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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  Love It - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Julie - February 13 - 7:40 am

  This is the third Honda in a row for me, and it looks like I will be buying a fourth. The new Accord has a lot more power, style, and room than my 2001. The look is that of a BMW or Acura TL, but for way less money. My daughter has been telling everyone that it is her car, but that we can drive it until she turns 16 in 5 years.

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  Not fun to drive - 2010 Honda Accord
  By donna - February 13 - 4:13 am

  I had driven the Accord EXL for no more than a day when I began to experience a backache. This car is truly one of the most uncomfortable to sit in. I test drove the cloth seats, found them uncomfortable but the salesperson convinced me that the leather was very comfortable as it had a lumbar adjustment etc. Not so, its like sitting on wood. Wake up Honda, fix these seats. I rented a Kia Forte before this and it was way more comfortable, even in cloth. I need two pillows to avoid the backache. The road noise is unbearable on the parkway and you can actually feel it rumble underneath you as you drive.

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  Remember, its an economy car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Vibacious - February 13 - 1:50 am

  The cost of gas prompted my conversion from a 2006 GMC Yukon XL to the 2007 Honda Civic EX. I did not need a sports car. The Honda Civic, with its economical engine, reputation for durability and longevity as well as low price prompted my purchase. For several thousands of dollars more I could have chosen a car with better suspension, ride comfort and sound. But I get terrific gas mileage, a sporty ride (i.e. I feel the bumps on the road) and a sound system that plays the music I want. Id probably be more attractive to women with a small BMW, but my daughters think the car is great so I suspect Im as attractive to women as Ill ever be. My wife likes the size of the car, too.

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  honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By jeff - February 12 - 11:07 pm

  great dependable fun fuel efficent car.lasts 200,000 plus miles if you do your maintenance on time and keep it done thrughout the life of the car.also dont modify engine for this 200,000 plus mile to happen.most ones i checked at salvage yard had closer to 300,000 miles.this is a good way to do your on evaulation of dependibility.

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  Thanks to American Honda - 2005 Honda Insight
  By What Savings? - February 12 - 3:04 pm

  This car is a fantastic design. Unfortunatly it was my bad luck to get one of the lemons? I bought this car because of my long commutes for work and visiting family. Since 2001 with 170K on the car, the Insight has gone through 2 secondary batteries, and 2 main battery system failures! Not to mention several visits because of a bad 02 sensor. In addition the CAT converter had to be replaced at $500.00 out my pocket! Had I paid for the system failures out of pocket it would have been over 12,000 dollars!! Its all I can do to keep up with repairs plus make the monthly payments. Ive tried to get out of this contract, but Im STUCK!

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  Car Lasted 14 years! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By NJ - February 12 - 2:28 pm

  Purchased a no-frills new car back in 2002, and we have been quite pleased. Only in the past 12 months have we had increased service issues. Sad to see it go. Would purchase a new one.

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  Best Caar Ever - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Frank Manley - February 12 - 2:28 pm

  Ive owned cars for 68 years. Raced sports cars 17 years and built own engines. This is finest automotive creation I ever owned. Engineering masterpiece! Met Honda wnen racing at Suzuka. Toured Honda plants and saw excllencce. Drove Insight Bellcvue,Wa to Monterey,Ca twice. Over 60 M/G at times. NO environmental effrcts (which robs a LOT of HP)

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Tee - February 12 - 1:59 pm

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  This is a great car. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By talula - February 12 - 6:33 am

  I bought my 2000 Civic as a Certified Used Honda and Im thrilled with it. I love the fact that the powertrain is covered until 2006. That just feels great, even though Im pretty sure I wont be needing it to be.

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  No more Oddssey for me - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jimania - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Leased this van on my birthday 2003 for 4 years period of time. The first thing that catch my attention is the fuel efficiency, 17 mpg. The second thing is the sound system, the quality is pathetic. I should get a Chevy Suburban instead.