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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  Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Don Walker - December 27 - 10:34 am

  You will not be dissapointed the price and the car outstanding. Very dependable and very stylish

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:50 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:50 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Complicated Honda - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Thomas Zynda - December 27 - 9:49 am

  The car has really good acceleration and handling, very quiet, a nice firm ride, great outward visibility. But the controls are unecessarily complicated ,illogical, and difficult to use. For example, the radio volume you adjust with a knob, but to adjust the tone you have to turn on the information screen, which is dangerous to do when youre driving and quite simply a stupid way to design the controls. Ditto resetting the trip odometer. The cars manual is very poor--illustrations are very poor and explanations incomplete or otherwise inadequate and at least in one place (p. 29 on system settings) just plain wrong. The video disc manual is equally useless as its just a video of the paper manual. In short, the design of the controls is stupid and the manual is next to worthless. The CVT transmission is very smooth. Car seems thin in some respects, e.g. the hinges for the trunk lid. I hope they didnt skimp on other things.

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  Nice Peppy SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GaRebelRunner - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I chose between this 2002 model, a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Chevy Cavalier. It easily beats out the Cavalier. But I was really torn the first month if I had made a good purchase. But the more Ive driven it the more Im impressed. Very easy to drive, smooth, quiet, nice turning radius. Easy reach to cruise control, radio and console. It has great pickup for passing the 18 wheelers on the interstate. Im getting 24-26 miles/gallon. Its just fun to drive.

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  happy owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Alfredo - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I like the power the Honda pilot has, The space it has is unbeated by other suvs. I had before an 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport an the diference betwen the two suvs is enormous. I am very happy to own a class vehicle

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  Honda Oddessy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By KKS&J - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is are first van and we will by far trade it in on another Honda Oddessy.

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  Report on My Honda Accord - 2000 Honda Accord
  By jjmax - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My Accord, 4 dr EX has been a good car for me. A few things have happened that were negatives. The transmission went out on Dec. 24, 2002 at 51,000. Fortunately, Honda had just sent me a note saying that they were extending the warranty from 50,000 to 100,000 so the transmission was replaced at no cost to me. I was in a state of shock because I have believed that Honda was the best. Also, I do not like the set up for drink holders and my wife dislikes the deep glove compartment she cannot see into. But, I would buy another Honda--but it will be a stick shift. Im through with automatic transmissions! I think Ill try a Civic.

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  Less than I expected from a Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By TTC - December 27 - 2:00 am

  An acceptable car but lower quality than I expected from a Honda. For example: * Lots of wind/road noise * Poor exterior and interior design quality * Lousy turning radius * Poor climate control

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  great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By rm - December 27 - 2:00 am

  a true value! a must for all!