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 Pick - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondafan32 - June 10 - 4:13 pm

  The Accord is a great car and we have had ours for 3 weeks. It is plenty fast and handles well despite what some magazines say. Yes it is a little big but it drives small. The VCM and grade logic are good features but can get annoying if you dont know how to manipulate them. Ours is white and it stays cool in the heat. The AC is great and so is the sunroof. I wish there was a back-up camera and Bluetooth but they arent really needed as the visibility is great and you shouldnt be on the phone while driving anyways. The turning radius is FANTASTIC as are the headlights and all of the safety features. Road noise can be intrusive at times but its not a deal breaker.

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  Loving my Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By suydam - June 10 - 9:51 am

  I bought my EX-L 4 cyl. CVT 3 months ago. The more time I spend with it the more I love it. Everything about it is effortless -- it drives well, its comfortable, all controls are a breeze to operate. Its amazing how many features are included for the price -- leather, backup camera, lane watch, right turn camera, bluetooth, XM, Ipod interfaces. Have taken it on two long trips and it is extremely comfortable even on bad roads. A very quiet Honda too! I love the fuel economy and the fact that it takes regular fuel. Time will tell how it holds up but at this point it is a truly wonderful car.

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  Honda Insight, the unknown deal - 2013 Honda Insight
  By insightdriver - June 9 - 4:19 pm

  I compared several vehicles that met my requirements in a new vehicle and the Insight showed up. I had never heard of one before. Perhaps it is so unknown because Honda does not promote it. Few people are familiar with it but it meets my needs perfectly. I do not think most of the criticisms of it are fair. It is not noisy. It is comfortable. It runs smoothly and the gas mileage is terrific. The AC does turn off when the engine stops at lights, etc. but that is overcome by moving the car into Park which I do in our recent 100 degree weather. It is fun to drive. I am not a car nut. I expect my vehicles to get me where I am going as cheaply as possible. The Honda Insight LX does that.

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  Sport Manual Rocks! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lokerola - June 7 - 11:20 am

  I bought a 2013 Accord with the 6 speed manual and its fantastic. It drives with precision, yet isnt twitchy. the manual is just one of the best Ive ever used - snick, snick like butter into each gear. I also love the car isnt bogged down with too much technology. It seems like every mfg. is trying to outdo each other with tech goodies, when what most people want is a basic, good, easy, yet fun to drive car. I fear this Accord may be the last of those honest, easy to drive, basic cars. If you like to shift yourself, and like a bit of sport with you r dive and dont want a ton of tech goodies - it doesnt get much better than a 2013 Accord Sport with a manual.

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  Getting better! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jill59 - June 6 - 7:31 pm

  Wow. And I was getting ready to give up on Honda. Purchased my first Honda in 1985 and they were awesome cars until about 10 years ago I noticed reliability and fit and finish deteriorating badly. I saw the revamped 2013 Accord and read the reviews. I decided to try one more time...MUCH improved but still a ways to go. The interior fit and finish is reminiscent of older days quality-excellent. There is still a bit of cheap hard plastic though. The CVT does not bother me at all and I find the 38mpg I have been getting amazing (ECO on). Road noise is still evident but not as bad as before. Comfortable ride as I commute 100 miles daily. Stereo so-so. Curious to see if reliability improves.

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  really great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By carzcrazy87 - June 5 - 5:34 pm

  my 07 civic hybrid has 81k on it and I have had zero problems or complaints with this amazing car. It has the built in navigation and great sounds system all of it is voice activated. It also has the sunroof that is very nice and gets used alot. This car is so comfortable for me and roomy for the carseat in the back. The trunk holds alot for a smaller car. Very sporty dash and outside design. Have never had this car in the shop for anything. I do all town driving and get 40mpg every time. Ive seen some reviews that complain about this car and it has to be the owner being too rough. This is a great quality car and have no problems inside or out with it!

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  Bought a used 2005 Odyssey EX-L - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By darkside559 - June 3 - 11:47 pm

  I dont know why other people giving the Odyssey a bad review. I bought mine used with hella mileage, 180k and it still run good. I had no problem whatsoever. The only issue I had since owning was both catalytic converter went bad, luckily the used car dealer give me a 3 months warranty which cover R&R both catalytic converter which I didnt pay a dime. The VCM works great, no starter issue, A/C blows ice cold even the rear A/C blows ice cold. P/S is kind of rough and needs replacement, but thats an easy job to fix, considering all those mileages, its still have another 100+K on it.

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  Almost perfect! Except... - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By minivandad1973 - June 3 - 2:26 pm

  All-in-all the 2013 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a fine mini-van. We traded in a 2010 Cadillac Escalade for the Odyssey. We are exceptionally pleased with the overall comfort and flexibility of the seating configuration. I wish the passenger front seat offered 10 way adjustments for longer trips & comfort. My biggest issue is with the navigation system. It only displays a few street names when zoomed in on the map. This is a first of any car we owned with navigation. Shame on Honda for not updating their software to be on par with almost all other NAV systems currently manufactured. Honda tech support is aware of the issue. Besides these two minor issues it is a great mini-van.

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  Love my Honda Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By sastx - June 3 - 9:29 am

  We bought our Honda Pilot in May 2012, and absolutely love it! Its super roomy and there is so much space in the back (3rd row seats down) that we went on a road trip with 2 little kids and still had plenty of room to put more luggage in the back. I take it out to construction jobsites and love how it drives like a truck through rough terrain, but yet it feels smooth and sturdy when Im on the freeway. This is an SUV we are going to keep until the wheels fall off. If you have little kids, you might want to buy seat covers if you have the cloth seats, as they do tend to stain easily.

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  Just buy it already. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By barkman003 - May 31 - 5:07 pm

  Love the cvt. The black color is expensive looking. Attracts a crowd everywhere it is parked. I am 63" and have tons of leg room and head room. Stereo sucks when set on radio, but sounds good through Aux. or blu. It is just 4 speakers and reminds me of the sound of my car stereos from the 80s and 90s. It is fast and handles well. Ride is sporty firm, but still very comfortable. The goodyear tires are OK, but would rather have had the Michelins. The interior lighting is lacking and looks kind of cheap when the dome light is lit. Headlights are bright. Arm rest is perfect. Steering wheel is good size and easy to grip. I am thinking about buying a another one to drive i like it that much.