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:

• 

  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...

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By David - May 7 - 11:06 am

  This is our first Honda in several years. We replaced a Chrsler 300C and have to say we love this Honda even more! Its fun to drive, comfortable, and has great features. The new rear end design with the dual exhaust gives it a very nice look. The seats are firm and comfortable and the leather is soft. No problems after 2500 miles and still loving to drive it! Feels solid and safe! Highly recommend!

• 

  Excellent Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Hondalover - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2 Accord and I love it. Looks great, fantastic interior. Seats are really comfortable - like a luxury car. Perfect instrument panel. Reliable and great gas mileage. I have a 5-speed and love it. Feels like Im driving a sports car (the 3 kids in the back give me away though).

• 

  fun to ride and affordable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By henry - May 7 - 10:00 am

  performance is tremendous. very fun to drive and depndability and reliability is a factor

• 

  The BEST SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JoeF - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought a Highlander. Glad I waited!!! Far better, more room, more power, handles better...read the reviews & test drive. The interior and exterior are beautiful, not a cutsey car that you woul dbe afraid to get dirty. Great Power! Great Room! Great Build Quality! Great Handling!

• 

  dream car: best one for the $$$ - 2000 Honda Accord
  By luvit - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is my dream car. Sleek, sporty (with sun roof and spoiler) and quick. Love the leather interior and climate controls. Love the radio controls on steering wheel. With 26,000 miles, no problems. Car is quiet on the highway. Get compliments all the time!

• 

  The BEST OF THE BEST !! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By MDBoy - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car in its class or perhaps in any other class...for mere $14,000. I bought my Civic brand new in its first production year.(usually first production years are troublesome.) So far the car has given me nothing but pure happiness. I have driven a cross the country 2 times with it. I am falling in love with this car. The handling is great, the design is superb, re-sale value is topnotch, reliability is somthing to brag about..and not to mention, its safty beats Mercedes Benz C-Class sedan (Check out National Highway and Traffic Safty Association website @ www.nhtsa.dot.gov).

• 

  Cant be beat for the money - 2001 Honda Accord
  By samspade77 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been in the automotive industry for 12 years, and I swear by Honda products. This is a top quality vehicle that is a great all-around sedan. It is fun to drive, and the VTEC engine is quick. I drive it on HWY 5 between San Jose and L.A. This car can cruise between 80MPH and 100 MPH with great control and feel. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I have no problem climbing the mountains, or passing other vehicles. I would recommend Accord to anyone who wants a practicle, reliable, fun, inexpensive, safe, roomey, low-maintenance, and quick car! You dont need to spend an arm or a leg for top quality. BUY a HONDA today!

• 

  A great car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By maggie - May 7 - 5:13 am

  Ive had my Fit Sport for a year and 13,000 miles later I still love it. This is the first time Ive actually enjoyed driving a car. Its dependable, easy to park anywhere, comfortable for adults and children and I can put so much stuff in it. I also appreciate the fact that this car has many great safety features and an interior thats easy to clean which is important when carrying children. The Fit has redeemed my view of the powerless 4 cylinder car. It feels wonderful to drive a gas efficient car that overall looks and feel great inside and out. However, I suggest some minor tweaks related to noise and the interior.

• 

  CR-Vibrator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By James allen - May 7 - 2:24 am

  I have owned my 2015 EX-L AWD since October and I am very disappointed in two ways. Obviously from the title and other reviews you know one issue, and I will not pain you with the details. The other is that I bought the car for the advertised MPG and it is a huge disappointment. I have never seen more than 28 mpg highway driving from Baltimore to Virginia on open highway. I average only 17-20 city on short drives. A family member gets better mileage in an ACADIA. I drove a new Nissan Sentra for a month (with a CVT) and it was smooth compared to the Vibrator. I will take it to the dealer to find out what is wrong but right now I cannot recommend it.