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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  SFSG - 2003 Honda Accord
  By PrettyHuge - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I think the accessory outlets should be hot all the time instead of just when the key is on. I like to charge my cell phone when Im not in the car. The fog light accessory should be hot wired also. Right now it only works on low beam. Give me the option of when I want them on. Already mentioned by many is the lighted steering colum controls as well as the 17" wheels. The cup holder is a little deep for my small cream no sugar. I couldnt get the day/night mirror with the fog lights with the nav. too much on the elec system. Fix it! Fun to drive so far.

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  Good Buy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Accord Owner - May 26 - 6:17 pm

  Ive been a satisfied owner since 2001. The car handles well and has been reliable. 130,000+ miles now. The V6 engine is not noticeably faster than the 4-cylinder, but it is noticeably quieter and smoother. I generally get ~26 mpg with about 80% highway driving. The car looks good yet, except for a little rust on the rear wheel well.

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  Classic Accord - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Michael Kass - May 26 - 3:03 pm

  Even though I bought it "used", I got a great deal on a low mileage 2012 Accord V6 Coupe. Having owned 2 previously, I found this one to be classic in its reliability and performance. No surprises. Good, reliable entertainment. The V6 is nice, compared to my previous 4 cylinder Accords. People complain about the drivers side lumbar support as being "agressive". This may be true for most people, however I have a weak back, and find the strong lumbar support to be a blessing. The front seats themselves tend to be a bit "firm". They dont massage you or envelope you in comfort. That would be my only complaint about the 2012 Accord.

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  One year old and 12,000 miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rob - May 26 - 1:23 pm

  Overall a fine car for city and highway driving. Its all Honda, handling and acceleration remind me of previous Hondas Ive owned. Dealer service is OK - they didnt correctly diagnose a power steering noises the first time. A week later, another service writer, and description "morning sickness" got the problem fixed. A seal wasnt correctly seated which starved the pump of power steering fluid. New pump installed, two-day stay at dealer and its running great. MPG has increased to 37 from 34 before the repairs.

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  Aging Honda not all that bad . . . - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lee - May 26 - 1:34 am

  My wife and I purchased our Honda Civic LX new in February 1998. Aside from normal maintenance we also experienced the cracked exhaust manifold problem. It now has alomst 100,000 miles and that his, honestly, the only problem weve had. Interior layout leaves something to be desired and the cramped cup holders are weak compared to other more user friendly designs. Overall the car feels cheaply made. The four banger really struggles when climbing hills and the automatic transmission is kinda jumpy.

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  Surprisingly Great Value, Fun & Utility - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By albert88 - May 26 - 12:18 am

  Since 2000, Ive bought for my family Lexus GS-400, RX-300, Acura MDX, TL, 2 TSX, BMW X3, 2 Honda Accord, and 2 Toyota RAV-4. After a test drive, it became clear right away that Crosstour is refined, composed, quiet, and has plenty of space for us. The shape is modern and the diamond-white pearl color dresses it like a crouching rabbit ready to take off. My family mentioned that it rides like the Lincoln Towncar we used regularly for our airport service. My wife is now actually anxious to take a long road trip with it! By the way, the BMW 535ix GT has exactly the same dimensions except lower and $30K more. This car is an excellent combination of performance, space, refinement & value.

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  finally!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By si you later - May 25 - 10:20 pm

  i saw this car at the ny auto show a couple of years ago and was sold! it is so fun to drive and for my 30 mile mountain road commute this is a must! i have 13,500 miles on it right now and have had no trouble at all. i am extremely hard on it and bounce the tach off of 8200 rpms daily! you cant kill these things! and the shift light is the best. it lets you keep your eyes on the road.this is my 5th honda product and i have never had a problem with any of them! synthetic oil is a must in these cars. if you are not using it now, get it!

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  Love my new 2017 Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Matt Summers - May 25 - 1:03 am

  Feel the road a bit more than I would like, the internal touch screen panel is far from intuitive but is not as bad as some reviewers say, and the UBS port needs to be moved out of the center console to the main control area. These are all very minor complaints. Everything else about the car is excellent-- absolutely top notch-- and, as a repeat Honda buyer, reaffirms why I usually buy Honda products and why the Accord is always rated as one of the best cars. You simply cannot get a better all around car--- for more or less money-- than a Honda. Interior comfort is excellent, the 4 cylinder engine provides plenty of power- even with multiple passengers in the car, MPG is great, and everything was delivered in perfect working condition. Visibility from drivers seat is excellent. I love my new Accord so far.

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  Modest and Reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Kaizen - May 24 - 5:37 pm

  I am the owner of a beloved 97 Accord SE- sedan. The car presently has 200,561 miles and had only had its timing belt replaced once. The car is still in top running condition and frequently makes road trips out-of-town with ease. The complaints about the vehicle are slim to few in between, however, in 97 Honda needed much improvement in their electronic department- power windows were slow or the window motors burnt out. Overall, a wonderful car. Going this evening to pick up my 05 ex-v6 sedan with leather, nav and xm radio. I am looking forward to the increased power, from 130 hp to 240.. Thank you Honda...

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  great new car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Flyboy - May 24 - 3:06 pm

  We traded our surburban for a black/grey leather pilot w/ nav. The fit and finish of the car is excellent. The seats are very comfortable. The controls are well placed but I would have liked to see the turn signal lever 1 or 2 inches lower. The nav system is excellent. Better then in my plane. The voice activation works well and with a little practice the key phrases will become intuitive. The stereo is excellent, and far superior to the surburban. The ride is very comfortable and there is not much wind noise from the sunroof. We ordered the crossbars and running boards which are black and go well with the exterior. The dealer was A+ and delivered the car in impeccable condition.