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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  A whole lotta car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By markmag1 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. Great power and handling. The standard features are incredible. To get all these features in another vehicle would put it way out of line price wise. I traded in my 305 horse power 99 Z28 for this baby and I can honestly say that I am very pleased with the 240HP V6. Not quite as fast, but close! I also added on the factory fog lights and spoiler and it looks great!

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  Best Car At Any Price - ThatsThe Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Rich - April 26 - 1:16 am

  Purchased this Accord EX V6 Leather sedan last year with 155,000 miles on it It looks and runs as new - flawless! Everything works (not exceptional for an Accord from my own experience). I swapped out the original audio system for one from a 2002 Accord, to have the 6-disc in dash CD changer and couldnt be happier. My first Accord V6, this engine is awesome - power, great gas mileage (22 city, 29-30 MPG highway), silky smooth and quiet. Transmission shifts are barely noticeable. A pleasure to own, fun to drive, and is equipped with every luxury feature makes it a joy. Interior is extremely roomy and comfortable. No car in any class is better or holds its value better.

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  Honda Accord - I love mine - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Michele - April 25 - 11:50 pm

  This car made me a more comfortable driver. I am no longer scared of not finding my way. The GPS is a great help and I totally reccomend it for anyone who is geographicly disabled. The car is comfortable and easy to care for. It has all of the expensive features, and not too expensive to fill up at the gas pump. I think there is a new hybrid for this car if one is looking for more fuel economy.

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  Love My Honda - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Miguel Funez - April 25 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had this car for a few years now. Bought it used at the Honda dealership. It runs like a charm with over 100k miles on it and is standing up to normal wear and tear of the interior. It doesnt have as much power as a car with a bigger engine would but Im not driving up any mountains so thats okay. Id rather save on gas anyway. Interior design is nice with four cup holders up front and lots of storage space. Theres a center console and a hidden drawer under the passenger seat where I can store napkins, maps, etc. Silver was a good choice because its holding up nicely in the California sun, no fading or anything. When I buy a new car Ill likely buy the newest CR-V.

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  Awesome Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Paul Hightower - April 25 - 11:10 pm

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  Great Buy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By swingdj - April 25 - 9:36 pm

  Up to 45 mpg hwy, 35 city. If you drive it like a maniac, youll get poor mileage like any other car. If you drive more conservatively, youll get better mileage like any other car, its all relative. Overall, were getting about 30 mpg, mostly city, but I can go more than 600 miles on a 17- gallon tank on pure hwy miles. In cold weather it does take a few miles for the electric motor to warm up. Very comfortable and reliable.

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  Not too crazy about this SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ray - April 25 - 9:05 pm

  The gas mileage is horrible!! I get 13 miles to gal.,not a lead foot. There is a clunking noise in the rear of the car always think I have run over something. co-worker has same model and same problem. dealer states nothing wrong. The build feels cheap. Engine is quiet, has good power.Drivers seat is postioned funny to the steering wheel( cannot explain this correctly,try to put your knee on the steeing wheel). Gas and brake pedal are in weird position also. Cannot wait to trade this vehicle. Cannot use all speakers due to vibration makes sound terrible.Had Toyota Highlander V6 and it was totaled (not by me).gas mileage was 18 in city, and saved my life.Waiting for 08 Highlander to buy.

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  Excellent little coupe - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Mike - April 25 - 5:48 pm

  This is my first car, as an early driver I have little experience at the wheel, however have driven many different cars, from different manufacturers. And I can say with utmost confidence that this is by far the best econo car you could buy at the time of manufacture. It outperforms, neons, cavaliers, sunfires. A few races with people with these cars has shown me this clearly, by blasting by them with a smirk on my face as they struggle to keep up. Handling is very sharp, however there is a tad bit of body lean, and brakes are really sharp and when properly used, stop surprisingly fast.

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  A Greek Tragedy: The Fatal Flaw - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By WashDad - April 25 - 4:51 pm

  The long-term history of this vehicle has been moments of love interspersed with tragic disappointment. Our first mistake was not realizing that buying a Canadian-registered Honda in the US would cut us off from all factory support. Honda USA wouldnt help us because the car was Canadian. Honda Canada wouldnt help us because it was purchased in the US. Recall work performed for free for my neighbors cost me money. This is especially galling since all 2000 Odysseys were built in a single factory in Ontario. I will never buy another Honda. Problems: short-lived brakes, doors, more doors, transmission at 78k, another tranny at 109k, squealing brakes, broken seat, radio, smog control.

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  Honda Pilot saved my life - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Adam45 - April 25 - 4:42 pm

  When we (my family) first got this vehicle, we loved it and thought it was great. It did everything it needed to do and did it well. This winter during a snow storm, we got into an accident. No one even got a scar. The Pilot is being fixed right now and the repairmen told us that the car did very well. Although the cost was moderately high, our insurance covered it and we already get a discount due to its safety. We are Honda fans and we love our car. Although the exterior design is not great, it causes the interior to be very functional.