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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  The Best Accord Ever - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Amodio - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car we have ever owned. I was invited to drive the new BMWs at the Greer s.c. plant in February 2003. Altough the BMWs were great cars I am more impressed with my Honda. I only wish they made a police package.

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  Accord Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Snoops - April 25 - 10:00 am

  A good handling, responsive, fun to drive sedan. Great acceleration, decent gas mileage and very dependable. Should test drive this auto before wasting money on something more expensive that uses more expensive fuel.

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  Dependable and Reasonably Sporty - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bradley - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my Accord. Although not as sporty as the higher cost BMWs or Infiniti G35, it is well worth the money. The interior design is excellent, the exterior is conventional but still looks good. I like the acceleration and handling, and appreciate the smoothness of the ride as a I have a significant commute. I am a Honda fan, and this new version of the Accord is a good one!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By AccordKing - April 25 - 10:00 am

  WoW, This car is awesome. Best bang for the buck ever. Luxury car at a decent price.

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  Great - 2004 Honda Insight
  By LaEliza - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! runs great! great gas milage

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  Wonderful car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joeletta Mummert - April 25 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned a 94 Accord for 14 years and am very pleased with the makeover that Honda finally did with this model. This is comfortable, fun to drive and very quiet. I only wish it would have a better gas mileage with this 4 cylinder engine however Im hoping it will improve after its broken in. Im currently getting just 20 miles per gallon with half city and half freeway driving.

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  Blown Away!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - April 25 - 1:33 am

  After months of research on this and other sites & countless test drives, I decided on the 08 Accord Coupe. Im absolutely thrilled with my decision! The fit & finish would lead you to believe youre in top of the line luxury car. Definitely a head-turner, I get looks from BMW, Acura, & Lexus drivers all the time; maybe they realize they paid $10k more than they had to for a top-notch car. For people complaining about low fuel economy, are you red-lining it at every stop light or something? I drive aggressively and still get 25 MPG city. The 31 MPG hwy rating is right-on, last 2 trips I got right at 31.4 MPG. Take care of it, drive it right, and it will take care of you (& your wallet)!

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  Too Much Fun - 2005 Honda Element
  By Betty - April 24 - 3:20 pm

  I find this vehicle to be a blast to drive. I have never owned a four cylinder vehicle and this I must say has the pick up I need. It is simply amazing at what you can pack in such a compact vehicle. It does have some road noise but the super sound system takes care of that. I find this vehicle has most all the opions a person needs to be comfortable. The seating is great and I have back problems. I would highly recommend this car to anyone and too, I must say the fuel economy is super and in this time and age we need to consider that. Overall it is just a fun little SUV that packs an amazing amout of stuff and is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Fun and great mpg - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phil - April 24 - 7:36 am

  I own a 2004 Prius and now own the 2006 civic hybrid. Great car and every bit as nice as the Prius. I currently have 1,800 on the vehicle and am averaging 51 mpg on mixed highway and city driving. I dont know how people can be getting way lower than that. I do not drive like a grandma, just sensibly. Dont expect to get 50 mpg driving 85 mph on the expressway or flooring it off the light. Great car, compares very well with the Prius. If you are seriously considering hybrids, this car is a good choice. I have two kids and we can all get in with no problem. You can definitely be a hybrid only family and take trips with no problem.

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  Nice car so far - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By SebastianI - April 24 - 3:07 am

  Need to read about hybrids before buying one: regenerative braking, Atkinson ICE, driving modes (D vs B) and maintenance. Mileage is not great in the cold season (my average was 42 mpg) but is nominal (48 mpg) at temperatures above 50F, on a 50/50 commute of 24 miles. Occasional 63-65 mpg. Hi-tech, like Honda sensing, Bluetooth reliability, audio, wheel controls , precise ride and no frills design. Great car overall - both for commuting and family trips.