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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  Great - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Micki - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is fast and very fun to ride in. Just a great car.

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  Best Buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JRausta - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Pulled my down payment off a G35 in favor of the Accord. Six grand for HID and 30 hp wasnt worth it. Plus, the Accord has classier interior and-this is minor but it caught my eye-the color coordinated door handles look better than the chrome-with-everything Infinity. Ive been very pleased with the Accord. It has nice acceleration and the auto shifts smoothly. Yes, the trunk isnt large. Its a sedan people, not a Ford Expedition. If you want to get into rush hour traffic a few seconds earlier, buy a G35, TL or 330. The Accord is a reliable car with some very nice amenities, performance and comfort at least six grand less.

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  Great... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By si_civic - July 18 - 12:40 am

  I was on a waiting list for this little coupe, and it finally arrived 4 months later. I am quite pleased with the handling. No other front wheel drive car, in my opinion, handles this well from the factory. Many aftermarket parts are available (as of this writing, July 07). There are a few problems I have encountered: clunking noise from pass. side strut assembly, drive-by-wire throttle issues, paint quality (POOR), intermittent wiper system sometimes doesnt work properly, interior scratches very easily. All in all, I highly recommend this car. Compared to the Cobalier this is one car you would surely love to drive, and drive all the way to its 8300 rpm redline!

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  Absolutely Amazing - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Brett Guthrie - July 17 - 3:43 pm

  This car simply has the best of both worlds while considering gas mileage. You slam it to the floor and you take off... its obviously not supercar but it is plenty of power for pulling out into traffic etc. Turning and cornering is impressive for a car of its size and designation. Great appearance!

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  A great deal and even better purchase - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Love My Honda - July 17 - 12:23 am

  We bought our 2007 Honda Civic EX Sedan to replace a 2002 Toyota Prius. Being life long Loyal Toyota drivers, it was a big change going to Honda. It is one of the best decisions we have ever made. The fuel economy is better than we expected. We average 35 mpg. And the styling is great. It is a peppy car that is fun to be in. Whether youre 20 or 50 it doesnt matter, the car fits anyone. The blue color is amazing and the extras are great. We have had no mechanical or cosmetic problems with our civic. Its easy to say that we will be repeat Honda buyers.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By PilotGuy - July 16 - 9:50 pm

  Weve put almost 2k miles on the car in a month. Great family car. Paid less that $29k +t,t&l. Get the all weather floormats if you have younger, messy kids. Smooth ride, great safety features, solid feel to the car. Updated styling on 06 much beefier than prior years - more of a truck profile, less minivan-like. 3rd row seating better than most. Others considered - Toyota Highlander Hybrid - too small. Acura MDX - Pilot a better value, more room. Dodge Durango - Build quality issues (we previously owned a 99). Gas milage better than most, but no where near as good as the Highlander Hybrid. IMHO - this is by far asnd away the biggest bang for the buck, in its class.

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  2017 CR-V EX - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Allan Crowson - July 16 - 7:05 pm

  We have had two or three Accords and a Civic, but this is our first move into the CR-V and into the EX trim. I love the car. It handles great, and gets better gas mileage than our 2013 Civic! I appreciate the active safety features, which have already come in handy several times. We have just had the car for just over 1800 miles, but our overall mileage during those miles is 34 mpg. Things I would change or add: 1. An interior release for the tailgate (although I suspect theres some ultra cautious safety reason for only opening from the outside or remotely). 2. The interface for the entertainment and vehicle info is a bit slow, and could stand some attention. 3. *Wireless* Apple CarPlay, rather than just via USB.

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  1st Accord, definitely not my last - 1992 Honda Accord
  By MadDog74 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving this one since it was brand new, and wouldnt have bought a new Accord EX last week if I were at all disappointed with my last 10 years of driving a Honda. Engine feels just as strong as when it was new, and its held its resale value well. Almost all maintenance was from normal wear (tires, brakes, battery). The automatic trans. needed a rebuild at 95K but it was expected with L.A. stop- and-go driving - probably the equivalent of 250K miles of "normal" driving. The only engine problem was a defective ignition component that Honda replaced free of charge long after the factory warranty expired.

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  perfect - 1995 Honda Accord
  By 95 accord ex - July 16 - 10:00 am

  i luv it couldnt be better, its a wonderful car

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  Accord 96 - 1996 Honda Accord
  By vtecaccord01 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been wanting this accord for the past 3 years. I finally have her. It passed all my expectations and performs better then I can believe. That double wishbone is something to be amazed about. Vtec is the way to go.