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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  Overall, great dependable car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Megan - January 16 - 10:36 pm

  The 2002 Accord EXL was my first new car purchase and I am very pleased. I knew that I needed a reliable car for at least the next five years and thats exactly what I got. Low maintainence, great fuel economy all in a package that is fairly classy. My only complaint is the pick-up -- I dont know if its just the reality of my car getting older, but my cars acceleration has decresed appreciably.

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  Buyers Remorse... Retracted - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jt007 - January 16 - 8:36 pm

  When I bought this car a year ago, I initially wrote a review stating I may have buyers remorse due to extremely uncomfortable drivers seat. I have now logged 51,000 miles and can give a very accurate review. Dealership replaced my drivers seat, made all the difference. Car averages 28 mpg overall, mostly highway. I have gotten as high as 31 on long trips, no air, driving 79 mph. Besides oil changes and tires, no unexpected problems. Cracked grille was replaced by dealer at no charge. Factory fog lights cracked, were replaced at cost. This car is very reliable, and driving it in Michigans "blustery" winters has been nothing but sheer confidence. Overall driving experience A+.

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  dont hesitate - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Naileater - January 16 - 8:25 pm

  190k and still runs like a top. I would drive it across the country right now. Looking for another 50 gr out of it.

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  Nice Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hal - January 16 - 5:35 pm

  Nice car. Good body shape -- doesnt look trendy, even after five years. In fact, prefer body shape to current model. Good quality materials. Highly reliable. Comfortable seats. Good driver control positions. Good engine -- the power of a 6 cylinder with the economy of a 4 cylinder. In general, better quality vs. my Lumina it replaced.

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  Recommend to buy - 2005 Honda Element
  By boeru - January 16 - 1:23 pm

  We bought this car about nine months ago and my wife and I love to drive it. It was very reliable with good mileage and what we like the most is the multiple possibilities to adjust the seats.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JW - January 16 - 5:03 am

  This car has been a real pleasure to drive. After owning pick-ups, Tahoes, and Suburbans for the past couple of decades, I felt that it was time to downsize with fuel being what it is now, and I rarely ever hauled anything. Luckily, I bought this vehicle on a whim and it gets better every day. It fits right(I am 60"), is fun to drive, great stereo, fuel economy, performance.

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  Another Excellent Ride - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 2 Times a Honda - January 15 - 9:00 pm

  Well I just purchased a new Accord 07 LX V6 Sedan and so far I am very pleased with it. I upgraded from an Accord 04 LX 2.4L Coupe. So much leg room, the sunroof, power seat... 6 cd changer (in dash).

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  baby hummer - 2004 Honda Element
  By Blue2runner - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Just the right hight. Very nice seating aragment all my back seat passagers like the way they can see out over the front and not having to sit off to the side like others suvs. Also they like the leg room . As do I the Driver I like the quick pick up and the ride is better than the rav4 I had and also better than the matrix wich I traded in for this ..

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  Power plus Room - 2004 Honda Element
  By Dan & Lyn - January 15 - 10:00 am

  It has a lot of power for only having such a small engine. The room inside is great for the passengers, but it would be great if it was about 6 inches longer in the back. I am suprised that their is not a hybrid Element on the drawing board or one with a V6.

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  wow - 2004 Honda Civic
  By eliza - January 15 - 10:00 am

  this was my very first car..... i love it, and i wouldnt change it for anything in the world.