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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  What comfort in owning a Honda? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By fivetwo - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The ride of this Honda reminds me of the 1968 MGB I had years ago. Choppy, bumpy, feeling every jolt in the road and giving me a headache after an extended period of driving. I know its almost sacrilegious to say anything negative about a Honda, but the ride is inexcusable. My wifes CRV has a much smoother ride. Everything else seems fine, but every time I drive this car I can only think about trading it in for something different.

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  Nothing But Good News! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jennifer Rue - May 9 - 2:00 am

  For anyone that is going to buy a car. You should buy Honda product. Reliable, coast effective, and long lasting. You will go well over 200,000 mils. if taken care of properly. Thank You Honda!

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  Happy Honda owner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jarles - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Accord V6 EX, and I am very happy with it. After testing out some other sedans, this was the clear choice for me. The interior is well thought-out, with a high quality feeling to the materials. The drive is so smooth, with plenty of acceleration and power in the 240 horses. It feels great to sit in the car and drive it, and Ill be driving it for years.

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  Still a top 4 cylinder car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By clarkfball101 - May 9 - 12:41 am

  Even in the year 2005 the 2.2L engine is still one of the best on the road. Excellent choice for a first car for a teen. Car can go from one side of the country to the other.

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  Great - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Minh - May 8 - 1:48 pm

  I love it

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  Not - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Travis - May 8 - 11:43 am

  This car kills batteries like crazy & the dealership cant figure out what the problem is. They will just keep replacing the battery until the 3yr warranty is over & then its on you. Make sure to have a jump box charged & ready with you to start this car monthly. If you let it sit more that 2-3 days the battery wont start it. The clutch makes a howling or grinding noise when accelerating from a stop in 1st gear. (started at about 20,000k mi) We were able to make this sound happen with a Honda Tech in the vehicle & they still are unwilling to fix the issue without saying well have to pay the tab. The rubber rotted out around the windows in 2 years & we had to fight with them to get it replaced. They said it was from being out in the sun too much in Arizona! In two years please! Then dont sell your crap cars in AZ. We bought this car brand new from Honda 4 years ago it has 40k on it now. Never buying Honda again its our first & last.

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  2007 Pilot rocks! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Kirsten Wendt - May 8 - 8:52 am

  Fantastic car! I can only hope for another as good as "my little rocket!"

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  my review with short time of pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By michael manfredo - May 8 - 5:59 am

  needs some noise reduce while driving when window are open

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  We Loved this 94 Accord! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Rick - May 7 - 11:36 pm

  It was a great driving vehicle, handled curves very well. On highway (manual) we got 35 mph, about 30 mph city. Used cruise a lot too. Started out with this car in San Diego and drove all over CA & AZ (94-98). Then took it to Italy with us (98-02) where it went all over Italy & parts of Europe so reliable we didnt have to worry about it breaking down in little towns and hills of Europe. Returned to States in VA where teenager promptly totaled it along with his dads Mustang. My brother wanted to sell me 99 Toyota Camry so he could buy something else. Camry just not the driving car the Accord is. I would buy another Honda in a heartbeat!

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  No so great. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Brian - May 7 - 5:40 pm

  Harsh, unsteady ride. Terrible wind and tire noise. Wont hold the road in turns (constantly over-correcting). Brakes beginning to fail, pedal goes almost to the floor before engaging. 2-inch dead zone in gas pedal. Gas pedal too soft -- constantly trying to find the sweet spot to the point of leg and ankle cramps. Rubber band CVT is awful! Poor visibility makes parking a challenge. Weak paint. etc...