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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  Really Nice Car!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By razorman04 - June 5 - 5:17 am

  Ok Im a Honda and fan and Ive owned several Accords over the years. This 2016 Accord Touring is the best most sophisticated Accord yet! I really love everything about the car EXCEPT the interior room. Im 65 and this model has the least headroom I believe ever. Im tall but very lean and I feel tight and a bit cramped when I drive. My 2009 Accord V6 was way roomier and I sat far more comfortably. People complained that model was too big but I loved it. I still love this car and highly recommend it except for really tall people like me.

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  Worth the money - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ArtC - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is going to be bias since it is my 11th Honda. Why not when the reliability is so good and resale near 50% after five years. The NAV system is awesome, very user friendly. This is my wifes car and she insisted on a standard so had to wait a couple months. Traded in a V-6 Accord. She let me take it today while she drove the Oydessy. Amazed at the power of a 4 cylinder and how smooth it is. The Acura TL would have been nice, but couldnt justify the cost. Bought the car from Bruce in fleet at Honda Cars of Mesa. Call act to deal with, couldnt say enough about him except...fifth Honda Ive bought from him.

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  best value in family sedans - 2004 Honda Accord
  By saavr - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Finally after two months of reviewing (like a fanatic) every family sedan on the market, I bought the EX 6 cylinder Accord. Great value compared to Camry, Taurus and Mazda 6. Major complaint is that the suspension is very rigid and you feel every bump on the road. exceptional interior and exterior design compared to the mid sized mid priced competition.

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  Upgrade from 2007 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By JOHN - June 4 - 9:53 pm

  Finally handed down our 07 to one of our kids. What can I say other than a huge improvement in tech, drivability, fuel economy, performance. Turbo and cvt are a great combo. Highly recommend it.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 1991 Honda Accord
  By lstpierr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Well, what can you say, 11 years later, and just about drives like the day it came off the lot. Peppy for a 4cyl, handles great, just totally reliable. I had to replace a valve 110k in, it now has 130k and still going strong. As you can see by others in this column, its still a baby. It still has an excellent exterior as well, no rust, paint job still holding up, very stylish, just love the car!!!

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  uscbrownies civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By uscbrownie - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle, I love it! Only negative comment is the paint on the red models wears out fast, but thats the colors fault, not the car!

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  Sold on Odyssey - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By John63 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Just completed 879 miles from Dallas to Atlanta in one day. My average speed was about 80, with prolonged periods of 90-100MPH. Flawless performance. The interior room is amazing compared to Windstar (a recent vacation rental). The Honda can handle 6 people and their luggage to the airport, the Ford could not. Concern: Our Odysseys tranny had to be replaced after 18 months. Under slightly uphill loads the tranny hummed/squealed (almost un- identifiable), it took the Honda tech almost 20 minutes of me pointing it out until he recognized it. They replaced it under the warranty, no questions.

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  A booming double - just misses being HR - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dodo_2k - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Solid construction. Great standard feature set (ABS, Four wheel drive, 5 speed trans, leather, lots of cup holders, lights for everybody, 3 point seatbelts for everybody ...) Solid muscular look. 240 HP very powerful and responsive engine. tight drive. Decent fuel. A great 5 seater with the convenience of occasionally carrying 8 people.

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  Classy/fun to drive ride. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By profemiguel - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ulitmatelly an awesome sweet ride.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By david goodvin - June 4 - 3:01 am

  156k Less than 1500 in repairs