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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  Another great Honda Accord story - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Darren - November 14 - 9:55 am

  Purchased this car used to be second car and save on gas from SUV. Third Accord of this style generation. Although this car required more repairs then my others, its still a great running and looking car. Fuel economy is always very impressive. Great ergonomics, quality craftsmanship and materials, fun 5 speed manual, good handling and ride combo. Super dependable with decent maintenance.

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  Solid family sedan with a great V6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Deems - November 14 - 8:29 am

  If you like to drive and want a solid family sedan with a powerful engine that sounds great, the Accord V6 is a good choice. After owning a BMW 3 series for 8 years, it was hard to adjust to this car. It felt too big and too soft. But as Ive gotten to know this car, it drives much smaller than it is, it rides great, its quiet on most roads and the V6 loves to rev. It does its job very well without making a fuss. This car is like a good friend. The better you know it, the more you like it. I enjoy driving it so much that I make up excuses to run errands. And it gets amazing gas mileage on the highway given its size and power. Add great reliability to all of that and Ive got a winner. It doesnt drive as well or feel as good as the best German sedans, but for the money, you cant beat it. Ive concluded that if you are an enthusiast that can afford the best German sedans, they might be worth the premium, especially if you lease them and get the advantages without the disadvantages (long term maintenance and repair costs). But for most enthusiasts with limited means, buying an Accord and spending a a few grand more for that great V6 is a winning proposition.

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  Nice Ride 09 LX auto - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Gman - November 14 - 5:20 am

  I have 250,000 miles on my 1994 Honda accord. I bought a new silver 4dr 2009 LX in Feb 09, So far Im pretty happy with the car. I have taken a couple of long trips and there are no issues with the seats to me. The AC is ICE cold and the 4 cyl has enough power for my use. The down side is the cheap plastic doors and dash material, lights flicker at night and the loud road noise. But for under 20Gs Im very happy with the buy.

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  Love my car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Honda Civic - November 13 - 11:43 pm

  I just love my new Honda.It is quiet and very roomy.The gas mileage is great.40 miles per gallon. A real plus with the price of gas!It has a nice style that looks expensive, but really was reasonable.I`ll enjoy it for many years to come. The salesman was very straightforward and didn`t pressure me.I had done my homework and had a good idea of what I wanted. I`d recommend the Honda Civic to anyone who likes a great car that performs well for a reasonable price.

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  Drivers Wanted - 2007 Honda S2000
  By LARichard - November 13 - 7:54 pm

  The Honda S2000 has a nice design and a rather tight interior. The quality of the vehicle is outstanding and the engine, transmission and drive train are awesome. The latest models have a nice range of refined low RPM torque and driveability. The Honda is quiet and behaved on city streets until you decide to wind it up. Then the horses kick in with a rush of power that is best experienced descriptions dont do the experience justice. Handling is crisp,responsive and predictable. The S2000 goes around corners like it is on banked rails and it stops quickly with good pedal feedback and linear response. The transmission is a joy short throws silky gear shifts. Puts your mind in another place!

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  Made it to 183 K - 1996 Honda Civic
  By TDole - November 13 - 7:42 pm

  And it was still running strong though there was an ominous noise emanating from deep in the engine. Also the tires were low on tread. Otherwise everything was fine, original clutch, no rust, good suspension, working AC, shiny paint. It was a great car and I miss it already. Would have bought a new civic but I needed a sturdy roof to carry sea kayaks. Ended up buying a Subaru Forester.

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  watch out below - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By harold - November 13 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice traveling car, excellent seats for long trips, both front and rear. Ride, handling, acceleration are very good. The manual is very quick (8.7 seconds 0-60) and fun to drive. Comfortably towed a 1200 lbs. trailer over 4000 miles in mountain west with adequate power. Some torque steer on hard acceleration. Worst feature: vulnerable fuel tank, evap recovery cannister, and subframe in rear. Had a $1600 repair from driving on a gravel road with some rocky outcroppings. This is really a suburban car, OK in snow and mud, not suitable for roads that are at all rough. Design is optimized for comfort, space. All-wheel drive requires front wheel-spin before it engages.

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  I highly recommend Hondas - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Sealgyr - November 13 - 11:57 am

  I bought it from a friend of mine, who only used it for long trips on the east coast. It had no rust and under 100 thousand miles on it. A year later it has 150 thousand miles, and still runs strong. its fun, sporty, can carry heavy loads and has never broken down on me. I had the oil changed at Walmart, they never put new oil in it. I ran it unwittingly for 2 months before I realized the problem, and its never suffered or seized. My mother had a 1986 Honda Prelude, spun it, rolled it and still drove it home. that car died out at 300 thousand miles! theyre easy to fix, parts are easy to find and they are exceptionally cheap to maintain. Ive done most of the work on mine, myself.

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  Road noise - 2006 Honda Accord
  By johnnywalker - November 13 - 2:13 am

  Great car, easy to use navigation, more comfortable seats than my CTS cad. Handles well, corners well. The only gripe at all is road noise. Its been undercoated twice, but road noise is more than todays modern cars should have. I know that Honda, with all their technology, should be able to make this car quieter.

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  tows great - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By me - November 13 - 12:40 am

  We pull a small travel trailer (about 3000 lbs) and I dont even notice that it is there. We love the "trunk". Wish the seats were more comfortable for long rides. Wish it was 2WD not continuous 4WD for better gas mileage. ME