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 Car for the Money - 2001 Honda Insight
  By sherri schroeder - January 31 - 4:29 pm

  This car has been a outstanding vehicle for a commuter, you cant beat its performance or mileage. The tire size is a major factor in the mileage factor even though they have to be ordered they are not a regular stocked tire size. I someone is thinking about this car for its mileage, I highly recommend it.

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  Safe vehicle - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jme1281 - January 31 - 3:36 pm

  I bought a 2010 Accord V-6 EX-L less than 2 months ago. I loved the car! Then a truck turned in front of me and I was involved in a head on collision. My Accord was totaled. My wife and small child were in the car with me during the collision. We all walked away from the vehicle amazed that we werent seriously injured. I just bought another 2010 Accord to replace the last one. Now I know what a 5 star crash rating means.

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  Why buy anything else? - 1995 Honda Accord
  By wil4713 - January 31 - 12:25 am

  After having searched for this particular model for months, I bought a 5-speed Ex with 75k miles last January. Since then, Ive done routine maintenance and replaced the 10 year old exhaust system and the brake pads (this car is very easy to work on yourself) and nothing else. My car is great to drive and is better looking than the 96-97 Accords, I think. I get around 31 mpg on the highway and somewhere around 27 in the city. The leather seats still look pretty good, and everything--everything--still works, no problems whatsoever. This is the 3rd Honda in my family and Im looking forward to 200k trouble-free miles.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Chelsofpdx - January 31 - 12:10 am

  I did my homework before buying this car and have to admit that Im quite pleased. The car "feels" good while driving it and is more sporty than Ive expected. The ride is a lot more quiet than comparable cars (i.e. Toyota Corolla and Pontiac Sunfire) The instruments are ergonomically positioned and easy to reach. The interior is visually pleasing. The trunk is more spacious than expected. Its the first time Ive ever felt that I got my moneys worth from a car purchase.

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  I wish I wouldve read a review first!!! - 1997 Honda Passport
  By ms.d - January 30 - 9:57 pm

  This car was great for the first year and then the engine started clicking. It only stops after you get the oil changed and the noise elimination only lasted a month. It sometimes felt like it was trying to pull itself. I was told that this was the worst used car to buy after the fact. The driver leg space is horrible b/c the seat doesnt adjust back that far. Im 53 and had trouble when i wore stilettos. If you hit the slightest bump it knocks it out of alignment. It seemed like the longer I drove it the gas mileage got worse. Overall do not buy this car!!!!!! Its a waste of money. No wonder you see so many used ones on car lots.

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  This is a fantastic car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By William - January 30 - 9:45 pm

  I love this car. Ive had it for 7 years and its my 3rd Accord. Its the newest car Ive ever owned so that does affect my perspective. However, this car is still so nice. Its amazing to me that at 11 years old, it still feels brand new. It drives amazing, has had great fuel economy, and looks great. I still get between 19-21mpg in town and 31 on the highway. I never guessed an 11 year old car could still get 30 miles to the gallon. The paint job has held up well compared to my previous accords. The only thing that had to be changed was the throttle body when the gear shift stuck. Other than that, it has been so cheap to maintain. I have put hardly any money into this car and it runs like a champ. I started with 86k miles and now have 212,000 with no problems. I would buy this car over again in a heartbeat. I hope when it dies, the new Accords are still made as well as this one.

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  Honda lives up to its name - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JBarnes404 - January 30 - 7:14 pm

  This is a very very very good brand of autos, I was looking for an Expedition for about $10 K, but ran into a CRV, drove it and loved it...got it with 100000 miles now 126000 not one problem replaced the brake pads and oil changes this Honda looks and drives like new, I bet I can get well over 200000 miles we will see.

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  love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Lisa - January 29 - 11:46 pm

  Weve been Honda owners for 15 plus years. Purchased new in 2000. I love my van!! Side doors do stick at times. Just replaced the catalytic converter, but was covered under warranty/recall. We recommend to everyone.

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  Very reliable - 1995 Honda Accord
  By MQ - January 29 - 7:49 pm

  Bought with almost 158k miles on it. And after a little over a year, this car has given me no major mechanical issues. Only replaced front outer CV boots, and that was the biggest repair so far. I am confident that this car will give me at least ten more years of reliable service, long enough to get me through college and graduate school.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rsegerdahl - January 29 - 7:01 pm

  Offers excellent headroom for a 6ft 4inch person. Smooth riding, good milage, shift level sometimes goes to d3 but not a real problem. Excellent in snow and ice. After driving the car for 7 months I definitely would recommend the vehicle to friends.