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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  Our First Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By kcoughlan - August 8 - 6:09 pm

  Lets first start by saying that for the last 10 years we have driven an 05 Pontiac Montana SV6 that by far was the worst piece of garbage that any one could ever be forced to drive. It is sitting in our yard with a remote possibility that anyone will ever take it away, even for free.Worthless! We were able to purchase our new Odyssey at a Honda discounted price with amazing finance rate. ,one of the reasons we chose this over the Toyota Sienna.($4000+ in savings) So far the van has gone far beyond our expectations as far as quality.A few issues that are mentioned later. Runs great on the highway, although we have only been on a few trips with it.

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  Buyer beware of not being able to access Navi while moving - 2014 Honda Accord
  By froggers - August 8 - 1:53 pm

  Turned in 2011 leased Honda Accord V6 and picked up the 2014. Everything is really outstanding except for the navigation system. We were not aware or advised that it cannot be fully accessed while the car is in motion. This is really bad, since the passenger is disallowed as well. The voice commands dont work well for us, and its a lot more distracting. This is a real deal breaker for us, and I wont be getting any more Hondas, unless this changes. The menu system is a lot worse than the 2011 model and a lot more difficult to navigate through the commands with a lot more extra steps. Also the center console has less storage space and is less convenient.

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  Trans Sucks - 2001 Honda Accord
  By manoh - August 7 - 2:59 pm

  I bought this car by believing all the reviews and got dashed my head. With in one week of buying the Honda Accord EX V6 my transmission started giving problem. It got started slipping and engine light blinks and D4 light started blinking. Took it to mechanic and he told that need to rebuild transmission which could be $2000. If you still would like to go for this car , you are great!!!!!!!!

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  Bringing fun back to the family sedan - 2014 Honda Accord
  By ikemacon - August 6 - 9:59 pm

  After test driving what some automotive magazines ranked as the top three automobiles in this class (Mazda6, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima), the Honda Accord Sport pleasantly surprised me by overtaking the number one pick for those same reviews: the Mazda6 iTouring. Having been a former Acura Legend owner, I felt right at home again behind the wheel of the Accord. The Sports numbers outperform the Mazda not only on paper, but in driving tests as well. I felt solidly in control at all times behind the wheel of the Accord, even with electric power steering. Active noise cancellation helps to quiet the cabin as well. Fantastic car all around!

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  2012 EX -4 cyl - Uncomfortable seats - 2012 Honda Accord
  By christod - August 6 - 4:26 pm

  I lease this car for the last 2+ years and cant wait to give it back . - The seats are very uncomfortable causing lower back and hip pain when driving more than 20 min. I adjusted the seat on any possible way but I couldnt find a comfortable position. -Grinding noise coming from plastics . - The road noise when driving on the highway is very annoying . +Fuel consumption is OK, a full tank for 370-400 miles with regular . +The space for passengers is really good. +Overall no mechanical issues .

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  Excellent reliability, only downside is overrated MPG - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tvtruong - August 5 - 4:55 pm

  Ive have this car for over 8 years. I bought it from a dealership after it was returned from a 2 years lease. In the 8 years and 150k km (about 100k miles) that Ive put on it, here are my review. It is an extremely reliable car. Ive done all the routine maintenance on it. Ive only need to take the car in twice outside of routine maintenance. Totally just under $1k over a period of 8 years. Routine maintenance cost another $2k. Interior design have an old rich man feel to it, and outside design are very plain. Power delivery is awesome and smooth. The OEM tires cant really be used in the winter. It design for low rolling resistance. Overall a great car.

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  Honda Accord Sport is a great value! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pockevicius - August 5 - 7:22 am

  I purchased the Accord Sport with a 6 speed manual just over a year ago after shopping around for something sporty, reliable, and affordable. I love the car! I have had no problems with the car to date. The car is averaging 30mpg with mixed driving, the best mileage I have achieved was 37mpg on a 350 mile trip which included stop and go highway traffic. I consider this is a great bipolar car"- I can take it down some twisty back roads and have some fun, or I can cart the grandparents on a 7 hour trip in comfort. The connectivity is excellent in terms of Bluetooth and the iPod interface. I would highly recommend this car to my friends and family.

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  Awesome Civic - 2014 Honda Civic
  By civicman4 - August 4 - 3:40 am

  I purchased a 2014 Civic LX sedan with the CVT transmission in July 2014. Have owned it for about 1 month and currently have about 1000 miles on it. Love it so far! Averaging about 35 miles per gallon and getting about 400 miles to the tankful! Power is adequate for most driving conditions and the car is fun to drive. Seats are very comfortable and this car has a ton of features for the money (I paid $16,700 not including tax and license). If youre looking for a safe, reliable, economical car, this is it.

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  2014 CRV was a good choice - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By arizgeorge1 - August 3 - 8:52 pm

  I traded my 2008 CRV in for a 2014 CRV. I had looked at the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Subaru Forester, but felt that the CRV was the best overall SUV for me. Another big factor in my decision was the excellent service that I have experienced at the local Honda dealer. I was disappointed in the choice of exterior colors (mostly dark shades) and very limited choice of interior colors. On our first long trip we averaged 28-29 mpg. Im hoping that will improve to 30-31 mpg which I got on my 2008 CRV. One minor annoying issue was the same weak, whimpy horns that I had on my 2008. For $100, I had Honda upgrade my horns to the louder, stronger Honda Accord horns.

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  Honda Accord Sport is an excellent car overall! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By jwh204 - August 3 - 9:10 am

  Just purchased my 14 Accord Sport in June - have 2,000 miles now and a couple of road trips taken. Excellent handling car with great road manners! My 94 Accord coupe was my best car ever - this 14 continues that tradition of a solid, well built and handling car. The CVT is great and unobtrusive - the computer simulates a conventional automatic. Great MPG and very responsive throttle. Supportive seats (love the power seat and lumbar) and a very spacious and comfortable cabin round out the package. I traded out of an 11 Altima and its the best choice I have made. No complaints about this car other than a suggestion: the Sport needs a better sound system with more speakers...