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:

• 

  Lumbar Back Pain - 2015 Honda Accord
  By I.Martin. - July 28 - 12:00 am

  I just got the car a few months ago. I drive local and just to a trip from NY to CT. Nothing but pain on my lower back. My sciatic nerve down my right leg bothering me everyday since I got the car. 10 being the worst. The seats are poorly made. I cant wait to my lease is up. Im looking to purchase a seat cushion and go to physical therapy. Im really disappointed. I had a 95 Accord and I loved it. Honda makes great products. But the Comfort is a Zero! Dont buy if you looking for comfort. Also dont go by my review only. Google 2015 Honda Accord seat complaints. Honda needs to correct this problem or they will lose customers.

• 

  Get another Hybrid, not a Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JORGE GIMENEZ - July 27 - 1:32 pm

  I have owned or leased Honda vehicles for the past 13 years. They have all been wonderful as far as value, comfort and reliability. The Honda Civic Hybrid is the exception primarily due to the hybrid component. The speedometer, USB ports, steering wheel controls, and overall comfort inside make for a great ride, but taking a car to the dealer negates the advantages. I had never taken any of my Honda vehicles to the dealer for any sort of repairs, but the hybrid seems to break every 12 to 18 months. Since the beginning, the IMA light has been turning on like a Christmas tree. I would take it to the dealer, waste at least half a day in the process, and they would normally tell me that it was just an update that is needed. However, a few months later it would start over again. If you want a civic, get a regular one, not a hybrid. If you want a hybrid, get a different brand.

• 

  Disappointed with my decision - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By M Flick - July 26 - 2:15 pm

  I did a lot of research into what car I wanted to invest in and am overall very disappointed with my decision. Im not a huge car person, nor do I pay much attention to these kinds of things. However, for how much I spent on this car, I would have expected a much better value. First, the gas mileage is really poor. It guzzles my gas and there is no chance that I get 22 mpg. My prior car had the same MPG and would last me at least 2x than what I get now. Second, the car rattles and shakes very easily, especially at high speeds. Third, the overall smoothness to the car. It is hard to drive and keep it smooth without jerking at any speed. The breaking is poor as well. Lastly, the stereo system is not clear and precise. For me, Toyota and Honda have always been safe choices. For this to be a Honda and give me this kind of trouble is disappointing. Im going to take a look at my options to see how I can trade it in and not lose a ton of money on it.

• 

  Accord is so conservative - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Dieter Rosabal - July 22 - 3:57 pm

  The Accord is a great car, very spacious for a family that does not want an SUV, the sport model is a great buy it brings you 18" wheels and a rear spoiler, along with leather steering wheel and door panels, but no leather seats. I purchase the EX-L V6 because I like the 3.5L and first time ever an Accord was fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission, plus the leather seats, the forward collision warning and the lane watch camera is the best tech in the car. Although, I must say the Accord V6 lacks features like HID headlights, Paddle Shifters, bigger wheels and a branded audio system "Nissan carry BOSE audio systems". I must say the car is great, the leather seats are very comfortable, power assisted steering is smooth, cabin is quiet in the highway, the MICHELIN tires are like driving over the clouds.

• 

  Great car with some quality issues. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Keith McDaniels - July 22 - 10:50 am

  This car drives nice,"a little stiff on the suspension," but makes up for the stiffness in handling. Fuel economy is great as well. Setting the cruise at 75 on the highway I average 37 MPG, which I feel is great! Now for the bad. I have approximately 25,000 miles on the car and the drivers seat carries the look of 100,000 mile car:( The pandora app is also a hassle. One stereo was replaced and the new stereo is troublesome as well. Freezes like a computer, disconnects during phone calls, and often have to either shut the car off or turn off blue tooth and turn it back on to get the features to work. Definitely is less hands free than I had hoped!

• 

  Moonroof! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Dean smith - July 22 - 12:30 am

  Got the EX for my first moonroof. I traded my 2000 manual accord LX for the 2015 EX. My old car was a much smoother ride. The new AC struggles. I hope that improves once the windows are tinted. A car-stereo expert friend installed a great system in my old car, so Im spoiled, but the speakers in this new car sound weak. Theres a kind if matte finish on the interior hard surfaces thats easy to scuff. The back seat belts choke you--but thats the same as the old car. I dont think Im getting the mileage touted. But the acceleration is excellent. Im enjoying the computer bells and whistles (Bluetooth audiobooks streaming from my phone. Yay!) The trunk is enormous. The dash is easy to read (my husband has a 2013 Fit and the dials are really hard to read in daylight, I didnt want that model). I love love love the backup camera. Backing up is less dangerous! Im liking the keyless ness, though its taking some getting used to. My 2000 was a sweeter ride, but it was beginning to get repair pricey. I think it was a better-made car, though. Im enjoying my spanking new car, who wouldnt? (moonroof!) But Im thinking maybe I should have rented a new car to satisfy my jones and kept the 2000 Accord another three years.

• 

  Get back to design - 2015 Honda Accord
  By ramsy - July 21 - 3:35 pm

  I have been driving Honda accord/odyssey for more than 15 years and big fan of Honda. Bought a new 2015 Honda accord six months ago and here are my observations. 1) Very poorly designed front seats, feels very unconfortable. 2) No leg room- I am about average height and feels very painful for regular drive ..like every day to work. Funny thing is, when you move the lever to move seat up/down it also moves to/fro...never seen this ackward design. 3) Bumpy ride- Dont understand why the new car has to be so bumpy...is it the nitrogen tires that causing it? 4) Small Interior - Feels my hands and elbows are touching the interior due to lack of space . Dint see any jump in mileage , but why the car made so tiny?

• 

  Great little car, but expense ridiculous repairs - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Hilaire Humphrey - July 20 - 9:47 pm

  We have two Honda Fits. The design is really great, as is the initial price. But...and it is a big BUT...recently one of the cars a/c completely stopped working. In this particular car, Honda chose to place the a/c unit within the dashboard. The a/c needs to be fixed. The car is no longer under warranty, but is only 2 years old and has been cared for well. The cost of fixing the a/c - $750! Why? Because the have to completely take apart the dashboard requiring several hours of labor. I am not the first. This is a serious design flaw. Unlike many cars, if you get a hot sunny day, you HAVE to run the a/c or the car will be unbearable so much so that it is hard to breathe because the very large dashboard gets so very incredibly hot. The other issue I am having in my other Fit is my dashboard is no longer level. What did the service staff tell me? It would take hours to fix and would be fairly expensive. If it is not creating a problem with the car the warranty is irrelevant for this issue as it is just cosmetic. There are other great small cars. Until Honda changes the a/c design, I advise people to buy a different small car. I will not buy a Fit again.

• 

  CR V ibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - July 17 - 8:49 am

  With two small children, and living in the country, where winters can get bad I was looking for a practical family car with AWD. I decided to lease the CR V because the lease deal was excellent. Very glad I leased (which I never do) and did not buy the CR V. The vehicle is nice (havent got to test out the AWD in snow yet), but like many others have commented the vibration while at stop with car in drive is maddening. And its not minor! I had a hat sitting on the passenger seat, and the letters literally looked like a blur! Sometimes you can even feel it through the steering wheel. I thought I was making a good decision, getting a well known, reliable car, but I was wrong. I have never written a review before iny life, but buying a vehicle is a huge financial decision and I wanted to make others aware. Please, if you are in the market for a compact SUV, do yourself a favor and look at other options. This vibration thing IS REAL! Luckily Im 3 years I can turn this vehicle back in...just hoping Honda comes out with a fix soon. I will repeat one more time...DO NOT BUY a 2015 CR V.

• 

  2013 LX civic "prone" to hail damage - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Marty Lundeen - July 14 - 10:04 am

  To reduce vehicle weight the metal skin is very thin, compared to earlier models...press on it, and you can dent easily. This is the second time in one year that i have suffered significant hail damage. A diameter of 1/2" will do it! If you dont have a garage, I would not purchase it. Other than major draw back, its a nice car.