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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  Honda Accord EX-L - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Steve - November 22 - 12:16 pm

  Excellent car for this class vehicle. I considered Altima and Camry and have no regrets. Roomy, handles very well, good acceleration for a 4 cylinder automatic. Not a single problem with it yet, and dont expect to have many either. While the mileage is not bad it good be better, but as the acceleration is good for a 4 cylinder its a trade-off. I am sure as gas prices go up cars will be built to get better mileage at the expense of acceleration. This wont be so bad once people trade in their SUVs and start driving less aggressively. Would recommend this car.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kat - November 22 - 6:20 am

  This is my very first car as I am a new driver. Ive been driving it for a month now and I love everything about it except for the tires. The EX model is equipped with cheap firestone tires that dont do well in snow. I recomend it to other young drivers especially because its easy to drive, comfortable, great gas mileage, and quiet.

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  Beyond the Glory! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ray - November 22 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I traded our 2002 Accord EX on this new Civic sedan with navigation system. We loved the look ever since I saw it in a car magazine and on the Internet. When we drove it, I was expecting to notice a difference in power from the Accord V6, but the little VTEC engine shined. The Civic did, however, handle much better and was smoother and quiet than the 2002 Accord! With the windows down, the wide open sunroom made it seem like riding in convertible. With the windows up and the AC running, it felt like a luxury car. I have never driven a car that was so much fun to drive, comortable, had nice features like a good stereo and a nav system, for such a great price! Way to go Honda!

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  Love it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By n - November 21 - 6:53 pm

  I absolutely love this car. I have owned a 91 and a 00 model Accord. Nobody can beat the reliabilty. It is smoothe and stylish as well as comfortable and roomy! THe stereo sound is awesome!

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  Nice Little SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By coboarder - November 21 - 5:38 pm

  Ive owned this car for a few months now, and have really put it to the test. I have horses - and have never gotton stuck in the mud. Taken it skiing 3 times now, and it never slips - even on 7% grades on solid snow pack. Reliable, practical (good gas mileage) but needs more power. Does okay on mountain passes as long as its not too heavily loaded.

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  1st Honda and Love It! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Mark2010 - November 21 - 3:16 pm

  First time Honda buyer and really have enjoyed the 2010 Accord. The leather interior is probably the finest you can find on any new car in this price range. Intended to buy the EXL w/out Navi but bought the 4cyl with Navi and love all the features. It took a couple of days to get used to the voice commands but the learning curve is very short. Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. Fit and finish is excellent. Theres a little road noise but not that much with the Active Noise Cancellation. Very satisfied with the performance of the 4 cyl engine. Noticing 21.2 mpg city and 31.7 highway driving 75 mph down interstate. Assume it will get better with time. Solid car, NO buyers remorse.

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  Odyssey Lover - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tim Ferry - November 21 - 12:53 pm

  I have been a Honda fan since I purchased a 1974 Civic. What a kick, the reliability and fantastic resaie was unbelievable. I was hooked. Now I own a 2005 Odysssey, agoain, due to my experience with a 2000 Odyssey we owned. The 2005 rides better, performs better, and gets about the same fuel mileage. We now have 15,000 miles on it after owning it for less then 6 months. A great vehicle.

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  My first honda and stick. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - November 21 - 10:23 am

  Bought the EX on the 31st of last month. I looked at everything Nissan, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru. This car had everything I wanted in a smaller car. Gas mileage is nice, performance is acceptable for what it has, braking and ride comfort is amazing for a small car. My previous car was an AT 95 Concorde, this thing quite a change of pace from that huge car. It feels very planted while driving, and this also being my first stick was fairly easy to learn on I think. I am finding excuses to drive it.

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  Upgrade from a Mercedes-Benz to a Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By garyinbillings - November 21 - 8:16 am

  I took two and a half months to find a new vehicle. I own an E300 and ML350 Mercedes-Benz. I test drove the Mercedes-Benz C350, BMW 5 Series, Saab 9-5, Audi A6, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Chevrolet Malibu, and Cadillac CTS. I drove various cars from Billings Montana to Missoula and back. After a great deal of research and testing I had no choice but to purchase a Honda Accord EX-L V6. In Montana you need a great dependable vehicle for mountain and urban driving – which the Accord certainly is. I appreciate the quality, craftsmanship.

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CWells - November 21 - 5:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. It drives like a dream, handles wonderfully, and Im proud to own it.