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:

• 

  Exceeded expectations - 2015 Honda Accord
  By akaubrey - February 22 - 3:21 pm

  I bought my Accord EX-L 2.4L in November, 2014 and have 2200 miles today. For my new Accord, I was a little worried about the CVT, but became quickly impressed during highway driving with cruise control. There’s no constant downshifts with high engine RPMs and then shifting back to normal ‘drive’. The only thing you notice when going up a hill is the RPM gradually creeps up to maintain cruise speed and then slowly returns to normal low RPM, which is around 1400 RPM at 70 MPH. I love the passenger side camera/display for right lane changes. This car has the lane detectors for monitoring the center and right paint striping on the road. It ‘beeps’ at me around 8 inches away from stripes.

• 

  not impressed - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Susan Schayes - February 21 - 7:52 am

  A lot of people love this car. I bought one based on the test drive and was sorely disappointed. There was a lot of vibration in the engine which extended to the steering wheel. The navigation system was very difficult to use. The front seat was uncomfortable for my 53 frame. The worst thing was the noise level. This car was noisy at 45 and horrible on the highway. I got rid of it after four months.

• 

  Honda Denying Electrical Problem - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Enrico T Bruschi - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  Despite overwhelming evidence of an electrical system issue causing the cars battery to die a slow death between two and three years, including a recall to address the software causing the problem, Honda will not do the right thing and replace the battery that their design destroyed. I have never had to replace a battery in a new car at 33 months. I am finding this is Hondas typical approach to problems - denial until forced otherwise by the government. Ridiculous. This was my very first Honda, and possibly my last. Its not that I hate the car, but I definitely did not observe the reliability I had heard about do much.

• 

  Warranty Information - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Allen Hawkins - February 19 - 1:36 pm

  This is my second CRV. First was a 2010 and current is a 2013. This past month or so I have notice a squeal when I apply final pressure to the brakes. Made an appt. with the dealer feeling good that it was still under warranty(mileage 28215/less than two years old) but apprehensive going in that they would not hear the squeal. Went thru the process of talking to the service manager and after about 30 mins. was told they indeed had heard the squeal but it was not covered under warranty. They could give me no reason why it was squealing but they were more than willing to do a brake service costing $230. So, another life lesson learned. They never fail to disapoint.

• 

  Less than expected - 2015 Honda Accord
  By suziesivlerado - February 19 - 6:34 am

  I was very disappointed in this car. My test drive went fine, but when brought it home and drove it for more than an hour, my back hurt. The head restraint position, and seat curves, are awful for someone 53". The engine/drive train started to produce excessive vibration through the steering wheel whenever it was in neutral. The navigation system, as others noted, is hard to use. It is almost impossible to find local stores without the exact address. Lastly, the road/exterior noise was abominable, especially at highway speeds. I used a sound meter, and this car had higher levels than almost any other car I tested, at all speeds.

• 

  New owner of a seasoned red DX cpe 5-spd - 1996 Honda Civic
  By coastie_in_va - February 17 - 12:22 pm

  Id looked for a reliable gas sipper to give my Tacoma a rest and found a retired nurse selling her car. So, for $1,600 I had my civic with only 89,8XX miles! Yes, I know. So with some small parts from the junkyard, brakes, new tires, a little body work, paint job, and new timing belt/water pump I have my jewel. If I didnt have a car in the garage, Id keep this one in it and only take it out in good weather, lol. So, great car for running around the DC area. If you can find one in good shape go for it!

• 

  Reliable, Solid Transportation. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By richssss - February 15 - 8:07 am

  I really just wanted something that got great gas mileage and was a car that will last me for years. I HATE car shopping! My reason for selecting a Honda was my last car was a CR-V that had 324,000 when I traded it in.

• 

  CR-V CONS - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By doctom5 - February 14 - 9:14 am

  I was surprised to see that road noise was not included in the CONS review. This does not bother everyone but it does bother me. Solution, I purchased sound deadening material and installed it from firewall to back. This helped. Then I did the doors. Big improvement but still road noise from wheel wells. Im 6 and weigh 240. For a long trip the seats and noise are just tiresome. And if you are on a curvy road the CRV doesnt handle great. Bottom line, this is not a drivers car or a guys car and I guess thats why my wife loves it.

• 

  Dead Reliable, just not an enthusasts car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 68oramac1 - February 13 - 3:14 pm

  I bought my 08 LX in June of 2012 with just under 92,000 miles on the clock. Now, it has 134,000 miles and is still going strong. I have had only minor issues with the Civic overall eg. visors and clutch master cylinder. The car is very spacious compared to others in the class, which was helpful being 62". The only exception is the placement of the e-brake being where you rest your leg, which you get used to rather quickly. I hardly ever drop below 30mpg even in mixed driving. But it does come at a cost, below 4000 rpm, you are lucky to have as much torque as a mid 80s Mazda Rotary engine at idle! The lack of torque can make it a chore to drive around town/city.

• 

  Honda Civic?? (2013 DX) - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jonpipe - February 12 - 8:10 pm

  This car is driven in northern Ontario.Mileage city 33.8 mpg US, Mileage hwy (60mph) 1.5mpg City mpg is better than the sticker claim but hwy is much less. The wind blows this car off clear off the highway. The front pillars are so thick you can hardly see around them (creates more blind spots). The rear brakes are seized by the minute with snow and ice. The car will not back up in 1" of snow on a slight slope. The wiper design and front windshield/pillars are insane. All this all does is create problems with rain/snow/visibility. The traction control is useless, it basically stops the wheels from turning completely. Not exactly peppy.