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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  Great looks but dangerously underpowered - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Texas Consumer - May 19 - 8:56 am

  Been a big Honda fan. Owned Civic, Accord, another Accord and Integra. All great cars. This one, I really wanted to like it. Looks: Very cute. Wife thought interior reminded her of video game console. Very gadgetty. We test drove. Right out of the dealership (w/ 3 people driver, passenger and salesman), we were on the access road next to the highway. I had to punch it to make it to the entrance ramp. The car revved very high but the speed increased ever so slowly. 3 sets of 2 cars passed us both on left and right side of the Insight before making it. Too dangerous! When got off and did local driving, the car was great. Considering the size, very comfortable.

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  Love my new car! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Dalia Hawwass - May 19 - 8:05 am

  This is a quality car in which luxury meets comfort without breaking the bank! So sleek and stylish with great support and has speed! Absolutely love this car and got a great deal on it!

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  SUV with awesome cargo ability - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By farnorth - May 19 - 4:56 am

  Used for long (7 hour) commute with tools and gear. The head rest is kind of a pain in the neck, but everything else excels for this class. Full size rear passengers prefer my truck over the Dodge ram 4 door. Visibility is great, and most importantly, the rough northern roads I drive on can not kick the rear end out on corners and ruts, even when driving on packed snow. Around town I have used it to haul .5 yard of gravel, also filled the box with bedding sand. It handled better than my Silverado did with the same weight... but I did have to spend some time washing sand out of the trunk lid seams and double operating tailgate. Keeping it around 55 to 60 miles per hour gave me avrg. 18 mpg

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  "Nothing But Class" - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Scotty - May 18 - 7:50 pm

  Best in its class! I was so impressed with the EX-L that I sold my Lincoln LS to get one. This is a complete-package automobile: affordable luxury, touring ability, and fuel economy. Kudos to Honda for consistent quality and continuous improvement.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By ttranrx - May 18 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had the crosstour for 1 month now and I still love it. Ive had so many people compliment how roomy and comfortable the ride was. People have loved the new body style. If you are thinking about a new car, you should test drive the crosstour.

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  Love this Purchase! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - May 18 - 9:43 am

  Anyone looking for a GREAT deal on an 8 passenger SUV needs to take a look at the 08 Pilot. Honda is GIVING these things away to make room for the new 09 Pilots that hit the lots over the next week or so. I was able to get my EX-L for under the TMV price and the dealer had added pin stripes, wheel locks, mud flaps and a cargo tray. I love this vehicle. Im in sales and have already driven 5k miles in 2 months and its a breeze to get in and out of. Huge storage space with the 3rd row folded down. It is noisy on the highway and the body lean in corners takes a little getting used to but the overall ride is nice. I looked at the VeraCruz, Journey, Pacifica and CX-9 and the Pilot is best

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  Good looking - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Andrea K Brandt - May 18 - 5:22 am

  We are Honda owners who like the reliability and long life of our previous Honda autos. We have not had this Honda long enough to rate many of the above catagories. So far we are happy with our purchase. The front seats are a little low for a shorter person and somewhat difficult for entering and exiting.

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  VERY surprised and disappointed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - May 18 - 2:50 am

  It started on the day of purchase. I noticed grit under the paint on the hood - more like small pebbles. Reluctantly, the dealer re-painted the hood. Then, the left rear wheel sensor went out. Then - a rattle developed in the trunk area. After multiple visits, still a rattle. It sounds like a mid-70s Chevy hatchback - the rattle is that bad. Each time the daler says - "fixed it." Each time they lied. The rear windows rattle when cracked. The center console rattled for awhile. The drivers window area squeaked for awhile. The steering wheel is off center - meaning when the wheels are in perfect alignment, the steering wheel is not. The black leather is turning white, etc., etc.

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  First Hybrid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mikec - May 17 - 10:37 pm

  What a great ride! I have been driving a Mini Van for several years and due to the age of my children I no longer need a vehicle this large. I went with this vehicle due to MPG and performance. I bought this car used with 31,000 miles at 20% below Kelley Blue Book. The vehicle is very quiet, love the leather as well as the interior. The performance of a V6 with the MPG of a 4 cylinder. Despite the reviews for the Hybrid Accord I love this vehicle.

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  Best car in the segment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By John - May 17 - 10:33 pm

  This is the best car available in this market segment at this cost, by far. Ive had 3 Hondas now, an 02 Odyssey (still own), 05 Accord LXV6 and this 07 EXL. All have been totally reliable, never an unscheduled visit to the dealer. Accords are no BMWs, but do provide a good compromise of performance, price and comfort. The 4cyl (I4) engine has good performance for everyday driving. I rarely miss the power of the 240 bhp LXV6, not as much as I first thought. I switched to the I4 for 3 reasons, EX for LX-V6 price, daughter learning to drive (V6 too powerful), fuel economy. I averaged 26 mpg from the V6 and only average 27.5 from the I4 so far (5k miles), I was hoping for 30 mpg.