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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  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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  Cant believe its a Accord Interior :( - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mauiboy520 - January 27 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased this car in June of 07 as a 2nd vehicle and have about 5000 miles on it. The ride ride is nice and smooth and no mechanical problems to date. As for the bad stuff....TONS of road noise, Interior function is nice but quality has slipped. Power door switches in the driver door keeps popping out, rattle in the driver door and somewhere in the dash and dont know if Accord owners noticed but light from the glovebox comes through at night with the headlights on. Radio needs serious updating/more power. Seats are nice but with it had more support and adjustments. The engine is smooth but the transmission shifts are rougher than I am use to in other 5- speed automatics.

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  Hondas are overrated!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By BMWboy - January 27 - 6:13 pm

  I bought a 2005 civic ex coupe brand new from my local dealer, and at first it was really not that bad, however after about my third fill up i realized that i was only getting an average of 22 miles to the gallon in town, i was told i would avarage 30 in town, then on cold days the car didnt want to start, took it to the dealer and of course they said they could not get it to act up, then i had issues with the passenger door panel failling off, finally i decided to trade it in for something better, which ended up being a 2000 bmw 328i the best car i have ever owned, i will never own another honda or will i recomed them to anyone.

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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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  Best bang for buck for economy car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nam N. - January 26 - 11:46 pm

  As a long time Honda owner and having gone through 6 different generations of Accords, 3 gens of Civics - I must say the 2016 Honda Accord is bar none the best looking of them all, dare I say best looking of all economical mid sized sedans on the market. Exterior: LED running lamps and brake lights, dual chrome tipped exhaust, paired with the 19 inch factory rims (on the Sport model) really gives an expensive European look on the new Accord. Smooth body lines and the chrome trim pieces really makes the exterior a top of the line car to look at. INTERIOR: is simplistic and classy. The sport model isnt as flashy without the dual screen for navigation and apple play but it suffices for your daily needs of music, MPG stats, and the new feature of adding photos via USB. Gauge cluster is appealing and consist of a glowing ring that goes from white to green depending on fuel efficiency/how you drive. Spacious enough for 4 full grown adults with plenty of leg room in the front and rear. Middle seat in the rear is always uncomfortable but you can still manage to squeeze someone in without too much discomfort. Trunk space is very large and I havent had any issues shopping at Costco and fitting anything I need to thus far. The bluetooth system is rather poor as I have had multiple issues with connections cutting on and off, since a recent software update on my phone though, I havent run into the issue - however the lack of being able to voice dial by name is rather bothersome. Pandora and bluetooth connectivity for music works rather seamlessly, although I would rather have XM Radio capabilities instead of Pandora. The way around it is still to stream XM via phone and run it via bluetooth - but that does use up data. Engine/Tranny: Its got enough umpf for a 4 banger to get up and go when you need it to. The CVT transmission shifts flawlessly through all gears. Launching off the line feels rather sluggish, despite using the paddle shifters. Theres enough power in the upper end and responsive enough on the freeway to get out of situational hazards. Braking feels solid and cornering the car really sticks to the road, it being FWD definitely helps pull through corners are high speeds than what signs recommend. Its no race car by any means but its perfect for daily driving. If you want power and speed pick up the V6 model. Honda really stepped up their game with their new 2016 line up on all vehicles. The Accord is easily my favorite. I do however wish that I spend the extra money for the EX or EX-L. Missing the amenities of keyless entry when I have my hands full of groceries or having to reach into my pockets to find my keys. Sunroof on the warm days or cool summer nights. Auto dimming mirrors when driving in front of a truck or a small car with high beams on. Mostly the memory seats, as I share the car with my wife throughout the week and its tedious to constantly have to adjust the seat and mirros. Heated seats for the cold winter days. Given that the EX-L is quite a bit of a step up in price compared to sport and has less the fancy 19 inch wheels and dual exhausts, Id much rather have luxuries than the asthetics. If youve never had these features you probably wont miss it as the car asthetically is a huge upgrade for anyone. If you have had these options in a previous vehicle youll miss it greatly. Overall I dont think there is a better car for value and looks on the market. The sport model is perfect for someone who likes to have good looks and value in their car - for the long term Id recommend picking the higher model because you dont realize what youre missing until you dont have it. But Id say Im still happy with my purchase.

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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!

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  good job - 1998 Honda Civic
  By germaine - January 26 - 2:00 am

  good handeling not the best on deep snow or ice but hold its own. Didnt intend to modify it it just got out of controal, but still love it. wish it had a 6th gear for the hiway.

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  Great Car For Anyone - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Amous - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a perfect car for anyone. I love everything about it I have had this car since 1999 and it is now 2003 and have never had any problems with it. The gas mileage is great and the car is very sturdy in its build. The car is very roomy for a smaller style car. I would highly reccomend this car to anybody who is looking for a lower priced car.