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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  Almost the perfect car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By TJ Tucker - December 6 - 2:13 am

  Car and Driver had the temerity to run this car alongside the Mercedes E class, and declared the Accord the winner, hands down. And I concur. Its bigger inside, rides as well, and the V-6 engine positively blows away the coarse, pressurized 4-cyl that the E-class now sticks you with. That said, the Accord has also begun the industry-wide degradation of perfection, even if its not as far down that road as others. The electrically boosted power steering is not in the same league as the previous hydraulic systems. First, on-center feel is non-existent, when it used to be so vivid. Second, Hondas hydraulic systems used to give you a constant stream of feedback, informing you what was happening at the contact patches of the tires. Any slip angles would give you that gentle tug at the wheel, so you knew what to expect. Even textures came through. I traded in a 10 year old Accord, so the contrast is striking to me. The current one is simply numb. It transforms what should be the worlds best sports sedan into a Lexus. Agreeable, but devoid of any involvement. My other gripe is the entertainment system. If not for the steering wheel mounted buttons, it would be un-usable. It is finnicky with all the touch buttons that dont like to respond, and the menus are Byzantine. Definitely degrades the experience. But its still the best choice out there. Its just that the bar has been lowered, across the board. Nobody makes great cars anymore, and Honda has not degraded as far as former leaders like BMW. Yet.

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  Honda 2006 V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Don Buchman - December 5 - 9:10 pm

  Great car! The engine is so smooth that its hard to tell its running at idle. Performance is super! Comfortable to drive. Quiet on highway.

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  Honda Reliability - 2005 Honda Element
  By mascolt - December 5 - 10:38 am

  The Element is definately misleading at first glance. Once you are inside the vehicle, you forget that you are driving this boxy, compact SUV. The ride is extremely comfortable and, being 8" shorter than a Civic, one can park anywhere with ease. The AWD has been perfect in the ice and snow of hilly Connecticut. The special material used for the seats and floor is easy to clean and doesnt absorb odors or spills. The one downside is that the fuel economy and could be a little better. It is still excellent with a 22.5 mpg, but, if Honda can get it up to 30, it would be perfect. On the flipside, Id like to see a model wit increased hp, even though 2006s is slightly decreased.

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  Made wrong decision? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Bob Conklin - December 5 - 9:50 am

  This newly designed Honda is peppy and enjoyable to drive but dont believe the fuel economy ratings. We are responsible, experienced adult drivers and only seeing 17-18 MPG for local driving. Long, highway driving about 22 MPG. Also, cheap plastic on dash squeaks and creaks during cold weather. Plus,auto shifter clunky and not smooth. FM radio with weak reception forces satellite subscription. Suggest comparison drive of the new Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima before deciding on Accord.

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  I love this car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By V Squared Over R - December 5 - 8:26 am

  This is the most competent car I have ever owned. It gets me to and from work without complaint, will drop an M3 like a bad habit on a twisty road, averages 27 mpg, screams like a porn star and looks great doing it. You simply cannot upset this little rockets composure when the turns come close and fast. Just dont smoke the brakes.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jim - December 5 - 12:05 am

  Fun car - well thought-out. Great for outdoor activities. Interior made for bicycling, fishing, camping, etc. Far above average stereo. Very stable, brakes superbly. A life-style choice.

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  wow! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By hot mama - December 4 - 8:55 pm

  This has been a fabulous car for a small family. It is so easy to drive and so easy to get the family comfortable in. The rear seat is so easy to lift up and folds flat into the floor so I feel like Im driving an SUV instead of a van!

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  A Mean Little Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Misty - December 4 - 1:30 pm

  I absolutely love my Insight. I love the way it handles like a Honda versus other hybrids. The dash panel makes viewing and learning how to properly drive a hybrid a breeze. I highly recommend this vehicle for handling, gas mileage, and a stylish look for the exterior. It is the meanest looking hybrid on the market (if a safer for the environment car can be mean).

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  Super truck for Honda 1st try.. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave from MA - December 4 - 12:30 pm

  Honda, hmm??? Its a Honda. I bought it in July 2005 and boy, I put a ton of accessories on that truck and walked away w/ the price @ 35,000. Not thing to complain on ride, handling..etc, but a minor prolem for me and maybe major soon. Well I put 13,700 on this truck, I really enjoyed every bit of it, unfortunately, my truck has a major leaks. The water gets in the vehicle through unsealed body seams, front end of the vehicle. Its taking Honda three strikes to try, and now its back to the dealership for the third time...I love everything about this truck but, minor prolem shall put down Hondas reputation, at least to me..So my suggestion is wait til the 2nd generation then go for it....

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  My Honda CRV-EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Davette Robinson - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. Huggins Honda gave me a fair price and were not high pressure, and did not treat me in a sexist manner.