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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  Strong and Reliable 5-speed! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By FireBreathOpal - October 10 - 2:07 pm

  Ive owned mostly Toyota, an 88 and 89 Camry, a 97 4Runner and an 06 Prius. Ive owned an 04 Volvo S60 and a Mitsubishi Magna. I only owned one other Honda, a 90 Civic and that was like a lil automatic go-kart that always started up and went everywhere. My girlfriend killed that car due to ATF filling difficulties on her part.:) I bought this white 97 accord in 2012 along with a 94 same model for my spouse so we could interchange parts along the way which ended up happening btw. I LOVED THIS car, it was peppy and quick, acted like a snow tank (with winter treads) through snowstorms; efficient as could be with avg 26 - 35 mpg depending on temps outside and how grippy the tires are (summers get 35mpg, winters down to 26); fun to drive with the classic Honda shifting action and sound of the motor correlating so well to each gear; and the sheer simplicity of working on these cars, they are so easy to change out parts and maintain. I have to sell my car now because cant keep due to moving overseas. =( Ive hauled 2 kids in the back seat and much stuff in its capably sized trunk. I love this car and it looks goood in its new clean, polish, and waxed look and its Honda 7 spoke alloy rims. The JVC bluetooth/USB/aux stereo in it sounds really good with the stock speakers on this model year. I noticed when I hooked up newer Pioneer and Polk speakers and they didnt sound as good. This car also has decent clearance and ability to go camping with here in Colorado. Gonna miss this car. Will definitely buy another Honda.

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  Great car and good value - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Brant - October 10 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned many cars and just turned in my Nissan SER off of lease. I also own a Mini Cooper S. Planned on another Nissan but drove the Accord for comparison. The Hondas refinement, room, and economy won me over. Plenty of room for 4 large adults. Fuel mileage (More than one half highway) has never dipped below 30 mpg. The 160 horse 4 cyl with the 5 speed is very smooth and peppy enough for most situations. The leather interior is high quality and everything is well thought out. A large friend spent 2 hours in the back seat on a recent trip and commented that he is going to seriously consider this car to replace his old Camry. He is interested in a new TL but not at $10K more $.

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  Great Value CR V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Good value - October 9 - 10:40 pm

  Searched and test drove many small SUVs, Acura RDX, Toyota RAV, Subaru Outback and Ford Edge. Honda as always provides the best overall value for the money. Yes, it is not a powerhouse but it does have enough power for most situations. The benefit is good gas mileage and the power issue is only evident in some situations. The fact is that if you know the car you can easily manipulate the power to suit your needs in those situations with the gas pedal. Hill climbing is impressive and the grade- logic design does eliminate gear hunting so I think the Edmund reviewer was a little harsh with the comment in their review. Car is put together well and quality material is used everywhere.

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  All around great car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MTC - October 8 - 3:36 pm

  This is a great care and now that we have a baby, I am actually considering upgrading to the V6 4 Dr. Great power, handling and reliability. Honda has again done a great job.

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  CRAVE the CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jlow - October 8 - 2:03 am

  I love my new 2007 Honda CR-V. This is a great vehicle that has exceeded all of my expectations. I love the way this car handles and all the features you get for the money. Honda did a great job when redesigning this car. I feel very safe driving this car.

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  Doesnt get any better - 1993 Honda Accord
  By hondaluvr - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my 93 honda has been nothing less than perfect. I am the original owner and it has proven to be the most reliable, dependable vehicle I have ever owned. My Accord now has $185,000 miles on it and the motor is still going strong. I love it so much it is going to be hard to part with it. I just purchased the 2003 Accord. Go figure, from a 1993 to 2003, if that doesnt say anything I dont know what does.

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  Hardcore True Sportscar - 2002 Honda S2000
  By carsrcool - October 8 - 2:00 am

  If you are wanting to be pampered or looking for luxury, look somewhere else. Want edgy, connected handling, performance, and a unique engine/drivetrain, then this is the car for you. The 6 speed is as precise as anything out there...at any price. And the experience of increasing torque from 6to 9k RPM is unlike anything else you will drive.

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  Keeps getting better! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ED - October 7 - 3:23 am

  Just returned from first trip with 08 CR-V. Mostly highway over 1,000 mile round trip Aver MPG 28.2, great ride and confident handling. This is our 3rd CR-V and they keep getting better. Drove all the major competitors and this is the best compact SUV by far.

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  Best Car in the World - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By My lil Lude - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Perfect beautiful car. Couldnt ask for more.

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  Great value for the money - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Lawrence F - October 7 - 1:55 am

  We needed a car for NYC driving and parking. The Fit is a terrific choice for us. Its a lot of car for the money. The cargo capacity is nothing short of amazing. The electronics are great for this price point. The seats are reasonably comfortable- more so with seat cushions to provide additional back support. The braking is mediocre at best although we feel relatively safe while driving. The car is relatively quiet but does get blown around in windy conditions. As is typical of a Honda, everything works well and is well thought out. Its a great choice for a small, inexpensive car.