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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  Battery and AWD issues - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By sdhanson - January 2 - 12:23 am

  We have two cars - a RAV4 and a CRV. Pretty much identical vehicles except - The AWD handles like rear wheel drive when driving in snow. The rear end wants to come around when cornering on snowy roads. The RAV doesnt do this. I much prefer the RAV when driving on snow. The battery goes dead about twice a month. I had the battery and alternator checked by the dealer and was told everything is "OK." The alternator does not charge at idle and if all your trips are short your battery will go dead. Carry a battery pack and put it on a trickle charger once a month. This is a HUGE shortcoming to me! PS I live in a very cold region where we can go months below 32 degrees.

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  2014 Honda CR-V 5DR 2WD LX - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By miamidave61 - December 18 - 7:24 pm

  I leased my vehicle on October 11, 2013. My vehicle has almost 2000 miles. I have been leasing Honda vehicles for over 10 years and this is my first SUV. The ride is smooth and the road noise is low. When you need that extra pick up when entering a highway it responds well. The fabric seats are comfortable and my family say the back seats are comfortable too. The interior menu display screen is small. The trunk space is good. Overall I am very happy with my Honda CR-V.

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  Its a Honda....Need I say more...?!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By gulfwalker62 - December 15 - 3:11 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda Civic, and what a huge improvement over 10-yrs. Its larger, safer, just as reliable, better fuel economy & this time I went for the EX Trim vs the LX last time. The EX sedan is a very nice sedan and offers many great features as standard. The only option I wished I would have gotten was remote start. That is my only regret, so in other words, you can NOT go wrong with a New/CPO/Used Honda Civic EX sedan.

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  quality, fun and value - 2014 Honda Accord
  By zimboy - December 14 - 6:20 pm

  Did extensive review research for a sporty mid-sized sedan for around $25k. 3 made the short list Mazda 6 Touring, Subaru Legacy Sport and Honda Accord Sport. 3 quality cars. Legacy AWD makes it super-handler but less roomy and new model coming next year (worth a serious look im sure). Mazda 6 great looking, solid perfromance and excellent quality cabin. Accord Sport just pipped the 6 for its understated but sporty trim, perfect balance & agility and sport mode gearing. It lacks a few creature comforts but for sheer driving experience and outstanding value its the winner.

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  Wish They Still Made Them Like This! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By momofboys3 - December 13 - 12:58 pm

  In the summer of 2013, we purchased our 99 Honda Accord V6 Coupe for our teenage sons primarily to drive. I drive it every chance I get. The fit and finish of this car is superb: Sunroof, leather upholstery, nice radio, leather wrapped steering wheel, upholstered door panels, very roomy backseat. The condition of the interior and exterior is unbelievable....almost like new. The car has 82,000 miles on it and drives like a sports car to a Mom used to driving minivans and stodgy sedans. We plan to replace the timing belt soon and keep up on the maintenance. Really hope to get another 82,000 miles on this, maybe more......

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  Accord EX - 2013 Honda Accord
  By raj75 - December 9 - 4:09 pm

  Nice car. I did test drive all other cars Camry, altima,passat,fusion but this car stood out number 1 and i bought it. My point of view most valuable car..interms of real value. Perfect balance.I drove to airport with 3 guys(me not included) with 3 big size lugauage bags, as the driver I felt like 2 people going in the car. Unbelivable!

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  Still in the Honeymoon, but Feeling Much Love - 2013 Honda Accord
  By eljefe68 - December 9 - 10:48 am

  My wifes 04 VW Passat GLS 4Motion came to its deserving end due to an accident and subsequent declaration as a total loss. We were looking at CUVs, but cost and fuel economy were concerns. My wife had 3 requests: better MPG, a moonroof, and cloth seats. In looking at sedans, I just could not see a boring Camry, and the spotty build quality of our Passat soured me on another VW. I found our 2013 Accord EX, Alabster Silver with black interior as a CPO car with just 12,800 miles on it. To my amazement, my wife, who has accused me of being a blinded Hondaphile, said, after driving this Accord, that it "spoke" to her. Four days into ownership, both of us are very pleased.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By at2005 - December 9 - 10:21 am

  I love this vehicle so much! Its a dream to drive. I went from a luxury SUV to the Pilot & am pretty satisfied with it. I love the way the Pilot drives & parks. Ive owned cars that dont handle as nicely as this truck does. The only thing I would improve is the ride. Its much rougher/tougher that my previous SUV, but other than that Im in love. If they keep this vehicle like this or improve it further I will be a Pilot owner for life.

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  Turned my opinion of it right around. - 2004 Honda Element
  By stryker91 - December 8 - 11:46 pm

  When I first saw this car, I was repulsed. A front-wheel-drive SUV? What were they thinking? But my wife has one, and I was wrong about it in every way. Its stylish, comfortable, versatile, and has more "giddyup" than one would think.

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  My First Luxury Car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By joesp812 - December 8 - 4:00 pm

  I bought an Alabaster Silver with Black Interior Leather 2014 Honda Accord Touring and added these features: remote starter, sports grille, wing spoiler, moonroof visor, door visor, splash guard, body side molding, interior illumination, trunk trays, mats, cargo hook, and door guards. I paid $3500 less than MSRP. Friendly Honda of Poughkeepsie, NY told me that this is the best car they delivered to a customer with all the added accessories. This is my 3rd Honda Accord and this my favorite and most equipped