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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  This Accord is beyond what I expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By DTG12878 - March 14 - 7:50 pm

  Theres nothing bad I can say about this car. I ponder if I should of gotten the navigation but I have everything else besides that and blue tooth, so no complaints. I bought the car and immediately took it on a road trip right after I pulled off the lot. I drove 900 miles and filled up twice and I have a lil less then an 1/8 of fuel left so on the freeway at speeds of 70-80 and times I had to drive 25-45 the V-6 gave me about 24-25 miles per gallon which is extraordinary! I love the car outright. Like I said, nothing bad too say about it at all

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  Solid car would buy it again - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kevin S. - March 14 - 6:29 pm

  Bought this car, then put 1,000 miles on it in the first week. Extremely frugal on gas averaged 300 miles on a tank of gas in city driving 400 miles on highway. A/C quit at 150,000 miles repaired by dealer. Replaced brakes and thermostat a few tires, but no major work. Im a Honda driver for life.

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  Accord EX 2DR V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jscanner1 - March 14 - 5:04 pm

  I bought this car new, only problem I have had is that the drrivers seat leather has split on 1 of the seams 3 times. Honda replaced 2 times without any problem. The V6 is nice at first it lacked a bit of responsiveness but a K & N air filter seemed to take car of it and may have helped the fuel economy a tiny bit, kind of hard to tell when you have a lead foot. This car is approaching 4 years old and 60k miles and still turns heads. I think the rear spoiler really sets off the looks. Mechanically everything has been smooth and that is great, especially since I dont baby this car and never have. But I do keep up the regular maintance which Im sure will get this car 200K miles or more

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  05 Pilot EXL - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By router1998 - March 14 - 3:11 pm

  Pilot EXL fit my requirement as AWD SUV. The space is good and fold down seat is convenient. There is no crossbar by default is a surprise. I have to buy crossbar in addition to ski rack. The gas mileage is also so- so. Well, it is really enjoy to drive it on snow.

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  My Brand new Honda Fit - 2016 Honda Fit
  By annie Curtis - March 14 - 11:24 am

  This car is new to me. So far, all is well. I have no complaints.

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  GRRRRRREAT BUY - 2005 Honda Accord
  By TJ - March 14 - 9:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and have had absolutely no regrets, even after putting some +25,000 miles on it the first year. I havent had to put the car in the shop for anything and the performance hasnt diminished at all. The one possible downside of the V6 6speed is the gas mileage.

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  EXcellent - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Monet - March 14 - 8:52 am

  Beat the car down with miles, and it still drives great! Never had to take it to the shop or anything, besides oil changes.

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  Positive - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Pleased in Frisco - March 14 - 3:50 am

  I feel very safe in my Honda. I accidentally hit a deer and all I felt was a bump. I didnt even get out to look. When I saw the damage the deer had done I was shocked. Its like Timex, it took a "lickin" and kept on "tickin".

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  Reliable and good looking - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Happy camper - March 14 - 3:13 am

  This car has been garaged entire time. Used for general around town and freeway driving--one long distance trip. All scheduled oil changes. one new battery. Scooter lift (automatic) installed in the trunk. No accidents. Ming finish. Looks (and acts like) new. "Loaded" with luxury extras. Moon roof. Cream color leather interior. One owner. Good gas mileage. "Squeaky" clean.

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  hondas run forever - 1994 Honda Passport
  By willoughby who - March 14 - 2:59 am

  i purchased this car for 800 at auto auction and i could not be more pleased a dealer would of been asking at least 5000 for it. it looks and runs great and because of it my next car will be another honda