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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  Just keeps getting better. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By pmpetersen - October 10 - 7:04 pm

  This is the 4th new accord I have purchased. My first one faithfully served for 18 years and I am finishing my 7th year with my third. #2 got totaled at 12 years of age. The improvements in noise and fuel economy compared to the 8th generation is nothing short of astounding. Computer regularly shows 36 on the highway and averages overall about 29. The CVT with paddle shifters is really smooth in operation always having the correct ratio. I love clicking the negative paddle to increase the engine braking when going down hills and off ramps. Sport mode brings the engine to life for twisties. A manual will always be more fun but living in PDX metro area traffic is too frequent for it.

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  2011 Honda Accord LX- Noisy on the road - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kay57 - October 10 - 6:06 pm

  This car ought to be awesome. The only issue with it is the road noise. When running still no noise but once you start driving, the engine is really loud which takes the fun away.

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  Buyer beware: The uncomfortable drivers seat should be recalled!!! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By mybackhurts - October 10 - 1:32 pm

  I test drove my new Accord for a few miles and everything felt fine. I immediately felt lower back pain when driving the car home from the dealer. After making daily adjustments to the seat, and trying different seat cushions and lumbar supports, I came to the disappointing conclusion Ill never be able to comfortably drive this car. The drivers seat should be recalled to address the following issues: 1. The metal plate in the lower seat back stabs into my back causing debilitating pain after a 15 minute ride. 2. The active head restraints lean too far forward causing severe discomfort on my neck and back. 3. The seats are far too firm, like sitting on cinder blocks.

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  I love it - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jcrawley1 - October 9 - 7:52 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. Definitely worth the value.

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  Never buy hybrid - 2012 Honda Civic
  By nashdesi - October 8 - 12:30 am

  From start to initial speed car vibrates a lot or call it shudders Bought a used car and returned in two days Gave me headache from vibration Saving that dollar from hybrid was not worth My son who is seven could not stand the vibration Will never buy a hybrid again When it switches between electric and engine I cannot bear that vibration and noise Saving some dollar for vibration is not worth it Please test drive throughly before you buy hybrid Do lot of stop and go before you buy On high way any car runs good Good luck on buying hybrid Honest review given by desi

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  15000 mile review - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mcm0455 - October 7 - 1:02 am

  I bought this car for my wife to replace her aging 03 Honda Pilot. Overall it has been a very good car. Easy to drive, plenty of interior room, very comfortable on long trips, and excellent highway mpgs. Last month, saw over 35 mpg at 70 mph. City mileage, running errands mpg drops to low 20s. I have changed the oil twice, replaced the cabin and air filter and the wipers. Has been dead reliable, uses no oil between oil changes. Very solid car!

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  Bad Engine (P1009) - 2005 Honda Accord
  By marco8436 - October 5 - 10:57 pm

  As a lifelong Honda customer I nerve thought I would have to write this review but considering my situation I have to do this. This past September, the check engine light code came on. I went to the dealer and the same service adviser mentioned it will cost me another $90 if it is a different code.The same code P1009 (VTC actuator Fail). The Service adviser said to me, “ Sir your car is burning oil inside the engine. You are going to need a new engine for $2500.” I was so shocked, I could say anything. After a few minutes I asked to speak with the manager. He mentioned to me “ Unfortunately, some engine do fail like this”. According to the technician who work

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  Transmission is going to be Trouble! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By roncarr - October 3 - 8:48 am

  This is my third Honda Odyssey (dont ask me why). My 2014 EX-L has the same problem with brake rotors warping every 12k miles. The drivers seat still lacks comfort for all-day driving ( I transport medical patients and run abt. 300 miles per day). This new 8-speed transmission will probably cause a class-action lawsuit... its not going to last. Quite often when slowing for a stop light or other reason, and go to resume speed, the transmission acts like it does not know which gear to go into, and then finally goes into one with a thud! Had the OEM Fog Lights added to the tune of $600... dont waste your money, they throw light the first 3 feet and then nothing! Worthless.

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  Replacement for 2008 Fit Sport Automatic - 2015 Honda Fit
  By alcara729 - October 2 - 5:42 pm

  The 2015 Fit EX with CVT simply outdoes our previous fit in every category. Performance, ride, handling, interior appointments, the latest technology and more.

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  We love our pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By yohahn_bravo - October 2 - 6:53 am

  Oir Honda Pilot is the best. It is so versatile and big yet drives like a small car. We have never brought the car into a repair shop for anything more than scheduled maintenance. I swear this car will run for ever. The interior has supportive seats and after 100k there is not a tear in the drivers seat leather not even wore out. Really good on the snow stability control barges in exactly when u need it. It is really just like a box so visibility is crazy good. Rearward visibility is as good as it gets with a back up camera. The only feature I would like on this pilot is just a little more horse power and torque it never feels stressed but I just LOVE power.