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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  2003 EX Auto - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gesh50 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car. Nice ride, and its a Honda

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  Once a Honda Owner, aways a Honda Owner. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eddie Wang - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I once own a 96 Accord, its been very reliable to me ever since I owned it. I traded in for a fully loaded Infiniti G35 and obtained well resale to dealer value. Two weeks ago, my folks showed me their fully loaded V-6 Coupe for themselves. I was amazed by the package accord has to offered. Design, voice recognization, touch screen navigation and all of other cool stuff for 10K less that what I paid for my G35. I am definately going to come back to Honda on my next car purchase.

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  My 2008 Odyssey Touring - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By TC - May 30 - 8:56 pm

  This is our 4th Honda and our 2nd Odyssey and every generation gets better. The van is fun to drive. I love the car-like handling and responsiveness. It has plenty of power for pickup. There is ample of room for 6 adults. Middle 2nd and 3rd row seats are sized for kids only. I have had my new 2008 Odyssey for 2 months now and it has developed one problem. The right sliding doors opened window safety feature which keeps the door from sliding all the way became engaged even when the window is closed which is keeping the door from opening all the way. Ill be taking it to the dealer for repair. The mileage is close to 13 in the city and 20 on the hwy; less than what the window sticker states.

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  smooth ride and fun in snow - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alleys - May 30 - 1:05 pm

  have enjoyed this vehicle. Havent had to do anything other than change the oil. I did out Michelins on it at 35k miles because the factory tires were humming. lots of fun driving in the snow this winter. Very reliable vehicle and vitrually no maintenance

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  Fabulous Hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Kerry McCalla - May 29 - 11:44 pm

  They told the truth about the mileage! Rated at 48 mpg, Im still on my first tank of gas and thrilled that I am currently getting 46.5 mpg. The instrumentation gives continuous feedback about your driving style and what that is doing for gas mileage and battery assist charging. It is very impressive. Now if jackrabbit starts are part of your driving style, you can still do them, but you probably want to switch out of Econ mode and switch into Sport mode. But if that isnt your style, then you are going to be happy with all of the little things this car does to extend a gallon of gas. I had been driving a 2006 Honda Accord EX and my how the electronics and safety have advanced in 11 years! The entertainment options are plentiful and all work well including Bluetooth and Appleplay. On the touring model, the smart headlights (on/off, high beam/low beam) work very well as does the intermittent wipers that sense the amount of rain and adjust accordingly. What is really impressive is that even these automatic features have controls that allow you to tweak the settings and get them just right for you. For instance, on cruise control that automatically slows you down to keep a safe distance behind the car that you are following, it allows you to adjust what that safe distance is for you. So, Ive had the car for 4 weeks but it is everything that I have come to expect in a Honda and more!

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  i love my honda! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By accord ny - May 29 - 9:03 pm

  I own a 97 Accord EX 2dr. I purchased the car 9 months ago and have put 16,000 miles on it. Ive driven it from NY to FL 4 times and all I have done is change the oil. I owned a 96 Civic before this, and would definitly buy another honda. The check engine light is on, but Im not sure why. Its probably something small since Ive put 12,000 miles on it like that. Drives very smooth, good gas mileage, roomy trunk for such a small car, the sound system sounds great even though its stock. i love all the features too, because mine has the 6-disc changer and sunroof. the power windows are slow, especially the passenger side one. overall, a fabulous car that i would reccomend to anyone.

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  What a great Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - May 29 - 7:32 am

  You need to really negotiate a deal. Do your homework. The Car is amazing. Tremendous value. We love it.

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  Value for Money - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BB - May 29 - 6:46 am

  It is almost 6 months and 10,000 miles since I bought this vehicle and just had my first oil change (as recomended by the computer at 15% oil life). I get 29 overall mileage (80% highway and 20% city) and am extremely pleased with my choice. The vehicle has not given me any problems and I have not even had to check the tire pressure due to its own tire pressure monitoring system. The leather seats are nice and the XM radio is a nice way to kill time on longer drives. The air-conditioner is very efficient. During the winter the CR-V was great in 12 inch snow and the heated seats and mirror were very useful. All in all a great vehicle and plan to get for my wife too.

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  Civic 2006 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By npw - May 29 - 4:10 am

  Had a Civic 98 before....very happy with it so thought I would go for another one. Overall I am very happy with it. In- town gas mileage seems a little low but I have not had it long enough to evaluate accurately. Comfortable spacious. Hope it works for me as well as the last one!

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  I really love this Car! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Paul L - May 29 - 3:00 am

  This was an impulse purchase. Last December my partner was looking to buy an Accord Coupe (which he did)but when I saw the CT I had to have it. Its solid, fun to drive, classy and way better than the 07 Pacifica I had been driving. Have never had so many people ask me about the car and rave over its style. Im a proud owner.