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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  Rough Rider - 2015 Honda Accord
  By George Guarini - September 16 - 2:51 pm

  This is an addition to an earlier review. Bought this 2015 LX in August. I had a 1994,1998 and a 2003 LX and they all rode better then the 2015. You feel every bump in the rode and you feel like a cork bobbing in the ocean. I later found out that Honda replaced their famous wishbone suspension with McPherson Struts(Cheaper) which maybe contributed to the very firm and rough ride. Also the front driver and passenger seats are very uncomfortable, we are using seat pads to give us some comfort but seat backs are hard ( will have to find something to put there to help my back) Rode or tire noise excessive(Thought windows were opened) overall very disappointed in this car, Loved my 94 98 and 03 and based my purchase on the 2015 on those 3 cars. I have no idea how Consumer reports rates this car so high. I will be looking at a Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry soon. Oh by the way mileage is good.

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  Thanks for saving my life :). - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Heidi Wilder - September 15 - 10:03 pm

  Im greatful for the desig of this car. I got in a very serious accident and was lucky to survive. Im glad my car was built the way it was! Ive had this car for three years till this accident and no major issues! I did have to do one repair from the get-go, but thats because I got it as a remade car. Have loved my car!

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  Forget the 4 CYL - 2014 Honda Crosstour
  By Robert Vanderheiden - September 15 - 4:52 pm

  The Honda Crosstour is quite different from the Accord and still based on the previous Accord model. That means the dash, seats, etc are from the older model. Not a big issue but one thing is just plain ridiculous for a car of this statue and price and that is the fact that there is no outside temp on the EX. Really? Even my daughters PT cruiser has that. Perhaps not a big deal for some, but if I had known when test driving the car... I would probably not have purchased it. Most frustrating thing about this car is the power or better lack of power. It accelerates like a turtle. It only starts increasing speed at higher revs. It is at times actually dangerous when changing lanes for example when quick acceleration is demanded. It simply does not happen. It does not change gears fast enough depending on speed of the car... for example, when driving 20-30 miles an hour and you want to quickly accelerate to overtake someone or change lanes, the car just responds very slowly which can be dangerous. Of course the car drives easily at higher speeds, no problem there, except getting there takes longer than you would expect. The car does provide a comfortable interior with ample space and it is nice that you have a 5th door... i.e. a hatchback. It is easy to drop the rear seats and the extra space is nice if you have dogs for example. The seats are firm and perhaps not to everyones liking. My wife simply hates the seats and wants to go back to a Nissan which seats are much more comfortable for her. I am OK. I actually drove the car cross country up to 800 miles a day without any problem or fatigue. So this may be a personal preference. Do try the car out on a longer test drive.

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  Great reliable car with puny engine - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Dylan - September 14 - 11:08 pm

  This car was a great first car for me. I drove the thing like heck and it stayed strong under me. I put about 50,000 miles on it and it only broke down once. That was for the fuel pump going out which was an easy quick fix. It always got me where i needed to be, even if it wasnt very quickly. Its 1.6L 4 cylinder engine isnt that impressive. Its fuel economy was alright but it was not very responsive in the pedal at all. The transmission as well was not that great at shifting. the whole time i had it the shifting was a bit rough and i assume it is just the technology and quality of the transmission. Despite those two things it still ran great and i enjoyed it. very reliable and comfortable.

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  Extremely Disappointed in the Interior - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Carolyn Martin - September 14 - 2:37 pm

  Interior is ALWAY BLACK and therefore highlights any dust or dirt. That would be OK, EXCEPT do NOT us a cleaner to wash the doors etc. I have faded interior. It looks AWFUL. I was washing the windows and used the same rag to wash the inside of the door. It took the color completely off! After having this car for only 3 months, it looks older than my 12 year old other car! Cheap interior materials. The seats show everything from a drop of water can create a stain! And Ive never seen a paint job that chips so easily. Its so sad, because I love this car and it rides well, but looks like a piece of crap. The dealership response was to say it was not their responsibility.

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  Rack abd Pinion and rotor nightmare - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kelly - September 14 - 1:41 pm

  I have a 2010 Honda cr-v. All was fine until about 105,000 miles. Sine then we are now putting in our 5th Rack and pinion steering in less then 2 years and 4th set of rotors in 8 months. These parts are horrible. Thank goodness I dont need to pay ( after initial replacement) to replace them but seriously think I need to sell car which sucks cause I do really like it.

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  Great car if you get a 6speed - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Car Enthusiast - September 14 - 10:09 am

  The 2013 Accord is a great car for the money. Lots of interior room for a family of 4. The ride is great and the steering is very responsive. The suspension is likely more stiff than a malibu, impala, or other similar American cars although it feels very tight and performance oriented. I have yet to experience any problems after 2 months of driving. I purchased mine with 19k miles. I would highly recommend getting the manual transmission as the CVT (in any car not just honda), is quite terrible. Many auto manufacturers have jumped on this CVT bandwagon to achieve exceptional mpg at the sacrifice of reliability, performance, and ride experience. I would not recommend a CVT in any car. They simply do not last, require costly maintenance when problematic, and have a horrible rubber band effect during swift acceleration or deceleration. The 6 speed in the 2013 Accord shifts like butter, and really brings out all 181 horses. Although its not much, this car revs very high and is great for highway/city driving (Ive gotten 36.5 mpg highway and average 27 in town with conservative driving 3k rpm shifts). Take this from someone who has had a zr1, 99 m3, multiple subaru WRXs, IS300 and 350, gs400 etc. The car is great. Its really a great car if you get the 6speed. If you can only find an auto, buy something else that offers a standard 5speed/6speed auto. Avoid any cars with CVT transmissions no matter who the auto manufacturer.

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  Very Satisfied - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By carverjim@nc.rr.com - September 14 - 8:08 am

  My wife and I love our CRV. We have a AWD Touring model. Very smooth handling/driving. The ride is smooth and appropriately quiet for the type vehicle. Acceleration is smooth. (We have another 8 yr old vehicle with CVT with no problems.) There is no vibration riding or idling. In our 60s and really like ease of entry/exit. We especially like the new tech features of the right turn video of the right side of vehicle, the adaptive cruise control, the lane keep assist, blue tooth pairing of iPhone and three way view of the backup camera! Glad it has adaptive braking, but do not want to test it. Overall very stylish to own.

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  Best Car Ever Made - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Bryan Bernstel - September 14 - 7:53 am

  This car has, on more than one occasion, saved my life and always kept running even when it seemed it was going to give up. Reliable and easy to fix.

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  Great for the long drive - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Steven Printz - September 13 - 9:13 pm

  I bought this car five months ago. This is my first Honda after having driven five GM cars. I love it so far. I have put 10,000 miles on the car so far. I average 35-39 MPG and go an average of 500 miles on each tank of gas. I have hit up to 47 MPG on the interstate. The car is quiet and gives me no problems. I hope to have it for a long time to come.