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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  Love my Pilot, not so much the service dept!!!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Denise Bertolone - January 30 - 4:51 am

  the radio in my pilot is terrible. We took for a test drive and noticed the quality of the sound was bad. It kept cutting out and fading in and out. The salesperson said it would be no problem getting the problem resolved.....that was over a month ago. Still waiting....still calling....still getting no answers.

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  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rob - January 28 - 1:13 pm

  Bought the vehicle in May 2008. Two weeks into having the vehicle a slight grinding noise started to occur after starting the ignition. As the weeks passed the noise became louder. Took it to get serviced and they replace the starter. Two days after picking up the vehicle from being serviced the same noise started to occur again. Its back at the shop and waiting to see what happens next. It may just be bad luck. Another issue I have is the acceleration. There is a 1 sec delay when accelerating. If your trying to move on the highway give yourself some time. The 4 cycl is sufficient but Im sure a 6 cycl would provide better acceleration response.

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  Cant believe its a Accord Interior :( - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mauiboy520 - January 27 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased this car in June of 07 as a 2nd vehicle and have about 5000 miles on it. The ride ride is nice and smooth and no mechanical problems to date. As for the bad stuff....TONS of road noise, Interior function is nice but quality has slipped. Power door switches in the driver door keeps popping out, rattle in the driver door and somewhere in the dash and dont know if Accord owners noticed but light from the glovebox comes through at night with the headlights on. Radio needs serious updating/more power. Seats are nice but with it had more support and adjustments. The engine is smooth but the transmission shifts are rougher than I am use to in other 5- speed automatics.

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  Best bang for buck for economy car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nam N. - January 26 - 11:46 pm

  As a long time Honda owner and having gone through 6 different generations of Accords, 3 gens of Civics - I must say the 2016 Honda Accord is bar none the best looking of them all, dare I say best looking of all economical mid sized sedans on the market. Exterior: LED running lamps and brake lights, dual chrome tipped exhaust, paired with the 19 inch factory rims (on the Sport model) really gives an expensive European look on the new Accord. Smooth body lines and the chrome trim pieces really makes the exterior a top of the line car to look at. INTERIOR: is simplistic and classy. The sport model isnt as flashy without the dual screen for navigation and apple play but it suffices for your daily needs of music, MPG stats, and the new feature of adding photos via USB. Gauge cluster is appealing and consist of a glowing ring that goes from white to green depending on fuel efficiency/how you drive. Spacious enough for 4 full grown adults with plenty of leg room in the front and rear. Middle seat in the rear is always uncomfortable but you can still manage to squeeze someone in without too much discomfort. Trunk space is very large and I havent had any issues shopping at Costco and fitting anything I need to thus far. The bluetooth system is rather poor as I have had multiple issues with connections cutting on and off, since a recent software update on my phone though, I havent run into the issue - however the lack of being able to voice dial by name is rather bothersome. Pandora and bluetooth connectivity for music works rather seamlessly, although I would rather have XM Radio capabilities instead of Pandora. The way around it is still to stream XM via phone and run it via bluetooth - but that does use up data. Engine/Tranny: Its got enough umpf for a 4 banger to get up and go when you need it to. The CVT transmission shifts flawlessly through all gears. Launching off the line feels rather sluggish, despite using the paddle shifters. Theres enough power in the upper end and responsive enough on the freeway to get out of situational hazards. Braking feels solid and cornering the car really sticks to the road, it being FWD definitely helps pull through corners are high speeds than what signs recommend. Its no race car by any means but its perfect for daily driving. If you want power and speed pick up the V6 model. Honda really stepped up their game with their new 2016 line up on all vehicles. The Accord is easily my favorite. I do however wish that I spend the extra money for the EX or EX-L. Missing the amenities of keyless entry when I have my hands full of groceries or having to reach into my pockets to find my keys. Sunroof on the warm days or cool summer nights. Auto dimming mirrors when driving in front of a truck or a small car with high beams on. Mostly the memory seats, as I share the car with my wife throughout the week and its tedious to constantly have to adjust the seat and mirros. Heated seats for the cold winter days. Given that the EX-L is quite a bit of a step up in price compared to sport and has less the fancy 19 inch wheels and dual exhausts, Id much rather have luxuries than the asthetics. If youve never had these features you probably wont miss it as the car asthetically is a huge upgrade for anyone. If you have had these options in a previous vehicle youll miss it greatly. Overall I dont think there is a better car for value and looks on the market. The sport model is perfect for someone who likes to have good looks and value in their car - for the long term Id recommend picking the higher model because you dont realize what youre missing until you dont have it. But Id say Im still happy with my purchase.

• 

  Great Car For Anyone - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Amous - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a perfect car for anyone. I love everything about it I have had this car since 1999 and it is now 2003 and have never had any problems with it. The gas mileage is great and the car is very sturdy in its build. The car is very roomy for a smaller style car. I would highly reccomend this car to anybody who is looking for a lower priced car.

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  Good Package - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mr Green - January 24 - 4:07 am

  Comparing minivans you get the most for your buck.

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  Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Daryn Gladstone - January 22 - 2:58 am

  Its an accord

• 

  Love my Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By patricia - January 21 - 4:06 am

  Love this car! Traded in my 2006 Honda Pilot EXL. Dont miss it a bit. I love the savings in gas too. My first tank of gas, I averaged 31 mpg. The pilot got 16 mpg. For a small car, it is not cramped and the trunk is very large. The car has great pick-up and I love being able to listen to my ipod. So far, Im very happy with my new purchase.