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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  First Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By rwen - February 8 - 10:31 pm

  Had a 2011 Sienna limited FWD. Traded for 2014 Odyssey with high expectations due to better safety ratings, blind spot and lane departure warning, and so claimed better MPG up to 28 MPG on hwy. After having owned and driven both cars, realized each has plus and minus features. If you use navigation often, this would not be ideal car (see below). Cargo area a bit smaller than Sienna, though 3rd row more spacious.

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  Battery issues in cold weather...Upstate NY - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sandy3858 - February 8 - 3:44 pm

  My girlfriend lives in Upstate NY, hadnt driven her car for three days, and decided to go shopping. Returning home after a roundtrip of about five miles, she turned off the vehicle for about five minutes and it would not restart. AAA was called and provided a jumpstart, but said their tester indicated the battery would not hold the charge. She them drove the car to the dealer for their assessment. Their answer was that these Accords need to be driven every couple days at least and if not, the owner should buy a trickle charger. A trickle charger? If the car is not driven every couple days? Its a 2013 car, not a 1913. Honda needs to address this issue.

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  Our Second Odyssey (EX-RES) - Great Van/Great Value - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By grover432 - February 6 - 1:01 pm

  Our first was a 2011 model which had no issues other than a fussy 5 Spd automatic that vibrated when upshifting. Our 2014 6 speed doesnt have the transmission vibration but it "tugs" a bit on downshift when cold. Van drives and handles well. The controls you touch most have been improved. Interior noise is about the same as the Sienna. While it may cost a bit more than some of its competitors, it retains its value on resale. We leased our 2011 with a buyout of $19,300 (CAD) after 36 months. We bought it out and sold it for $26,500, taking the $7,200 in equity plus $1,500 in cash from Honda and bought a new 2014. We were only out of pocket $9,000 for a brand new van!

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  Another hit for Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - February 5 - 10:17 pm

  I rack up a lot of mileage and I have kids to shuttle around so I need a car to be 100% reliable and inexpensive to run. I also think dealer service is a waste of money and the only service I perform on my cars is an oil change and tire rotation at whichever quick-lube joint I happen to be driving by when the maintenance minder goes on. I could drive a Toyota, but talk about bland. Civics are the perfect blend of sporty and economical, have great driving manners, good build quality and are more than powerful enough to appeal to most drivers. The 2013 is no exception, not to mention its so classy and well equipped you really wonder how long people are going to waste money buying luxury cars.

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  Buyers remorse for me too - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bc6 - February 3 - 1:06 pm

  I traded in a 2008 Accord sedan for this 2013 Accord Coupe, EX with leather and nav. I wish I hadnt done that. Why? The primary reason is the Coupes ride quality. My 2008 Accord was smooth as silk. The new car is best described as uncomfortably harsh. You feel every bump. I could see this being an exhausting ride, especially for a long drive. Maybe new tires will help? I probably wont know for 3 years or so, when its time to get new tires. Assuming I can deal with riding in a car with no suspension for 3 years. I suggest anyone considering a new Accord take the car for a lengthy test drive over a variety of street surfaces.

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  Impressions after 5 weeks - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By steven6868 - January 27 - 9:22 pm

  After driving an Integra for 12 years, its quite an adjustment switching to an SUV. The back up camera in en excellent tool, but should not be used exclusively when in reverse - theres still no substitute for looking out that back. The city gas mileage is way lower than I expected: 16 mpg is the highest Ive gotten and this is driving with conserving gas in mind. Highway is more acceptable at 26 mpg. I got this in the winter time and it is colder than usual. The heater in the CR-V takes several minutes to get going and provide heat. Just as I start to feel comfortable, I have arrived at my destination (work commute is less than 15 minutes.)

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  Should have bought one years ago - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By avcerp - January 27 - 2:19 am

  I resisted buying a ridgeline for years because of its looks, because its not a real truck, and the price. I finally broke-down and bought a used one this fall and I love it. It fits my needs perfectly. Four doors for my family, fits in my garage (an absolute requirement in Alaska) enough cargo capacity for me, and an AWD system up to the task in Alaska winters. Its not an off-roader, but so far in my first winter with it, its done just fine (with its standard tires).

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  Steering Column makes noise when turning slow - 2013 Honda Accord
  By amy_t - January 25 - 4:59 pm

  Have a 2013 Honda Accord EX-L, purchased new June 2013, after a few months it started making a noticeable but soft popping/clicking noise coming from the steering column when turning the steering wheel. Took it to the dealer twice, they replaced the parts covering the airbag inside the steering column (steering angle sensor & combination bracket), and then finally admitted that there is no known fix to this noise. The Honda service rep even pointed out that a few people working for Honda have experienced the same noise from their 2013 Accords. Im very disappointed and even embarrassed that Im stuck with a new car that makes a funny noise.

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  Rust problems Truck Around Tail Light - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By jeffwh - January 24 - 7:08 pm

  Honda Poor Customer Service In just 5 years rust in around rear signal lights broke through the paint and started flaking off. It was unbelievable. I told Honda of the issue and they inspected the vechile and they concluded the vechile had not been in an accident or repainted. They would not pay for the repair. Van was well in perfect conditions otherwise. Amazing van to drive but customer service. Terrible! Be careful.

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  Love this car. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By fontaine1975 - January 23 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had the 14 Accord LX for a few months now. Paid $19,000 in SoCal. Pros: I have had NO problems (shaking, judders, shudders, etc) with the CVT. Smooth acceleration and shifting (or whatever it is). Steering is light and responsive. Rearview camera with active guides (it takes awhile to get used to what the lines mean on the guides) Cons: It doesnt support iOS (iphone), so I switched to android. On the drivers side outside mirror, the outer edge is distorted and its a little distracting, im not sure what its supposed to do, but its a fail. The 4 speaker sound system sounds kinda crappy. Small fingerprint-sized area of paint on the hood is slightly dull looking.