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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  06 Civics are the BEST!!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ashley! - May 8 - 10:43 am

  I got my civic LX on St. Pattys day and I love it, even though it doesnt have as many features as the EX or SI its still a GREAT car, if you dont have that extra 3-5K to spend on the SI or EX then the LX is just fine, The civic is great on gas, I drive like 50 miles a day and dont have to fill up for like almost two weeks, its a great car.

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  Fun to drive-but watch out for repairs - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kar - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I really love my CRV. The dealer I bought it from was the best! I only wish I lived near them now. I just got ,y 2 1/2 year olad CRV out of the shop. The airconditioning went out. It cost me to the tune of $1800.00. I was very upset that a car this new would have such problems. I was thinking of buying a Pilot, but now thinking of different line of car. I have always been told Hondas were good for well over 200,000 miles and for such a repair.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jawhawk - May 7 - 11:23 pm

  Just bought our red Accord this week. Beautiful car; got a lot of compliments on how sporty it looks. Drives like a dream and the manual transmission shifts wonderfully. Bought it to replace a 99 Saab with a blown transmission. Thought about a new car, but figured we could get a better car used than new in our price range. We think we made a good choice.

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  Good to Great - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dan - May 7 - 5:33 pm

  I traded in my 2005 LX for the 2009 EX. First, resale value is sweet! Mine was a lease that I went about 20K miles over. I traded it in rather than returning it and after the lease payoff the dealer cut me a check! Overall, I love the new Accord. I disagree with a lot of people and find the seats very comfortable. For those that dont, READ the owners manual on proper adjustment of the head rest; there is a page on that and it makes a big difference. As for brake issues and MPG, both are great for me. If yours is not, try relaxing when you drive.

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  Great car for a great price! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - May 7 - 10:36 am

  I had a 2005 TSX that I traded in for the CRV so we would have more space for our new baby. It took us a while to decide what we wanted, but after having the car for only about a week, Im glad we made the choice we did. I love the car!! You get a lot for your money! It drives really well and feel like a luxury car!

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  Awesome But Not Perfect - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DaGuy - May 7 - 5:43 am

  I traded in a 1999 Volvo S80 for the new 2008 Accord EX-L V6 w/Nav. The new Accord is impressive in quite a few areas: cabin size, powerful V6, fantastic (truly fun and easy) technology package, handles great despite the fact that it leans a bit too much on aggressive curve handling. My Volvo had a turbo V6, I dont miss it one bit. The Accord engine delivers ample power. Its hard to imagine but the new Accord is actually the same size & weight of my S80 but handles like a smaller sports car. Bottom line, If you cant afford a 40K+ unreliable luxury car then this is a fantastic choice.

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  98 Accord EX V-6 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Jeff Twoey - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Well its been 5 years now since I first purchased my Accord EX V-6 new! It now has 126,000 miles on it..I have done NOTHING to the car besides routine MX and the timing belt. There is really no change in the way it rides since new! I salute everyone who played a role in this cars production. Thanks Honda..Im buying an 03 Accord

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  best car ever - 2004 Honda Insight
  By david johnson - May 7 - 2:00 am

  For two years I wanted an Insight. I talked myself out of it because it was a two seater. I decided to buy a Think electric car instead, but Ford stopped that one. Last Summer (2003) I decided to go for it. I ordered an Insight and it took 6 months for it to arrive.Then, I got the car. It is the best car ever made. On trips I regularly exceed 80 mpg. It handles like a sports car. It goes around corners like water thru a hose as they say. And its roomy inside. Just my favorite car Ive ever owned. Everything works great.

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  Couldnt be happier - 11 years later! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By JRPCS1 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a GREAT car. No problems and great performance through its entire life. Im ready for my next GREAT car - a hybrid.

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  Finally a used car you can rely on! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Dakny - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My biggest fears about buying a used vehicle were reliability and sturdiness of interior and exterior design. I have to say that my car still looks and drives great. It stands up to harsh road conditions and is not expensive to maintain. I still get between 310 miles and 350 miles to the tank. I would definitely either keep this car for a long time or trade up for a newer Honda Accord model.