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:

• 

  Great Car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Walter Keaton - September 16 - 1:51 pm

  Car sets low. For older people it is hard to get in and out of.

• 

  Sick ride - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Alexis Alvarado - September 15 - 8:51 pm

  Great looking car.

• 

  Love Me Some CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By SaraandMattLuvCRV - September 15 - 7:30 am

  WOW..I am still blown away at what a wonderful vehicle we have purchased. My husband and I switched to the CR-V from a 98 Honda Accord 6 cylinder. Loved my old Honda but as most people who owned 6 cylinder from that year up until about 2002 , Honda dropped the ball on transmissions.When we started looking for a new car we wanted reliability but we also wanted a good looking car. I dont think I can say enough good about this ride. Love the inside , outside ,the handling and the comfort. Love the fact that the range indicator tells you how many more miles you can squeeze out before a fill up.I usually have buyers remorse after a car purchase but when I think of my new CR-V all I can do is smile.

• 

  2008 Honda Accord Sedan LXP Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Daniel - September 13 - 7:40 pm

  This is my first Honda. I had an old Camry and i love this new car. It is fun to drive, I love the color, it has great features, the sound system is nice, the power is perfect and the gas mileage is great!

• 

  Long time Honda owner - first Pilot mode - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Peter A - September 13 - 5:36 pm

  Like my past Accords, everything is where it should be and makes sense. I trade an Acura MDX and the Pilot is every bit as comfortable and well appointed. Only disappointment was having to live with Good Year tires and not Michelins. Looking forward to many years of enjoyable driving and hauling. Total deal consumed around 5 hours from beginning to delivery - it should be far shorter but that is the car business.

• 

  Honda accord lx se--an awesome vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RICH - September 12 - 3:46 pm

  This car is awesome! For starters, it offers much more than its competitor (the camry) for about the same price. Also, the interior is much more modern (similar to the acuras) the accord handles the road like a higher priced sedan. The comfortable sport seats give you the support you need. My one hour commute seems more like a 20 minute drive. The car stereo sounds great and actually makes you "feel the music" quality is all over this car (too much to mention here). If you are in the market for a midsize sedan, then look no further, the accord is the one-you wont be dissapointed. You can thank me later for sharing these thoughts. By the way, get an online price quote and save big time!

• 

  Now I Understand - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By TXWJ - September 12 - 7:30 am

  We looked at several competitors - Honda have raised the bar. The Honda has great styling, the interior is first rate, could easily be a Acura.

• 

  No regrets! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jec - September 12 - 6:53 am

  Bought this car new in 2003 and after putting 37k miles on it I have only praises. No problems with anything. The dealer did redo my brakes all the way around at about 18k due to a service bulletin, but nothing else has needed servicing.

• 

  LOVE this car! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By momoftwo - September 11 - 5:46 pm

  We recently got the EX with navigation system to replace our station wagon. I am having such a great time with this car. The drive is smooth and the power is impressive. The interior space is great, with room for a family and all the stuff that goes with it. There are so many extra features that make the whole experience so much more than any car I have owned before. The rear-view camera that comes with the navigation system is wonderful with children, pets and toys in the driveway. The audio system is awesome and is equipped with satellite radio. Drive one and I think you will have to have one.

• 

  Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jack McCormack - September 11 - 11:06 am

  I have taken this car on two long mileage trips. The highest hiway mileage I received was 55.8 and the lowest on the road was 47.9. It was fun to drive, handled very nicely.