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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  Soiid ride with kick - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Yukon Black - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a joy to drive. The ride is very solid and quiet. There is a great amount of power under the hood. The unusual stick shift gets better and makes more sense over time. You catch peoples eyes with this machine.

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  The perfect car? - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kevin.hout@adelphia. - November 23 - 2:00 am

  This is not a Porsche nor is it a Cadillac. But my Civic thinks its both. For under $17K this is by far the best vehicle for your money. From smooth styling to great handling and power my civic covers all the bases. Honda reliability is second to none in this class and the gas milage is awesome especially in todays economy. I looked at all the cars in this class, the Jetta, Corrola, Sentra and Elantra and every time I found myself comparing them to the Civic EX. Do yourself a favor and give it a spin, you will not be disapointed.

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  Awesome Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DBerg - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned four Accords in a row. The newer versions allways seem to surpass the previous bodystyle.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Honda Accord
  By commuter_600 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I am make a 600 mile commute every week with the Honda Accord LX (manual drive). This car is great, comfortable, I never get bored on the road. I recommend this car to everybody, especially those who do a lot of commuting as I do.

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  TOP 5 ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CCrunner456 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the new V-6 2 door 6spd. The car is so fast. IT has a very smooth ride on the freeway. Plus if u want a little or a lot of power this is the car for you. I Hit 115 on the freeway like it was nothing.

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  accord lover - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hernandez - November 23 - 2:00 am

  i love my accord it is reliable and looks real good

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  Elegant, Refined, Perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HondaTazz - November 23 - 2:00 am

  After reading many reviews of family sedans, I narrowed my choices to the Mazda 6, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda Accord. After test-driving all three cars, I chose the Accord. From the in-dash 6-disc CD changer to the remote-transmitter/key combination, this car has it all. The alloy wheels look great and the Eternal Blue Pearl color has an upscale feel. The interior is quiet and there are convenience features everywhere. While the Mazda 6 has a sporty drive feeling, it is not as smooth as the Accord with its Honda engine. Shifting is seamless and engine noise is minimal. You cant top this car in the family sedan segment.

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  Love my new Accord! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Megan Mac - November 22 - 2:21 pm

  My previous Accord was from 2003, with over 200,000 miles on it. Wanted the same comfort and quality and reliability as before.

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  I Love my first car!! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Shortalishus - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my very first car, a Honda Accord Ex Coupe, and I am in love with it!!!! Accords have always been my favorite car, and now that I finally have one, I love them even more. When I went to look at cars, at first I was skeptical to buy my car because of the high milage (78,000 on a 98). But the engine was immaculate, and the car looks brand new. I love it, and i recommend it to anyone.

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  Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ngchiro - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love owning this vehicle. Parents own a Grand Caravan. Test drove the Windstar. Both are inferior to the Odyssey