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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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By deewayne - June 14 - 2:00 am

  A great car for daily commuting or a car to modify.

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  The Car to Buy!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kdon73 - June 13 - 12:43 pm

  First time Honda owner. The car is excellent and well worth the money. The redesign is superb. Handles excellently and a very quiet ride. I will never buy anything but a honda again. Very easy to see why it is Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2006.

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  Sugar town - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sugar Town - June 13 - 9:20 am

  No complaints, it has been an excellent vehicle. The only thing that took getting used to was using the radio. Everything has been what you should expect out of a vehicle: predictable, reliable, & low maintenance requirements.

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  Accord EX V6 AT w/ Leather & XM - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mdsded - June 13 - 4:43 am

  Wow, I finally let myself be swayed by Car & Drivers rating the accord a 10 best most every year. Great power, comfort, ride with exceptional record of reliability. Not inexpensive but not BMW pricelike either. Couldnt be more pleased with the purchase as value for the dollar and a vehicle thats just plain fun to drive while inspiring confidence is more than I could have hoped to get. Car & Driver knows what they are writing about and Im the beneficiary. Wohoo!

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  FANTASTIC CAR! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By yoonhan - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I AM A CURRENT OWNER OF 3 HONDAS OF EVERY MAKE. MY ACCORD COUPE OF COURSE AND THEN THERE IS MY ACCORD LX SEDAN WHICH BY THE WAY ONLY HAS 47K IN 7 YRS OF OWNERSHIP! AND MY CIVIC LX 4 DOOR WHICH I LOVE TO DEATH...ONLY 58K. THE THING I LOVE ABOUT MY ACCORD COUPE IS THAT IT NEVER WANTS TO DIE! IT JUST KEEPS GOING AND GOING! I TRULY LOVE MY CAR!

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  better than expected - 1994 Honda Accord
  By regular guy - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from a very honest lady who even told me the A/C needed to be charged and the valve cover gasket needed replacement. I have driven this car for a couple of years, and outside: oil changes, valve adjustment and gasket (100 bucks), and charging the A/C (50 bucks) the car has been ultra reliable. The even more surprising thing is that the car is still fun to drive. It rides ultra smooth and is much faster than it feels. I am often at 80 mph on the freeway and dont even notice except for all of the cars I am passing up.

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  No Vibrations! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Wendy T - June 12 - 5:15 am

  I was wary of purchasing the CRV due to the vibration issues noted in the 2015 model and was on the verge of purchasing a Toyota. Im glad I stuck with my initial choice because after more than 1,600miles in my 2016 CRV EX FWD, there are no vibrations at idle or driving. There are some vibration as with any car but nothing like those mentioned in the 2015 models. The ride is excellent with good sound proofing in city driving. Parking is super easy with the rear view camera and the big side mirrors. Sufficient storage areas. I can get the MPG as claimed by Honday, which is excellent. Its very comfortable to get in and out of the vehicle and the features are much greater than other SUVs I have compared, for the price (Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forrester, Ford Escape).

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  Good for Teens - 1993 Honda Accord
  By 26 yrs old man - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving this car for over 3- 1/2 years. No problem at all except changing the radiator. Very reliable and its good for high school kids and college students.

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  Wow...blows away my 1997 Civic EX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Love it already! - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been yearning over this car for a year (to replace great 1997 Civic EX sedan). I fall into the "love the rear end of this car" camp. Have owned it for less than 48 hours, and I love it...ergonomics, interior noise (minimal), comfort, features. Test drove AT and MT. AT was good, MT was awesome.

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  Best Car EVER! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FlwrKate - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I used to only buy Ford products, but after Ford failed me and a Lemon Lawsuit later... I bought a Honda and I love it. Best car I have ever had. Even with the V-6 engine, I am getting over 320 miles to the tank. Thats great for me since I travel 90 miles a day! If you are looking to buy an Accord... DO IT! It will be the best move you will ever make. My husband trys to drive it like a racecar since its so peppy. Good Luck if you buy it!