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 Convert! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sunshine - November 21 - 1:33 am

  I traded in an Olds Intrigue 1999, which I loved but which I realized (after going through all the paperwork) I put far too much money into. This Accord is sweet. Leather seats, XM, V6, moonroof - its nicer than my Intrigue and it cost less than what my mom paid for an Intrigue five years ago. I adore this car! Its a joy to get into it and know I get to drive it. Smooth handling, great sound, comfy leather, I feel like Im driving a car thats worth far more than what I paid for it!

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  Fit is Great - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Donald Bendick - November 21 - 12:00 am

  The Fit has met and exceeded all of my expectations. Just took it for its first long distance trip. Averaged 39.2 mpg. People at work have been impressed with the amount of interior space and head room. The fit is a perfect fit for my golf clubs. Cargo cover conceals them perfectly. It is a fun car. Tried the paddles and found them a unique experience. Keep up the good work.

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  Certified Pre-Owned Accord Sport - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Kevin H. - November 20 - 5:58 pm

  Just purchased a Honda Certified pre-owned 2014 Accord Sport with the 6M transmission. I have only had the car for two weeks but I am very happy so far. This car is my daily driver for my 60 mile round trip commute. The Honda is replacing my 2008 Mazda 3 Hatchback (2.3 liter 5-speed manual). I loved my Mazda but wanted something a little more refined and still sporty. The Accord Sport has delivered on both. Definitely a more quiet, refined ride yet still sporty. Several magazine tests show the Accord Sport with the 6 speed manual is capable of a zero to sixty times in the mid to high six second range. That is a full second faster than the Mazda 3. The Accord has a great shifter and the 2.4 liter four does rev out nicely (and sounds good). So far the combined fuel mileage (per the on board mpg indicator) is 29.8. The EPA combined estimate is 28 mpg for the Sport with 6-speed manual. I have seen 34 on the highway. This is on par with my Mazda 3 so I am happy to have a larger more refined car with as good or better fuel mileage. The interior is nice and feels well made. The driver seat is comfortable for me (58" \ 160lb) and has a lot of adjustment. The steering wheel is both tilting and telescopic so finding a good driving position is quite easy. It has a dual zone climate control and the ac cools very well. The audio system sounds good and Bluetooth links easily to my LG phone. Pandora plays well through the Bluetooth link. The Accord is much quieter than my Mazda 3 so that is a nice change. It just feels like a more "grown-up" car. Obviously I cant speak to reliability yet but based on previous Honda products I have owned (1993 Honda CBR 1000F, 2003 Honda AquaTraxx, 1991 and 1995 Acura Legends) I feel confident that reliability will not be a concern. My Sport is the black onyx and looks very sharp. To me the Accords look much better in person. Pictures dont seem to catch all the lines and compound curves of the body.

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  Best in Class Ultimate Family Vehicle - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken & Mary - November 20 - 4:00 pm

  Honda contiues to impress me. I have been a Honda fan all of my life. From my first mini-bike as a kid to our most recent Odyssey purchase. I checked out the Toyotas, but the Honda cant be beat in styling or ride quality. The 4 wheel independant suspension makes our Odyssey drive like our Accord. The ride extremly quiet, vitually no engine or road noise. My wife and I love listening to XM radio while the kids watch DVDs with the wireless headphones. I know some folks are stuck on their SUV image, but nothing can beat the value or functionality the Odyssey delivers to perfection. Go Honda.

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  Love it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Love it - November 20 - 3:00 pm

  First brand new car I ever purchased. Totally worth it . Drive smooth, quiet inside. Great on gas. I find it roomy for a coupe

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  The real thing!!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By JOHN - November 20 - 12:00 pm

  This might be not so good looking of a auto but remember the only skin deep thought! It is so nice to drive this auto . Really we owned a jeep wrangler before this and this is 100% better then the jeep . The element is nice hidden auto that i cant believe it isnt as popular because it is a really good deal !!!!! Example we paid 25000 for a jeep sport and check what a sport comes with ! The element much less in price $21,000 that is $4000 less and we got alot more all round !Element is a really nice and functional auto 100% to honda !!!

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  Best Hybrid Buy - 2010 Honda Insight
  By JPaule - November 20 - 11:16 am

  Terrific car! Get 42mpg in our town that has stoplights on every corner! Engine shutdown feature was designed for this type of fuel mileage-robbing situations. On a recent 675 mile trip at 70 mph, we got 46 mpg. Yeah, the Prius does better, but for about $ 4000 more comparably equipped. My wife loves this car! Our dealership gave us an excellent deal, even discounting off sticker in May, one month after model introduction and giving us book value on our trade-in. We are very pleased with our first Honda!

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  I love my honda! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By gary linquist - November 20 - 10:43 am

  I just wish that everyone could have at least one honda! The acceleration and handling are startling. The ride is smooth and quiet and my gas mileage has been ABOVE the epa estimates. Im precisely and consistently getting 32-35 mpg in town and 38-41 mpg on the highway! my surfboards, golf clubs, and skis all fit nicely inside and the sound system is causing extensive hearing loss because it sounds so good at high volume. Run, dont walk, to your nearest honda dealer when its time for a new or used car.

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  Better than a BMW 2006 330xi - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Stan Myers - November 19 - 2:03 am

  I finally got out of my troublesome 2006 BMW 330x1. Was a $50,000 car that cannot compare to my now 2009 Honda 6 cylinder coupe. So far, I love the Honda. It is fast and rides much much better. I tried out the 2009 Lexus I250 and the 2008 Infiniti 35x. I could not justify spending $10,000 more for the Lexus or Infiniti when I get a car of the same quality for less!

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  Good Price and Great Value - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Paul H - November 19 - 12:43 am

  I have been looking over the Accord for a while. The SE I feel is a great value. Think LX with Wheels and nice interior and upgraded sound. I bought the Accord for Invoice which I feel was a far price and with the lease special I pay in the 200s with tax per month. Great sales experience except for finance. Tried to force a security system on me. Didnt even try and sell it. Paul Honda Rocks!