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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  3 Days and I am impressed!!!! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By kickaroundkid - May 30 - 10:58 am

  I picked up my Blue (I forget the original name for the color) Honda Accord Sport 3 days ago. I was coming from a 2006 Toyota Camry SE and wasnt looking to trade it in, but the dealer gave me a good sizeable amt on it. After getting in and driving it, its like a dream. The Bluetooth, The Ride, The Seats, The 18in Rims.....the whole Sport Package. And thanks to Big Star Honda in Houston for making the process so much earlier than I thought. I was more inclined to the Mazda 6 (I owned a 2004 Mazda 3, but ran into alot of issues) before considering the Honda, but with everyone in your family with a Honda with a proven record, it was a question of dont take a chance....just go for it.

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  They just keep getting better.... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By treeguybob - May 29 - 3:17 pm

  Our 2014 Accord EX-L Navi is our fourth Accord, and our seventh Honda. So far, this 2014 Accord is the best ever. Superb seats, roomy, quiet, peppy, and an overall resounding ring of quality. In reading other 14 Accord reviews, I note a range of complaints...and well many of these complaints may be well founded, one must recognize the Accord for what it is...for its value. What other car could I buy like this for less than $27K! We have owned several BMWs and other "luxury" vehicles. Most have been a bit nicer than the Accord, but when rating any of them relative to their initial cost and maintenance costs, all fail to remotely compare to the amazing value of the Accord.

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  1st owner & 5 1/2 yrs later I am still happy! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By billybeefcake - May 27 - 1:29 pm

  My wife and I picked out a 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L 5 1/2 years ago with 20 miles on it. We now have just over 73,000 on the vehicle, and we are even more happy now than when we purchased the van because nothing has gone wrong. There has been several recalls such as the brakes, the transmission reprogramming, and cabin noise, but Honda was pretty good (once they acknowledged the issues) at taking care of them. With a fully loaded van (family/cargo) on a flat road I can get 27/28 mpg easily. In town she avg. 18-20 depending on how much a/c we are using. As for us we have had a good experience.

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  1998 Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By teapartynow - May 25 - 10:43 pm

  I bought it used with 100K miles on it in 2013. Well taken care of and serviced. I expect the transmission to last 250K miles. At that point in time parts may be scarce so Ill enjoy it while I can. Do the drain of transmission fluid, not the flush, with 30K intervals. The car is well built and the seats are very comfortable. I have a bad back and Im 6 foot 2 but I can still put in a 12 hour drive non stop and feel OK when I step out. It likes the speed interval 80 to 100 miles per hour on the interstate. Too bad American cars are not this good, or the later Odysseys. There is nothing like it.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By sgilbert - May 22 - 11:42 pm

  We enjoy the stable roadabiity, quietness, comfortable, supportive seats, roominess, smooth quiet engine. So far, (3700 miles), no squeaks or rattles. Several minor negatives: the ride is a bit "truck like" (not real "supple), and the dash controls are not" intuitive" - took us quite a while to learn how to program things, work the a/c, etc., as the knobs and buttons are not in expected places, nor do they perform the function I expected. We finally have it figured out, but even the huge owners manual lacked "how to" information that produced quick understanding. Gas mileage on a trip at 65 mph often about 30. Even around town usually over 20. V-6 has ample power. Overall, we love it.

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  Best car I have owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lulu29 - May 22 - 9:48 pm

  Bought the my Accord in 2009 with 30k miles, it now has 134k miles. I use it to commute to work. I have never had to do any work other the maintenance. Its fun to drive and gets great mpg. I bought my car from a dealership and its lowered. I love the look and style. Roomy interior to par. I have 2 more payments till its paid for. Im seriously debating to buy another newer Acura or just keep driving this one.

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  My experience with both Insight and Prius - 2013 Honda Insight
  By blahblah_gc - May 19 - 6:22 pm

  I bought a Prius 4 yrs ago and I like the car. With the fact that Honda is discontinuing the car, and I didnt want Toyota to earn all my money so I decided to buy a new Insight. Surprisingly my decision is well made. Like I said Prius is a good car, I can get 60 MPG if I drive it really carefully (by pissing off many other drivers). But Insight makes you forget that you are driving a hybrid and still get you pretty decent mileage. Honda is definitely more fun to drive compared to Toyota the handling is much better. Although its not as spacious as to Prius, its not bad at all. Bottom line, both cars are good, but Insight is a car with more fun.

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  1996 Honda Accord - 1996 Honda Accord
  By zto101 - May 18 - 7:45 pm

  My parents got this for me from my great aunt who wasnt using the car anymore. The paint was in beaten up condition, but the car itself drives great! Minor maintenance issues, I just have to change the oil every once in awhile. I recently got a paint job from black to white and it looks just like new. Its one of those cars that has versatility. Ive driven to a lot of places with it, LA, Riverside, etc. and it only takes about 1/4 of the gas tank if Im going on a 2 hour long drive both ways. Decent speed as well, not too fast and not too slow. It gets me to where I need to go, and definitely gets the job done. I could care less if its not fancy. And no, its not riced up. Great car!

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  A really great vehicle to own - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By britqueen - May 18 - 11:15 am

  I had this mini suv for six years and never had one mechanical problem with it at all. Overall a really great vehicle to own especially for reliability. It was a bit loud on the highway but never enough to be annoying. I wouldnt call it "fun" to drive but it was a great suv for zipping around town and transporting my dog to the park. I would buy another one but I feel Honda needs to really put a power liftgate in this vehicle. Also the navigation is a bit subpar with other vehicles.

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  An Excellent Family Sedan - 2014 Honda Accord
  By radcar1 - May 17 - 7:46 pm

  We have had our new Accord for about a month and a half and put on about 4K miles, including a 3K mile trip. The new accord is a very smooth car, especially around town, and gets excellent gas mileage. We have always bought the V6 model, and traded a 2007 EXL-V6 for the new one. I was reluctant to buy a 4 cyl. but a test drive impressed me. Indeed, it does have plenty of acceleration and so far the CVT is very nice. Some have said that the CVT roars when you accelerate, but we find it to be similar to the V6 roar when it downshifts. It doesnt accelerate quite as fast as the 07 V6, but it was more than adequate when merging on the interstates. Our gas mileage was 37 mpg for the trip.