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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  2nd t ime around - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Malex - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first CRV in 2001 when my car was flooded in parking lot during a tropical storm. Never owed an SUV. Was impressed with the CR-V and the salesman and dealership. Decided to buy another. Went back to same salesman, dealership and said...lets deal! First time I ever bought the same vehicle a second time. Now I think I am hooked!

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  good car, does what it suppose to do wel - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By njswamplands - June 25 - 10:00 am

  great minivan. handles very well for its heft. ready to kill these awful power doors / key fob

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  Awesome - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Chrisopher Roberts - June 25 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! I have driven almost 100 miles and have barely used any gas! Not to mention the IMA (Integrated Motor Assistant) and the Eco score systems. The eco assist feature really helps drivers to know how "well" youre driving and the longer you drive well the more trophies you earn. The car is surprisingly roomy and comfortable, with more storage room than it seems from the outside. I enjoy the smooth transition between electric and gas motor, and that you dont use gas while stopped. I would recommend this car for anyone looking in the $20k range, or for a hybrid: I drove 15 different cars before buying this one, and absolutely feel I made the right decision.

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  Beautiful Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gwyson - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I work on the road all day. Had a Forester that had multiple mechanical problems and a very cheap interior. This car is SO much more comfortable and well built. Roomy but comfortable for a short person like me.

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  Beats the Camry SE or XLE Hands down - 2004 Honda Accord
  By stap123 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought 2004 EX with side curtain airbags (N/A on the 2003 Accord EX with cloth seats) for $22,999 out the door with all fees included. We also looked at a Camry SE and XLE, Hyundai Sonata. The Camry was closest, the Sonata is just a different class. The extra real life 7-8mpg, the 60% after 5 years resale value of the Honda sealed the deal. If you are looking at a 2003, look carefully at an ‘04. You get a new model year for a small bump in price and for us, the side curtain airbags (plus regular side airbags) were key. Ride is smooth and a bit more connected to the road than Camry.

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  Comfortable Commuter Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mansfied Owner - June 25 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car used at 20K miles. I didnt bother getting the extended warranty and 25K miles later I have not needed it. his car provides a great balance between comfort,performance and economy. Only maint necessary before 101K miles is oil chg, tire rotation & brake pad replacement as needed. Dealership maint is affordable and has been a pleasant experience. I love the 7,500 mile interval between oil changes (only on the V6 though). The engine is smooth on acceleration and provides great hwy passing power. Avgs 22-24 mpg in mixed hwy & city driving. Overall, this is a great common sense car and is comparable to most entry level luxury cars.

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  Good experience with my first Honda. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By RedGeminiPA - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a reliable, fun-to- drive, inexpensive car that would still give me some luxary. Ive had many expensive brand cars (BMW, Cadillac, Aurora, Lincoln) that had me spoiled by comfort and convenience features, but lacked something thats very important right now -- ECONOMY. I just purchased this car on 6-19-03 from a local used car dealer. My Accord has 149,000 miles that were driven by the original owners. For the age and miles, Id have to say this is probably the best car Ive had overall. Its comfortable, fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. Why is this my first Accord???

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  Fun car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Josh Carter - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have put about 70000 of the hardest miles any car will ever see on this Accord. The engine blew last winter because somehow a Marti-Gras bead was lodged in an intake valve...Who knows how... Other than that, nothing has ever broke. I did have a major issue getting the brakes replaced last year. Sway bars improve handling incredibly. Very sporty feel, and fun and easy to customize.

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  The BEST & most FUN car Ive ever owned! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Thalia - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I had a Honda Prelude, but this CRV drives better than it did. This CRV is the most fun car that Ive ever driven! My husband even told me that hes glad that I finally have a car that I LOVE to drive now he gets to enjoy the passenger seat. I bought the Honda used. This Honda has been so enjoyable from my first test drive! It handles magnificently, will slide into any parking spot, turns on a dime, it drives more comfortable than any SUV Ive ever driven before. Our driveway is very steep & gravel and it goes up it like a dream! I plan on keeping this Honda for many, many years!

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  Honda Accord V6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By tom ballard - June 24 - 1:28 am

  I have owned this car for only two weeks-so far so good.