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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  2004 Accord EX 4DR w/Leather - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ldzppln - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new Accord EX 4DR with (heated!) leather seats the Saturday after Thanksgiving (2003). I was out of town for the long weekend, visiting with family, and decided it was a good time to buy a new car. The 240 miles Ive already put on the Accord have been fun. I was driving a 95 Civic before, and will probably drive this car for 8-10 years, so I wanted to go all out and get the best car I could for the money. Heated leather seats, dual climate control, side (curtain) airbags, AM/FM/XM radio (XM is free for 3 months, $10/month thereafter)in-dash 6 CD player, 16 inch alloy wheels... I could go on and on. Its a great car!

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  Best Buy for 4 bangers! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Tswv Yeej - May 13 - 10:33 pm

  Design is appealing and slick, turns heads. Interior looks/feels rich. Instrument well designed, with balanced brightness at night. Headlights sufficient brightness, taillights gorgeous at night. Leather Seats are comfortable and easy to adjust (power mode), seats warmer both side (driver/passenger). Stereo volume sufficient, controls on steering wheel makes it effortless to control/adjust/change channel. Leather wrapped steering wheel feels rich and smooth. Cabin is roomy front/back, trunk sufficient space. Ride is comfortable. "S" mode makes car glue on road, increase engine response which translates for faster acceleration. Small wind noise at center of driver side window at 65+ mph. Engine super quiet at idle and roars at high rpm. Transmission shifting super smooth, unnoticeable. Great gas mileage. Overall, car is best buy in my book.

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  Best MiniVan Period - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Binkman - May 13 - 7:16 pm

  I have owed Oldsmobile and Chryler minivans in the past. I have rented GM minivans. None compare to the new Odyssey. It has power,room and the fold down rear seat is great. Like all Hondas engine has horsepower and good fuel economy

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  A good value but a noisy vehicle - 2005 Honda Accord
  By tomr - May 13 - 5:33 pm

  I just bought my 2005 EX 3 weeks ago. It met a number of important needs that other cars I looked at couldnt; fuel economy, backseat leg room, and a reasonable price. This is my second Honda Accord. Honda was discounting the cars below invoice which added to what I perceived as a good value. My only complaint, but its a biggy, is the amount of road/tire and wind noise that makes its way to the cabin. The noise is most prevalent on highways with a high amount of aggregate -- unfortunately this accounts for most of my travel. I initially thought something was wrong with the vehicle but my dealership insists the noise is "normal".

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  I Heart my S2K - 2005 Honda S2000
  By jcyoung - May 13 - 4:31 pm

  After twelve months and twelve thousand miles, I still love this car and look forward to driving it. Last fall, I drove the six hundred plus miles to Santa Fe in under nine hours and arrived totally fresh. Then, the experience of having the S2K on the Sangre de Cristos mountain roads.......sheer pleasure. If you love sports cars and do not mind a little noise, this is the car to own. If something were to happen to it, I would run to my Honda dealer to to get another S2K. Fabulous ride.

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  Big Disappointment - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - May 13 - 4:27 pm

  We searched for several minivans before deciding on the Odyssey. We now wish we had searched longer. Our van is six years old and has 66,000 miles. In that time we have had three recalls, power sliding door problems (which the dealer could not duplicate), numerous paint chips requiring repainting of surfaces, and now it is necessary to have a new transmission installed. The dealer said that Honda has worked out many of the problems which were in the original models, but I feel as though this should have been taken care of in the R&D phase. We have friends who have Ford Freestars with over 40,000 miles and no problems at all. Please look farther than the over rated Honda Odyssey!

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  My son is a Pilot as well..... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Debbie L. - May 13 - 2:46 pm

  Absolutely love this pilot. Very comfortable, excellent safety features, stylish. I went from an Audi to my Honda Pilot and just LOVE it. Its the 2016 model so not boxy and large like it used to be (which I liked as well). I still get it confused with the Mercedes SUVs that are in the parking lot as well as the BMW SUVs. I am surprised on the gas mileage we are getting with our Pilot - averaging 25-28 mph - which is more than we were getting with our Audi A4. This Pilot is everyone in our familys favorite!

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  Bought it used - 1995 Honda Accord
  By autopacgirl - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my EX coupe when it was over 6 years old, and had over 100,000 miles. Even so, it has been one of the best and most reliable cars to drive. I love it! The interior is spacious, I carry a lot in my trunk, and my passengers love the extra space in the back from my previously owned Integra.

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  My 94 Coupe - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Clarks Honda - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. The car runs and sounds rock solid. The fit and finish are as they were the day I drove it off of the lot. All 98,000 miles I have put on it have been a real pleasure. I guess that goes to show you what a quality made car can be like if you follow through on all of the scheduled maintenances. Honda makes very fine vehicles!

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  Happy Driving - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By davidwcramer - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new CR-V has provided the perfect match between long-range driving (comfort and great gas mileage) and easy around town/day trip excursions. There is plenty of room and its a peppy performer. Some folks knock it for noise, but having had a convertible previously, it seems very quiet to me!