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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  Golf clubs fit easily in the trunk. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dan Davis - October 31 - 6:58 pm

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  Switched from BMW to Honda Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By inbaskingridge - October 31 - 4:53 pm

  My lease was up on my 2010 BMW 328i x-drive (AWD) and I decided to get off the lease treadmill and buy...in this case a 2013 Accord EX-L with navigation. Overall, I am very happy with the switch. This is the first Honda Ive owned. Build quality is excellent, road noise is probably less than my BMW.

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  Delivers on your expectations - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cruisinonblues - October 31 - 12:50 pm

  This is the first Honda I have owned. For the past 6 years I have driven a BMW 3xi series with all wheel drive. I wanted to get a coupe without breaking the bank. I looked at the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. I decided on the Honda Accord V6 Coupe and am extremely satisfied. The car delivers on all aspects of driving a coupeÂ… styling, handling, performance and fun. It drives great and has a nice interior. I like that it has V6 power when I need it and that the engine adjusts down to 4 or 3 cylinders when the V6 is not needed. It also runs on regular gas which is an added savings. Overall, it has delivered on all my expectations.

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  Decent car but not impressive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JF - October 31 - 12:40 pm

  Bought the car on December, 2004. The ride was very comfortable. I like the design of the car for a great price. Gas mileage is ok, definitely cannot go up to 26 mi/gal city for a 5-speed manual as advertised. Ive been getting 20 mi/gal in the city for my Accord. The engine is quiet, but the i am not sure if the squeeking noice comes from the dashboard or the windsheild. I am kinda bordered by the noice while I am driving. Handling is ok, but not as good as the previous version. The interior is very roomy. Feel good while I am sitting in it. Overall, the car is ok, but not impressive. But for this price, this is what I am getting I guess. Otherwise, why not go for a lexus.

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  First foreign car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By GoldenOne - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Love it, love it, love it! I purchased my 98 Civic EX coupe in 97 and its been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. 55k and the only thing that I had replaced was a altenator, which they fixed promptly. My husband likes to drive it and fits comfortably in it (hes 64). Were thinking about having kids, so we might look into something a little bigger. But I just cant part with my Civic. Well DEFINATLY stick with Honda, maybe well go to a 4dr or if I have it my way... an Accord. :)

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  My new CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tallperson - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the new CRV for our growing family (new baby in July!). We were sold on the safety features and the numerous extras that came with the EX model. It passed its first test when we had to stuff a dresser in it, the seats flipped up beautifully and everything fit! The 6-disc cd changer is a bit noisy as it switches and I would love it if Honda would put in heated seats (like a comparably priced Subaru does). And why no daytime running headlights? We are happy with the acceleration and power. We looked at the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Jeep Liberty. Honda was the best value for space, options and price all-around.

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  honda crv 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By screwdriver - October 31 - 10:00 am

  i have this vehicle for 6 months now and it has fulfilled my needs so far. for an SUV its size - i must say its value is hard to beat. i considered the Rav 4 , ford escape and mazda tribute - all of which i IMO did not compare to the total value of the CRV.

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  GOOD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By REG B - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A NICE SUV. THE LEGROOM IS A LITTLE SHORT BUT I CA WORK WITH IT ME BEING (6FOOT) AND ALL I STILL LOVE IT. MORE POWER AND GERAT PERFORAMANCE.

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  Proven Safe - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dreamwalker - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 EX, drove it EVERYWHERE - our "mobile living room"; even went up Pikes Peak with no difficulty. When another driver decided to take the whole engine compartment out - we walked away unscathed and directly into a 2002!! I especially love that at 52" tall, I can still get out of my Civic and into the Odysseys driver seat and feel perfectly comfortable - not like Im driving some huge lumbering sloth.

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  Cant be beat! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By bytrain - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car. This was our 3rd Accord, and we have been very happy with it. The interior ergonomics are so much better than any American car on the market. It handles beautifully, and being a one-car family, its reliability has given us lots of peace of mind. I highly recommend this car.