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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  03 Honda Accord EX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kjones2020 - August 4 - 3:30 pm

  Last 3 cars were Hondas (91, 01 and 03) and this is my favorite. The only 2 cons to this car are the black interior...I should have gotten leather because of my dog and when backing it is sometimes hard to see, but I use my mirrors and havent had a problem. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for this size car.

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  Absolutely Perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike C - August 4 - 3:13 pm

  I come from a ten Honda family. My parents have 2005 models of the Accord and Oddyssey. Ive driven 3 Civics before, and this one bypasses them all. Excellent maneuverability, gas mileage and acceleration make this car a pleasure to take on my long weekend trips to visit my girlfriend. The stock sound system is great, and the MP3 capabilities give a whole new meaning to the words "Mix CD". You also would not expect such comfort for a car of this size, and being used to a 93 LeSabre, I am very happy with the head and legroom that the Civic provides. The standard safety features also provide a peace of mind when on the road.

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  But New In Sioux Falls South Dakota - 2001 Honda S2000
  By BlackH20 - August 4 - 11:29 am

  Everyone in Missouri wanted $5K over sticker, but Vern Edie Honda in Sioux Falls sold me a nice grey with red interior S2000 brand new and trained it down to Kansas City. Now 17 years later I have 29,000 miles on it and the value is going over the price I paid for it. Granted I drive it for fun, pleasure and it sits in a temperature controlled garage. As I hit my 60s I will say by bones are as forgiving as they were in my 40s, but I am so glad I didnt choose the Porsche Boxster or Audi TT, both considerations at the time. Went for the true sportscar, basic and made for one that loves driving. Strange that those cars are worth about $5-8K now. Repairs, never had one yet, just change the oil every year, scheduled maintenance (time not mileage) put some Stabil fuel additive and a battery trickler and I am all set. Have a few fancy Mugen Carbon fiber tops I have added (they have been about half price the last 5 years since many or gone), gives the vehicle a nice coupe look, the other a fastback that is really an eye-catcher. Its a hobby, not a car for use and its a lot of fun. Had to switch to Haggerty special insurance for $30K. The stick is not one to train someone to drive stick shift, failed with two daughters (maybe the teacher). A great stress reliever to take out on the backroads and rare enough many people ask me "what is it", especially with one of the Mugen tops on. Update 2018, still running strong, up for Winter, prices are approaching original MSRP on eBay, glad I didnt by the Audi TT, BMW Z roadsters or Porsche Boxster. Purchased another Carbon Fiber fastback top (since retailers are clearing out stock on a car not made for the past 8 years), got it for less than half price from the original $4700. Also purchased a flat bottom steering wheel (6 ft 1 in). Gives a completely different look to the car than the other top, that I have had for close to 18 years now. Looks like it will just be a keeper, no electronics to save you like todays sports cars, you need to know how to drive and save yourself when you make a mistake. Keeping all the original equipment, which most the car is, car has been great fun, have to insure through Haggerty with prices actually rising now.

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  BEST PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR BUCK - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By bil - August 4 - 2:00 am

  most underrated car ever made excellent handling, braking. Why did they ever discontinue this car

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  Great car after 1 month of ownership - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Quinton - August 3 - 12:13 am

  I love everything about the car. Traded in a 2009 Accord EX-L and the reduction in cabin noise is amazing. The stated fuel efficiency is fairly accurate. The only thing that worries me is how well the leather will hold up over time. The leather does feel kind of thin.

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  On My Second Accord! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Tina - August 2 - 10:18 pm

  Living in New England, I also thought that you needed a Four-Wheel Drive vehicle to get through the winters. I live on a dirt road in the mountains and never thought a Front-Wheel Drive Accord (With very expensive winter tires) would be able to get the job done just as well. This past month, I traded my Gray 2012 Honda Accord EX-L V6 for a Blue 2017 Honda Accord Touring V6. I was so incredibly surprised at how far the Accord has come within the past 5 years. I absolutely love everything about it. The Apple CarPlay connectivity is the most convenient thing in the world. The one thing that again, is lovely to have in New England winters, are the heated seats. Having the Memory Seats is also just one of those niceties. The overall interior quality isnt bad due to the fact that there is plastic in some places, but for the most part, there is padded leather where you rest your elbows. In terms of performance, I personally opted for the V6 model. I really wasnt all that impressed with the V4, but I have a bit of a LED foot so for most, it is more than enough power. I think the interior space and cargo space is highly immense and should please one looking for a mid-size sedan. If you are debating between an Accord and a Camry, I would wait until 2018 to choose as a newer Camry model is debuting and you will most likely see a redesigned Accord as well. If you want heated/cooled seats or the infamous heated steering wheel, you will have to spend about $5,000 more for Hondas luxury version of the Accord, you will have to opt for their higher end, Acura TLX, which I also will tell you, offers AWD.

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  Honda Experience - 2003 Honda Accord
  By PATRICIA RAUGH - August 2 - 9:56 pm

  As a prior, well satisfied owner of a 1992 Honda Civic, I intended to purchase another Civic when I found this accord. Everything I liked about my Civic, I love about my Accord. Reliability - because of my business, I have to have a vehicle that starts, handles well in bad weather on all types of road surfaces. Economy - this is a good-sized, 4 door car that, right from the purchase date, has gotten 32+ miles to the gallon. While the higher gas prices bother me, its not nearly as bad as an SUV would be. Comfort - elderly relatives love my car. They can get in and out with ease. I travel a lot on business and, we travel for pleasure, we are both tall and have ample room to stretch.

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  Just what I needed - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sam Thomas - August 2 - 6:18 pm

  I commute a lot for work but I needed something roomy enough to tote around what I need. This CRV is fantastic and I love it!

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  Outstanding! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Drew - August 2 - 1:44 pm

  When the Honda Accord came out with a new hybrid model in 2014, I knew I wanted this car, but unfortunately, because they were so hard to find, dealers were not willing to negotiable. Now in 2017, being that it is the last model year, I was able to get a substantial discount so I bought this car about 2 weeks ago. I had my first gas fill up this morning and I was blown away by my MPG. The computer showed that I was getting 47 MPG, but at fill up, I calculated 51 MPG! My commute is about 30% city and 70% freeway. On the freeway, I drive around 70 MPH. I am still learning to use all the features of the car and so far I am loving it! I do not have a single thing to complain about. This is probably the best new car purchase decision I have made!

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  Gotta love those hondas - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By honda lover - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Only had my Pilot for two months, but love every day of it so far. Very roomy interior. Front seats feels very comfortable and roomy, never get the feeling of being cramp even with two kids in the second row. Gas milage is what you should expect from a SUV, but it does better than most competetors of this class. Fit and finish is very nice and solid. Wish there was a remote hatch opener. The front head rest are not adjustable and they are not in the right position to rest you head comfortabely. I find the ignition switch for the key to be very awkward, I had the car for two months and I still need to look for the opening to insert the ignition key.