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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  Adore it - 2005 Honda Element
  By pgray - April 20 - 6:41 pm

  This is my favorite vehicle of all time. Ive driven Mercedes and Volvos, but nothing is as fun as this vehicle. The cargo capacity is great and it is good for hauling dogs, landscape materials, and antiques. Also, it gets good mileage. I adore it!

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  Purchased used... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Scott - April 20 - 5:29 pm

  My Accord is fully equipped, with leather interior... had 89k on it when I bought it and has 112K now. Absolutely perfect. Its a dream to drive (with one exception to be noted) comfortable and great ergos... took a 400-mile trip and aside from the usual stops, drove straight through. Got out of the car like Id gone to the store and back... that comfortable. Styling is impressive to me, the engine is very responsive and Ive gotten a high of 34mpg on the road... 21 +- around town.

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  Reliable and fuel efficient US made auto - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Happy Camper - April 20 - 4:26 pm

  Just passed 15,000 miles and still pleased. We average 36 MPG. The car is comfy. Four can travel on long trips without much trouble. Five is OK for short trips. Leg room in back is very good. I like the split dash as everything is right there. The road noise can get loud sometimes, but its mostly only noticed when the radio is off. If you want a solid fuel efficient, US made, worry free auto - you cant go wrong with a Civic.

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  Fun and efficient - best of both worlds - 2007 Honda Civic
  By BHutfless - April 20 - 2:10 pm

  I traded my comfortable truck for fuel economy and was worried that Id be compromising too much, but I have been pleasantly surprised. Nothing else in this car class comes close for the money. Saving on the car payment is just an added bonus. For $20k the Civic serves up great styling, impeccable fit and finish, good handling and a fun driving experience. The dash is easy to read without taking your eyes off the road. I routinely get 30 mpg. The powertrain is smooth for cruising and pleasing to push when you have to, or want to, and its sporty enough that youll want to. This is the car other manufacturers could learn from. This is simply a better car with fewer toys and more substance.

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  From a BMW to a 2018 Accord Touring Sedan - 2018 Honda Accord
  By SCTrojans - April 20 - 1:20 pm

  I traded in my 2016 BMW 330i for a 2018 Accord Touring Sedan and I could not be happier. I am not a fan of Hondas but after reading several review and watching YouTube videos I decided to take a test drive. First and foremost the look is amazing. Looks very similar to an Audi A7. The fastback style it easy on the eyes with the 19-inch wheels and has perfect lines and detail. The interior competes with many luxury cars as the leather and seat comfort is fantastic for long drives. The aesthetics on the console and steering wheel compliment the vehicles upscale interior. The Navigation is average as the Accord utilizes Garmin for services and lacks many custom options you would find on other brands. Boot up time on the Navigation head unit is also a bit slow. The ride on the other hand is amazing. Nice and smooth even with the larger wheels and performance tires. The car comes with Sport and Eco mode options and Eco mode is a serious disaster. It dumbs the car down to something my Grandma would drive. The Sport mode thought is fantastic. You can really see the performance of the 1.5 turbo engine. This is a mode I will never change as it opens up the cars performance. A couple of features I miss are the electronic adjust steering wheel and side mirrors. You need to use your hands to make the adjustments and can be a bit of a pain. The Honda Sensing features are great bit also a but overreactive. I have had by Lane Watch warning go off when a car pulled up to me at a stop light. a bit annoying. Overall. I am glad I purchased this car and would recommend to anyone that is looking for a solid sedan.

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  This aint no Trooper, thankfully. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mike M - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  Replaced our 99 Trooper. We gave up space but got economy and refinement in return. The CRV is really fun and easy to drive. It is quiet and smooth highway speeds. Theres no unsettling feeling go through long sweeping turns as in the Trooper.

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  Honda fanatic - Truly Disappointed. - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Mike (Used to Love Honda) - April 20 - 12:17 pm

  WARNING.... If youre a HONDA fan please avoid this car. I have owned Honda Accords and Ive been extremely happy when the hybrid came out I was excited and ready to get one. My previous 2003 Accord lasted 10 year without a single problem. Ive purposely waited 9 months and 7,500 miles to provide a truthful review. ISSUE 1: The trunk rods which hold open the truck snapped into multiple pieces by 4 months. By the 6 month, the second rod which holds the trunk snapped. The dealer did fix it for free, but not until putting me in the hot seat to see if I did something. The mechanic who worked on the car informed this is the 3rd or 4th Accord Hybrid hes worked on where the rod had snapped. ISSUE 2: My wife and I enjoy going to drive in movies (I know old school). You cannot turn off the running lights if you want to run the air conditioner or radio. Really poor design that the running lights cannot be turned off. ISSUE 3: My wife and I go on long trips out of town and enjoy listening to local radio stations. However, you cannot change the radio station from the steering wheel. You have to do it manually which is placed in an awkward location. You can only change radio station for the preset channels. Another pool design. ISSUE 4: The rear view auto deeming mirror has an horrible slow dimmer, so youre hit with a bright light for 5-10 seconds. Youre blinded until its dimmed out and it reoccurs constantly. ISSUE 5: The USB charger in the front counsel is barely able to charge my Samsung Note 5. Its just not powerful enough or something is wrong. The dealer told me that how the hybrid USB chargers work. ISSUE 6: The drivers arm rest does not slide forward like the previous Accords, so unless you have long arms or youre more than 6 5" its difficult to rest your right arm and reach the steering wheel. This was a really bad design especially if you have a long drive. ISSUE 7: With 7,500 miles on the car (60% interstate & 40% city) and Im a conservative driver Ive averaged 36 mpg. ISSUE 8: The truck space is small, but I knew that when I purchased the car. So thats my fault. ISSUE 9: No spare tire can be purchased for the car and according to the dealer if you use the unit provided to fix a flat tire. It can damage the car rims. CONCLUSION: I just wanted to inform everyone of my experience and provide you a WARNING before you make a mistake. Again, I love Honda cars, but this one really let me down..... :-(

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  Great Urban and Suburban Mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hizonr - April 20 - 8:33 am

  I will have had my Accord Hybrid EX-L four weeks tomorrow. I was expecting to buy a Fusion Hybrid last year, but by the time I was able to test drive one in January, reports of mileage far below the EPA ratings were coming out, so I decided to wait for the new Accord Hybrid. I was able to test drive one within a week of release; as soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car I wanted. I had been driving an Acura TL for 9+ years, so the Accord felt somewhat familiar to me. I have not been disappointed in my decision. The car is very nicely finished, handles well, and acceleration is better than expected. The seats are quite comfortable. We have averaged about 48 mpg driving locally.

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  A near perfect mini-van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Owner - April 20 - 3:36 am

  The new Odyssey is close to perfect. Great handling with lots of power. I am a big guy 64", 230 lbs.. I find the seats very comfortable, with ample leg room. We nearly bought new last year, we are very glad that we waited for the new style and new standard options like sunroof, 6 cd changer, etc. Not as quiet as the Sienna, but overall a better vehicle. Reliability and depreciation of domestic mini-vans drove us to look at Honda/Toyota. Why cant Chrysler fix their transmission and front end woes? They have existed for years!

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  Nice car, but check the driver seat - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SedanDriver - April 19 - 6:26 pm

  Purchased the Accord EX-L V6 new versus a used Infinity M35 or Acura. The EX-L compares very favorably versus any other sedan in its class and has many of the basic features found in "near- luxury" cars at a reasonable price. Park it next to a BMW 5 series and you see the exterior design similarities. This car would be perfect except for one major complaint, the design of the drivers seat. There is a bulge about halfway up the seatback that is immovable and eliminates any support for your shoulders. This is independent from the lower lumbar support. It may not be noticable to you on a brief test drive so check this out before buying, as there is no solution available from the dealer.