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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  Lots of bang for your buck - 2014 Honda Civic
  By dpollaro - September 24 - 9:46 pm

  14 Honda Civic Si Sedan. I needed the practicality that the sedan offered, & to be honest I like the way it looks better than the coupe. So far Ive put about 1K miles on the car. Hondas manual gearbox is amazingly smooth and easy to drive. Engaging without being a pain. The car is quick for what it is: a four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine. The exhaust note puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel, & acceleration on the Si allows for overtaking slower drivers with ease. The build quality of the car is fantastic both inside & outside. The ride quality is pretty good, bumps can be a little jarring but its not built for touring. Overall I am quite pleased with the car!

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  Great hatchback, perfect car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By fitnc - September 18 - 8:38 pm

  Ive had this car for 2 years now. Its best habit is the city and the burbs. I use mine for work and its great for piling full of equipment and also the occasional creature that needs a ride. On the weekends it can haul camping gear or stuff from home depot. Its not a -powerful- car, but the engine is capable if you gear it properly, the engine needs to kept in its proper power band, the paddles help do that. It is a very lively driving experience, but remember to gear down to 4/3 to have enough torque so you dont get stuck, ex merging/passing, etc. The hatch is the perfect height to keep me dry when rooting through the cargo area, Im 5-11 and I fit.

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  Make sure you customize sound settings! Great Car! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By gn842 - September 16 - 9:17 pm

  For $19.3k I think I got a terrific manual Accord. But only 600 miles so far, cant speak to reliability. I preferred the Accords manual stick to the Mazda 6 manual stick. I swapped OEM tires out for Continental PureContact Eco Plus and was surprised at improved handling and even quieter ride. Much quieter ride than the Mazda 6. This is important to me, I like handling but low profile tires are a liability in the NE with its potholes. And the handling is plenty great with 16" rims.

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  My 6th Honda Pilot - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By bobg1957 - September 14 - 9:38 am

  I have owned a 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010,2012 and now a 2015. I am really disappointed with Honda. Since my first Pilot the quality of the Navigation system has gone down, the software ease of use has gone down, brakes are worse and the wind noise at Highway speeds is beyond description, you might as well turn off your radio. So why do I keep buying them? I was hoping things would improve, but they dont. I kept going back because I love the all the space and the engine/transmission along with the good gas mileage for such a large SUV.

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  Great Car for the money. - 2010 Honda Insight
  By jpaule - September 10 - 3:51 pm

  We bought the Insight new in May, 2009 as a 2010 model and have driven it 69,000 miles as of September 10, 2014. We have had absolutely no warranty issues and gave replaced only tires and wiper blades! It has a small rear seat for adults, but is comfortable enough for us senior citizens on a 675 mile one-way trip frequently to see our grandkids. Gas mileage is great- 40mpg in our town with a stoplight on every corner and 46 mpg average on the highway at 65-70 mph. This is an extremely reliable car as we expected with a Honda and plan to keep it well past 100,000 miles.

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  Second Time Owner - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jvp58 - September 10 - 12:21 pm

  This is my second Odyssey my first was 2010 this one 2012. They both seem to have similar problems with the quality of the front end. I have had the 2012 for 2 yrs now and these are my thoughts. Before I go on let me say that Im very familiar with how a car works mechanically. With 22,000 miles the van is in the shop for the following problems. Noise in left front, worse in the winter, grinding noise from engine,worse a low idle and strong vibration when applying brakes, worse when on highway. Just received call from service manager and here is the list of things that need to be replaced. Stabilizer links and bushings, Power steering pump, Front brakes and rotors and the two front tires.

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  Still love it! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By whitegloves - September 8 - 11:54 pm

  Bought 7/2010 for mechanical reliability, thats what Ive gotten so far. Not a single problem there, not even a funny noise. Snappy, responsive engine handles firm and tight. Good visibility compared to others in category. Great family car, roomy backseat/huge trunk. Fantastic sound system but totally unusable at freeway speeds due to Hondas legendary high level of road noise transmission. Also dont like: headlights weak in intensity and range seat comfort = meh no fuel economy data readout headrests from hell (but other brands worse) steering-wheel wrap turning color ever so slightly, developing a dark purplish cast to the original charcoal -- but only I can see it apparently.

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  Almost Perfect for a minivan! Still the best in its class! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By minivandad2014 - September 8 - 10:59 pm

  This is my second Honda Odyssey in two years! All-in-all, it is a great mini-van. My kids love the comfort of the second and third rows. The overall handling is fantastic for a van. I especially like the xenon headlights, sound system and vacuum cleaner offered in the Elite trim level. Honda did a great job returning solid fuel economy of approximately 24 mpg combined city and highway driving for me. The vans engine is incredibly smooth and quiet! Now, my only two complaints:1) The front passengers seat is uncomfortable for long trips! Honda would knock it out of the park if they would address its comfort! More padding would be nice especially on the premium trim levels.

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  First 10k miles disappoints former loyal Honda consumer - 2014 Honda Accord
  By 516lionline - September 8 - 12:12 pm

  My 4th Accord LX (89, 96,01 my fiancée had the 11 EX-L my mom had a CR-V and now owns the 13 Odyssey)! Without trying to sound too unforgiving, Honda has finally lost my complete attention. This harsh review stems from two issues. Interiors cheaply built in general, need far better craftsmanship, durability & quality. Competitors, like VW offer way better feel, textures, and look (my 135 lb fiancees 11 leather armrest & seat wore out torn by 40k my 14 has a hole in driver floor mat from only 2500 miles, now big enough to fit an apple to a hole in the interior floor carpeting. Thankful, owning more than 30+ cars on none had this ever happened. Highly regret not getting a Passat :(

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  The Ultimate Accord - 2014 Honda Crosstour
  By tollytime - September 6 - 10:05 pm

  The Accord suffix was dropped after a slight re-design in 2013, but the genetic relation to Hondas best selling sedan remains strong. Fit, finish, and quality, are excellent! The Crosstour is more like a "Super Accord" that has a beefier structure and higher road clearance. The suspension was raised to mimic a small SUV, but dont get it confused with an off-road vehicle. Im sure the raised height will aid in deep snow and muddy country roads, but dont try to drive over a hefty log blocking your path. The rear hatch compartment with fold down seats will allow you to transport larger items but less room for extra passengers. Rear cargo room with the seats up is good, but not remarkable.