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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  Great car for what it is however...... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By nojo317 - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  There are some issues that make this not a 5-star car (for me). I purchased a new Civic EX-L in August 2013 after having driven a Mazda Tribute for 12 years. I admit to it being a huge change and adjustment. I have about 3,500 miles on it as of the date of this review. My main complaint is how it drives in wet/snowy conditions. It seems to have issues gripping the road, and even with just a dusting of snow on the road it spins its tires when trying to move from a stopped position (no, I dont drive like Mario Andretti.) I have 30+ years experience driving in the snow and do not feel confident in this cars ability to navigate the roads during a midwest winter.

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  Beautiful but disappointing - 2013 Honda Civic
  By ter12 - December 31 - 11:33 pm

  The car is beautiful. Do not get 40 MPG hwy as was told by dealer. Does not handle well in snow. Good fast heater. Visors are lower quality than my 2008 same model. Also center armrest in back seat is narrower. Car hesitates when turned on. Also hesitates when accelerated from a dead stop. My 2008 just went. This car drags. 2008 more peppy and more fun to drive. Same model

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  Whats the problem? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By xcivicx_1259 - December 29 - 1:52 pm

  A lot of people are really bashing on this Civic, people need to realize that Honda has ALWAYS been bad for road noise. It has always had a rough ride and has never had comfortable seating. If you want that kind of car, go buy a Cadillac. Next, if the exterior doesnt align DONT BUY IT. It is the companies fault, not something you should take on. Also a lot of people complain about the car and they drive like idiots and dont take care of it. For the tranny issues. Just buy a manual, it is a lot easier to service a clutch than a auto transmission. It solves the gutless problem as well because of the direct drive, there is no slippage opposed to the auto.

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  I just dont get it... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By glastonbury - December 21 - 9:26 am

  I have a 2014 EX-L Accord that 15 years ago would have been pure fantasy (esp,, the gas mileage, engine technology, etc). I just dont see where you can nit-pick too much an a car that was built with the minds of a likely very anal retentive group of designers. Here are a few sill examples: 1) On the shift handle, the button you depress initially felt kinda chintzy however, over time you realize the lightness of design makes it just a little bit easier to depress - it almost floats. I think this design esthetic pervades the car. It seems like everything works very well.

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  Hurray Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By runeye - December 14 - 9:05 am

  The Pilot is a decent SUV. The acceleration is pretty good for an SUV though you really have to rev it if you want the full power of the startup torque. Highway driving is fun with this vehicle as the gear changes are smooth. Spacious interior with quality leather and the foldable backseat help since I carry heavy equipment with the work I do. I dont really use the entertainment much unless I have friedns with me. The Nav system works well and efficiently. My only issue with the vehicle was for a while, the Hold button on my key wasnt opening the trunk and I had to do it manually. Then a week later, it would work, and then stop working. But now it seems that problem is gone.

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  Supple Ride??? - 2014 Honda Accord
  By dawnsxtc - December 11 - 6:01 pm

  My recent purchase of a 2014 Honda Accord EXL-V6 was my first for this make and probably my last. The car has the most value per dollar of any others we looked at including Avalon, Lexus 350kRX, Altima, Chevy Impala, Ford models, Infiniti G-37 and Q50. Interior and exterior design is first class, controls are easy to use, very roomy interior and comfortable seating, large trunk space, etc. And the ride is like a dream...a very, very, bad dream. Whoever decided that family sedans should have a sport or firm suspension system need to have his head examined. Unless the streets and highways are new and exceptionally smooth, the ride almost shakes the fillings out of my teeth.

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  Beautiful Car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By allentx - December 9 - 4:39 pm

  2013 Civic is a Beautiful vehicle.

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  Bought a 2010 brand new and still love it... - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By twiswall - December 6 - 10:18 am

  We drove every midsize SUV there was available and it came down to the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota drove better, more like a car, but it only seated 7 people. The Honda was closer to real 4WD (still not real but close) and seated 8...a real 8 full sized adults. Some that seated 7 really only seated 5 adults and 2 kids in the 3rd row. In the end we needed the full 8 seats and while the interior does not have much style to it, it is functional. I wish I would have waited another year as Bluetooth became a standard interior feature that was only available on the Touring in 2010. Other than that this is a great midsize SUV to own.

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  Hondalink is CRAP!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kjasmine - December 4 - 9:59 pm

  This system does not work 50% of the time. It does not understand voice commands 70% of the time. It does not retain speed dial numbers. It does not accept Gracenote updates for the HDD. It takes 10 minutes after starting to allow you to access controls for audio using the knobs but prompts use of voice commands which do not WORK!!!

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  Great Car for Long term Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By zhenchok - December 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this car off lease when it had 18k it now has 150k with no issues. I keep saying to myself Ill buy a new car when my current car breaks, but it still works perfectly. Sure itt not as smooth as it was when I first got it, but at 150k this is the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made. I recently bought 90k warranty tires because I know that it will last another 100k without any issues. I basically did my oil changes, regular maintenance, break replacement, and tire replacements. Two years ago my a/c went out and I had to replace a rear door lock sensor, but other than that I have not had any mechanical issues at all. If you want a reliable car for long term purchase, get a CRV!