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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  My 4th (and favorite) Honda! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jpbran - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had my V6 EX Accord sedan for over a month now... Love it. Have had several Civics over the years, and this is an amazing increase in luxury, solid ride, etc. Peppy and comfortable, with decent gas mileage. Feels roomy, solid, quick and reliable.

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  Near Luxury Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Brilliant - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I drove Camry and Altima before buying this car but accord provides excellent handling, very quiet interior and good ride comfort.

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  Liked my Civic, but love the new Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By buttercupismypal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Hated to give up my 1997 Civic Lx because it was reliable, got great gas mileage and still looked okay. But after driving my friends 2001 Accord to shop for a new car, WOW, what a difference in comfort. I noticed the smoother ride, higher seating, more leg and side room, just no comparison. She didnt buy the car that night, I did! At 300 lbs. and 510", I needed a bigger car with the same reliabilty and reasonable price. The 2003 Accord looks great and has a very plush interior (at least it seems like it compared to the trusty ole Civic.

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  2006 Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Blake Atkins - May 20 - 8:57 am

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  2009 Civic LX-Sport - 2009 Honda Civic
  By oconn11 - May 20 - 1:36 am

  Just got car so I only have 35 miles on it. Having driven 6cyl mini vans then SUVs for the past decade I am pleasantly surprised with the pep of this car. It is quite roomy, yet gives you a cockpit feel. Dealer experience was awesome and was mostly done via internet. So far I am quite happy.

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  Good family car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tim - May 20 - 12:26 am

  Traded in our 2000 Toyota Sienna for a sedan. Was able to get a 60 month 0% deal so that was a great savings. Car has blue tooth system which works well and dealer was great at helping us understand car features. Car overall feels sturdy, safe, and quiet. I like this Accord and believe if you are in the sedan market, this should be a car to look at.

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  My First Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By John Sumrall - May 19 - 10:56 pm

  I am delighted with the appearance, convenience, comfort and fun-to-drive qualities of the car.

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  Great used car to buy - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Cain - May 19 - 3:22 pm

  Obviously, fuel economy was a major factor when buying this car - 35mpg / 400+ miles on one tank!! The only dislikes I have are the location of the side-mirror controls (on the dash just left of the steering column - hard to get to without taking you eyes off the road) road noise all the time and driver seat needs a longer armrest. Other than those items, I am very pleased with this CIVIC. Great resale value if I decide to sell of trade-in too...

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan W - May 19 - 12:46 pm

  Maybe its just the new car allure, but so far I love my new CR-V. Ive owned Honda cars since 1983 and have enjoyed every one. I would still be driving my 2006 Honda Civic if it werent totaled in a fwy accident. I walked away because the car saved me. Honda engineering rocks! Thought my replacement car should be a little bigger and the CR-V fits the bill. New Accord looks nice but was just too big, too wide for what I need. Ive already bought about $600 in accessories to make my CR-V MINE!

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  I LUV my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MisterFurious - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  This has been the highest quality vehicle I have ever owned out of the dozen or so new vehicles I have purchased in my life. I have had no reliability issues, just a few annoying noises that probably cannot be fixed. They are very small things that do not affect the efficiency, effectivness, or safety of the vehicle. This vehicle rides so comfortably and smoothly and is wonderful in snowy Michigan with its AWD.