bit, I am much happier. And I am pretty sure that CDs sound much better through the stereo than using Bluetooth or USB. Was also disappointed to learn that Honda is still using a timing belt for the V6, but that huge bill wont be for many years.

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  Great car for business and family travel - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Clayton - October 28 - 3:56 pm

  Selected car for inside room and ride since I travel a lot. It compared with Lincoln Towncar for ride, since it isnt around any more. Car is great buy, I have company car now and do not need it anymore. Great car!

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  Total dissapointment - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Nevermore - October 28 - 10:58 am

  I was expecting this car to last for many miles without major problems. It just recently reached 97,000 miles and the transmission is making noise. It turns out the final drive (aka differential) bearings are shot. Since this is deep in the transmission, the transmission essentially will need to be rebuilt at a cost of approximately $2600 if the final drive itself is not damaged. This car was conservatively driven and maintained meticulously and it is really upsetting that it now needs a major repair like this at a relatively moderate mileage. There has been no help from the dealer despite hat there is a little known transmission campaign from Honda offering help to owners with cars that have less than 115000 miles. It appears that the dealer refuses to put in any effort to look into this for me and gives me the impression they dont care. The other issue is the front brakes on this car do not last more than 12K miles. There is nothing apparently wrong with the braking system yet the brake pad wear out prematurely. This would be a great car if it would have lasted longer but it seems I could have done better with a less expensive car. Based on my experience, this model is highly overrated. Ill never buy another Honda again.