Honda

Honda Trucks

Honda Vans

Honda Buying Guide

Get the best online car shopping experience with expert reviews of Honda Read more to learn about the most important features and important factors to consider when researching Honda.

Honda Buying Guide header image.

Honda Overview

Honda first began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970, and during that decade’s ensuing oil crisis, the Japanese automaker's fuel-efficient vehicles quickly gained sales in the American market. With a reputation for quality engineering, driver engagement, and reliability, Hondas have remained popular ever since. Today the marque sells a wide range of models, from sporty hatchbacks to family-friendly SUVs and minivans. Honda’s bestsellers include the CR-V, a compact SUV, and the Accord, a midsize sedan, both of which are available as hybrids.

Noteworthy Features

Affordability
Honda's legacy is built on manufacturing affordable vehicles. It has three current models that took home awards for being affordable without cutting back on quality. These vehicles are the CR-V, the Pilot, and the Civic.

Reliability
Honda is a good choice when buying used. If taken care of, these cars can easily last to the 100K mile mark and beyond. It is common for this brand to score well on studies carried out by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Honda received a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating when compared to 32 other brands. Speaking of reliability, the brakes in the 2019 Honda Accord are smooth and secure on the road. Drivers can determine how much distance is required to make a safe stop because of the firmness of the pedal. Emergency stops also feel secure. You can also retain brake pressure when coming to a stop in traffic.

Ideal Target Audience
Honda is a brand that has vehicles in a range of segments, which determines the target audience. A segment is a classification that determines the size, purpose, and equipment characteristics of the vehicle. For example, the ideal target audience for the Honda Pilot are families. With all of Honda's segments, everyone from single drivers to soccer moms will be able to find something that suits their needs.

Additional Considerations

Style and Luxuriousness
Honda is not as luxurious when compared to similar vehicle types from German-made brands. This brand does make reliable vehicles that are fun to drive. They are not as expensive, which means it does not have features like powerful V8 engines.

Low Seat Position
The low positioning of the driver's seat may make some drivers feel sporty, but this could be a nuisance for drivers who need legroom. The 2019 Honda Accord comes with low seat positioning, which means tall drivers must do some standing to exit the vehicle. The seats also do not slide back as much in order to accommodate tall drivers.

Voice Command and Noise Issues
The voice command system that is on the Honda Accord needs work, but it is a good idea. The voice command system on the 2019 Honda Accord can get confused by directions, which means making several tries to get them correct. Drivers must be precise when speaking commands and use the on-screen prompts when commands are not working. Noise may be an issue in some Honda models when on the highway. In the 2019 Honda Accord, you may hear tire and wind noise seep into the cabin when traveling at high speeds on the highway. However, it is insulated enough where you will not need to speak louder or turn up the radio to be able to hear.