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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  Money well spent - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brandon Stevenson - April 6 - 10:26 am

  Just purchased the car on May 24th, after looking at every comparable vehicle. From Chevy to Toyota, after reading reviews from other consumers we agrees hands down, that the Accord was the way to go. The new body style looks great, and the interior is laid out very well. The safety features speak for themselves. This is the first time , after buying a car, that we havent felt ripped off. What a good feeling, so far

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  Overall happy...except for road noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Grandma of 3 - April 5 - 1:23 am

  I did a TON of research before making a decision - owned a little over 2mos now. Leased the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan LX (didnt care about the extra bells and whistles). Traded in my 2007 Toyota Sienna Van w/90k miles, no addl money down, pymt is $205 39mos. Kona Coffee Metallic (pretty dark) w/black interior (had white vehicle for last 15yrs). A little adjusting since Im used to sitting up higher. Seats are comfortable, although front passenger seat sits a little low and consequently a little more effort to get out. I have 3 grandkids (5, 8, & 11) that live locally and back seat has ample room/room to grow. Trunk is pretty darn spacious and came with trunk mat standard which I think is great. Purchased (not from dealer) all weather floor mats that cover hump in back to help with dust/rock collection (I live in Az). Handles very well. Disengaging "Eco" makes it pretty zippy when needing to accelerate (merging/uphill). Taken 700mile road trip and comfortable in seats entire time, avg 37mph highway cruising @ 75. Road noise is more than I expected, although because I live in NW Az (3500 elev) when the asphalt is not tight/new this greatly affects the noise (acceptably quiet if road is good). Also believe the Continental tires are part of the problem, but does not really make sense to spend $500+ to replace them at this point. Overall happy with purchase, but sometimes the road noise gets to me. When you test drive I would suggest driving on different road types (good/smooth & bad/rough), LEAVING RADIO OFF so you can hear road/tire noises and get the full experience based on various road conditions.

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  Overall happy...except for road noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Grandma of 3 - April 5 - 1:23 am

  I did a TON of research before making a decision - owned a little over 2mos now. Leased the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan LX (didnt care about the extra bells and whistles). Traded in my 2007 Toyota Sienna Van w/90k miles, no addl money down, pymt is $205 39mos. Kona Coffee Metallic (pretty dark) w/black interior (had white vehicle for last 15yrs). A little adjusting since Im used to sitting up higher. Seats are comfortable, although front passenger seat sits a little low and consequently a little more effort to get out. I have 3 grandkids (5, 8, & 11) that live locally and back seat has ample room/room to grow. Trunk is pretty darn spacious and came with trunk mat standard which I think is great. Purchased (not from dealer) all weather floor mats that cover hump in back to help with dust/rock collection (I live in Az). Handles very well. Disengaging "Eco" makes it pretty zippy when needing to accelerate (merging/uphill). Taken 700mile road trip and comfortable in seats entire time, avg 37mph highway cruising @ 75. Road noise is more than I expected, although because I live in NW Az (3500 elev) when the asphalt is not tight/new this greatly affects the noise (acceptably quiet if road is good). Also believe the Continental tires are part of the problem, but does not really make sense to spend $500+ to replace them at this point. Overall happy with purchase, but sometimes the road noise gets to me. When you test drive I would suggest driving on different road types (good/smooth & bad/rough), LEAVING RADIO OFF so you can hear road/tire noises and get the full experience based on various road conditions.

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  Another 1st-time SUV Buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Keith E. - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Pilot in Aug,02. Had no idea it existed; just found it on dealers lot. Was looking for SUV to replace a large sedan & aging pickup. Biggest plus was headroom & visibility from drivers seat. Im 63" & had to duck my head to see traffic signals in other SUVs. Pilot is fine for hauling passengers, but its no substitute for a pickup. Boxes & such are fine, but youll be very limited in large/long items, such as lumber. Im disappointed with gas mileage. Im careful to drive for best fuel economy, but have not come close to published ratings. Paid about $500 under sticker, got free crossbars, cargo cover & bunch of oil changes.

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  Is Honda now controlled by accountants? - 2001 Honda Civic
  By pwp - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 EX after my 92 LX was totaled in an accident. The ride and noise level are much poorer in the 02 than the 92. Honda has also substancially cheapened the quality of many of its body and suspension components while improving on some mechanical items such as the engine and auto transmission. Gas mileage is also much poorer than the 92 LX. After 2 years of owning this car, I still miss my 92 LX.

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  Always Dependable - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jessica - April 3 - 8:15 am

  If well cared for, this will continue to be an reliable vehicle. After about the 10 year mark, the plastic/rubber cosmetic features (on my particular vehicle) started to dry rot and the ceiling fabric began to sag a bit. Ive had to replace the passenger sunvisor at least twice in 10 years (due to some combination of extreme temperatures and user errors.) The vehicle has a low clearance, so front bumper damage can be easy to acquire for inattentive drivers. Around year 7 of ownership, the lights on the dash indicators started inverting colors (or showing how much fuel you DONT have rather than how much you do); theres a particular logic to reading the lights (on my particular vehicle) when they malfunction that is relatively easy to figure out. The stock speakers cant always support audio played at full volume; Ive replaced at least two speakers.) This does not impact the drivability of the vehicle. All that said, I love my Civic and intend to keep it for as long as it will last. :)

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  Good all around, not perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By enginerd - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Has plenty of power to make driving fun, but shakes like hell under HARD accelaration. 4WD was engaging/disengaging rapidly? My biggest complaint is that you cant turn the AC off when defrost is on. Found a "hack" on the web that if you pushed butons in a magic sequence you can now turn AC off when in defog. There is serious storage space throughout vehicle. My rear tire brake seized at ~30K miles. Dealer fixed without charge. Getting to the oil filter and fuses are a major pain. My final complaint is that the rear wiper does not go 180 degrees like it should. I think it is an excellent compromise between SUV and car. I am quite happy overall.

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  Great car, but not what they used to be - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MichaelO - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a 97 Honda Civic DX coupe, which is the stripped down model for those of you who arent too familiar with the line-up. I now own a 02 EX coupe which is their top of the line model. I must say, there have been some drastic improvements in those 5 yrs, as well as some disappointments. My 97 DX was supposed to be getting only 106 hp while the 02 EX is supposed to be getting 127. Still, the DX felt much quicker. The 02 also has a lot of little creaks and rattles on the interior. The last complaint is gas mileage. Honda claims 32 city and 38 on the hwy. I do a mixture of both and am lucky if I get 30.

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  2005 EX V6 4dr Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bob Gardner - March 29 - 12:10 am

  Our Accord has been a pleasure to drive. The powerful V-6 lessens the stress of driving because it adds confidence. Changing lanes in commuter traffic is now much easier. Entering busy highways seems safer as well. The cabin is quiet and the ride is fairly smooth. We didnt ask for the XM radio system but our car already had it. Its a big plus. Our 4 door vehicle is white and looks clean even when it isnt. We have mud flaps, a wing spoiler and a moon roof air deflector. All three add nicely to the "look." The car stands out nicely when parked next to other lessor optioned Hondas. Visibility for backing up lacking. The car is also longer than we thought. We are very happy with the car.

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  More Than Happy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dsmnsn - March 26 - 11:16 pm

  I was initially skeptical of the hybrid vehicles because I thought I would have to sacrifice so much for the sake of better fuel mileage. I couldnt have been more wrong. Now that the car has "broken in," I not only enjoy my daily drive, but I enjoy a minimum 44 MPG (even at $4/gallon fill-ups are less that $40) with top fuel mileage topping out at over 49 MPG. As far as performance, the car handles great and I dont feel like Ive sacrificed anything on the road - acceleration is better than adequate and the car rolls nicely at 80-85mph. Part of me wants to be selfish and steer people away because increased supply will only drive up prices, but ultimately well all be better off. Get one!