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:

• 

  Great Long-Term Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By satisfiedw/it - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 92, EX Accord in 96 with 60,000 miles on it and am still driving it today. Im now at 145,000 miles and plan on taking it to around 200,000. All Ive had to do is standard maintenance along the way. Incredibly reliable car. Im very, very satisfied. Ill have a hard time replacing it one day.

• 

  2007 CR-V EX 4WD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jaydub - March 2 - 1:06 pm

  I traded in my 05 LX for this car. Love the new styling. I read through most of these postings and I cant figure out it people are driving the same car I am as I am not experiencing any of this negativity with my car. I just drove from Dallas to Nashville and averaged 28.7 mpg! Drive the speed limit and youll see a big difference. Road noise? My 05 was much louder. I miss the picnic table, but what can you do. Its a great car.

• 

  traded a 14 sport for a 16 sport - 2016 Honda Accord
  By JV - March 2 - 9:37 am

  this isnt just a refresh. its as if honda paid strict attention to complaints and addressed nearly all of them. very well done. highly recommended buy.

• 

  Great Value - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By William Wilson - March 1 - 2:26 pm

  I got what I paid for with my CRV, safe/reliable/efficient transportation, with great resale value. Its my third Honda, but after driving the new Mazda CX-5 recently Im tempted to defect to Mazda.....

• 

  Its better than a brand new 2010 ford focus!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Cleveland - March 1 - 6:32 am

  I got this car from a man who did all the work on it himself. The car was used by his wife to go to and from work. Immediately when I got into it, I fell for the car. The man had gotten it certified from a Honda dealer preowned and it ran better with 111k on it than my ford focus did with 60K on it, also the build quality of the interior was far better than the Ford. My biggest downside to the honda is the hard seats and its hard to get out of compared to the Ford, here is more about that car. I had a brand new 2010 Ford Focus EX, fully loaded, and all I miss about it, is the seats, stereo and gas mileage. The build quality compared to the honda was very bad. Ford used so much plastic for the dash, door panels, and console that by the time it had 40K miles on it, the inside started to rattle like it was falling apart already. Once I reached 60K it started to idle rough, with 150K spark plugs in it!! I found that selling a fully loaded,leather, sunroof, heated seats etc did not help the value of my return when I sold it back to a dealer. The honda runs perfectly and the man told me he had not changed the spark plugs or wires, the car now has 149K on it and it still runs exactly the way I bought it. It is highly reliable, virtually never needs any repairs and the gas mileage on the HWY with cruise control is quite good. I can drive from Chattanooga Tn to ATL Ga on a quarter of a tank!!! The ford had better gas mileage but terrible build quality.

• 

  Its better than a brand new 2010 ford focus!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Cleveland - March 1 - 6:32 am

  I got this car from a man who did all the work on it himself. The car was used by his wife to go to and from work. Immediately when I got into it, I fell for the car. The man had gotten it certified from a Honda dealer preowned and it ran better with 111k on it than my ford focus did with 60K on it, also the build quality of the interior was far better than the Ford. My biggest downside to the honda is the hard seats and its hard to get out of compared to the Ford, here is more about that car. I had a brand new 2010 Ford Focus EX, fully loaded, and all I miss about it, is the seats, stereo and gas mileage. The build quality compared to the honda was very bad. Ford used so much plastic for the dash, door panels, and console that by the time it had 40K miles on it, the inside started to rattle like it was falling apart already. Once I reached 60K it started to idle rough, with 150K spark plugs in it!! I found that selling a fully loaded,leather, sunroof, heated seats etc did not help the value of my return when I sold it back to a dealer. The honda runs perfectly and the man told me he had not changed the spark plugs or wires, the car now has 149K on it and it still runs exactly the way I bought it. It is highly reliable, virtually never needs any repairs and the gas mileage on the HWY with cruise control is quite good. I can drive from Chattanooga Tn to ATL Ga on a quarter of a tank!!! The ford had better gas mileage but terrible build quality.

• 

  Good car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Fun_grl - March 1 - 5:10 am

  I like the fact that this vehicle is small yet the interior is so roomy! Its a great car, I have no major complaints. I would definitely suggest this car to anyone. Its safety and reliability ratings are excellent. It holds up its value well. Smart buy for anyone who is value consious and cares about safety

• 

  Best kept secret - 2006 Honda Accord
  By carguy - February 28 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had the car for about two weeks. I had leased it with the intention of lower payments. I have owned lots of sport cars, for the money, this car is a steal. Smooth, powerfull, handles well, rides well, and is loaded with features. Similiar cars of this quality cost in excess of 30 grand. I must say, I am pleasantly surprised at how much fun it is to drive, and plan on keeping it a while. The 6 cylinder and 6 speed manual is the way to go. Feels like a true sports sedan. Dont take my word for it, go test drive one, you will be surprised.

• 

  Honda...ONLY THE BEST!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jason - February 28 - 5:59 am

  Bought my 2008 Honda accord 2.5 years ago with 86k miles and she now has 141k miles and has only needed oil changes and a set of brakes and a set of tires, this car has been EXTREMELY RELIABLE and has NEVER once left me stranded. I have anxiety and normally worry if Im not in a safe vehicle but when Im in my Honda Accord I know for a fact Im not gonna get stuck. The speakers are 6.5 inch all the way around I replaced them with pioneer speakers, the 6 disk changer I love, I love the moon roof, the cold air she blows, the purring I-Vtec engine that sips gas especially on the highway. Seats are comfortable and the trunk space is huge, believe me when I tell you Honda is the MOST RELIABLE car that you will EVER find. I feel sorry for the ford, Chevy, and dodge owners breaking down, while the Honda owners are the kings of the road. When you see a fellow Honda owner throw a wave at them and beep your horn and show your proud ownership of your Honda. BUY A HONDA ACCORD TODAY.

• 

  bought used with only 25,000 mi. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By FRANK - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Great car.Drives like a brand new one.Very quiet V6.Got lucky with the low miles.By the way its a Accord LX V6 sedan.