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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  On My Second Accord! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Tina - August 2 - 10:18 pm

  Living in New England, I also thought that you needed a Four-Wheel Drive vehicle to get through the winters. I live on a dirt road in the mountains and never thought a Front-Wheel Drive Accord (With very expensive winter tires) would be able to get the job done just as well. This past month, I traded my Gray 2012 Honda Accord EX-L V6 for a Blue 2017 Honda Accord Touring V6. I was so incredibly surprised at how far the Accord has come within the past 5 years. I absolutely love everything about it. The Apple CarPlay connectivity is the most convenient thing in the world. The one thing that again, is lovely to have in New England winters, are the heated seats. Having the Memory Seats is also just one of those niceties. The overall interior quality isnt bad due to the fact that there is plastic in some places, but for the most part, there is padded leather where you rest your elbows. In terms of performance, I personally opted for the V6 model. I really wasnt all that impressed with the V4, but I have a bit of a LED foot so for most, it is more than enough power. I think the interior space and cargo space is highly immense and should please one looking for a mid-size sedan. If you are debating between an Accord and a Camry, I would wait until 2018 to choose as a newer Camry model is debuting and you will most likely see a redesigned Accord as well. If you want heated/cooled seats or the infamous heated steering wheel, you will have to spend about $5,000 more for Hondas luxury version of the Accord, you will have to opt for their higher end, Acura TLX, which I also will tell you, offers AWD.

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  Honda Experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By PATRICIA RAUGH - August 2 - 9:56 pm

  As a prior, well satisfied owner of a 1992 Honda Civic, I intended to purchase another Civic when I found this accord. Everything I liked about my Civic, I love about my Accord. Reliability - because of my business, I have to have a vehicle that starts, handles well in bad weather on all types of road surfaces. Economy - this is a good-sized, 4 door car that, right from the purchase date, has gotten 32+ miles to the gallon. While the higher gas prices bother me, its not nearly as bad as an SUV would be. Comfort - elderly relatives love my car. They can get in and out with ease. I travel a lot on business and, we travel for pleasure, we are both tall and have ample room to stretch.

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  Jerky ride - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carrie - August 2 - 8:23 pm

  Just purchased my Honda and the one problem that is major for me besides not getting the gas mileage it shows on its sticker, is how jerky it is when the motor/engine shifts gears up & down. Feels like you are driving it incorrectly. Was told all SUVs shift like that but I had owned one from another make prior to the Pilot and it was not that way.

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  Just what I needed - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sam Thomas - August 2 - 6:18 pm

  I commute a lot for work but I needed something roomy enough to tote around what I need. This CRV is fantastic and I love it!

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  paying attention - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By rich - August 2 - 4:01 pm

  radio control area could definately be improved

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  Honda should be held accountable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By barbara - August 2 - 2:20 pm

  I have seen many suggestions of a class action lawsuit in reviews regarding Hondas claim of MPG and the actual MPG that consumers have noted. I too am extremely disappointed that Honda claimed 26 MPG on the road for this vehicle. I am lucky to get 12/13 on the highway. Also, the shift is not smooth nor is the ride comfortable on a long trip. The lift gate is incredibly difficult to manage. I am constantly asking for assistance in the grocery store parking lot. No excuse for a door to be that difficult to lower, especially since an automatic was not an option on this model. I was so pleased with my Toyota Sienna, and definitely went "downhill" with this purchase.

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  Outstanding! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Drew - August 2 - 1:44 pm

  When the Honda Accord came out with a new hybrid model in 2014, I knew I wanted this car, but unfortunately, because they were so hard to find, dealers were not willing to negotiable. Now in 2017, being that it is the last model year, I was able to get a substantial discount so I bought this car about 2 weeks ago. I had my first gas fill up this morning and I was blown away by my MPG. The computer showed that I was getting 47 MPG, but at fill up, I calculated 51 MPG! My commute is about 30% city and 70% freeway. On the freeway, I drive around 70 MPH. I am still learning to use all the features of the car and so far I am loving it! I do not have a single thing to complain about. This is probably the best new car purchase decision I have made!

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  My Chubby Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By ALC - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car but I have one complaint about visibility. The driver and passenger side have a blind spot. The rather large window post can swallow a car whole and if you are not careful you could be unpleasantly surprised.

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  Gotta love those hondas - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By honda lover - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Only had my Pilot for two months, but love every day of it so far. Very roomy interior. Front seats feels very comfortable and roomy, never get the feeling of being cramp even with two kids in the second row. Gas milage is what you should expect from a SUV, but it does better than most competetors of this class. Fit and finish is very nice and solid. Wish there was a remote hatch opener. The front head rest are not adjustable and they are not in the right position to rest you head comfortabely. I find the ignition switch for the key to be very awkward, I had the car for two months and I still need to look for the opening to insert the ignition key.

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  repeat CR-V buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By twin300 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Great...turned in 98 model with 130,000 miles just because it seemed like the time to get a new car.This has all the plus off the old with more convience.If it could have been done better it is...no problem with the old one (no repair work ,just maintenance)Atlantic Honda thank you for your service