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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  Reliable, Reliable - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Billy Willy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new, and loved it from that day. My family had it for 7 years, 120,000 miles, and never expierenced a problem with that automobile. We finally replaced the EX Accord with an Odyssey EX. One would be suprised at how peppy the 140hp I-4 is. I reccomend this car!

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  The Best (and only) Car Ive Ever Owned - 2007 Honda Fit
  By teendriver.....aaah! - December 16 - 4:46 am

  Since everyone else has been raving about this car, i decided to check it out. The space and functionality were nice, but it was the suspension that really set it apart. Before this I had driven a Yaris and a Versa, and they both handled like a 90s SUV (the Yaris in particular felt like the Bronco II). I was therefore pleasantly surprised that this cars steering wheel was actually hooked up to something. This thing can corner like no ones buisness. Its fun to drive factor is off the chart, and i got it fully loaded for under 16 k. In typical honda fasion, it beats just about everything on the road, but just isnt racy enough to inspire anyone.

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  Early review - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Walker - December 15 - 3:13 pm

  Some of the review questions could not be adequately answered due to ownership being only 3 weeks. So far, the vehicle has lived up to our expectations. In my opinion a better review would be at the 1+ year mark of ownership.

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  Honda CRV 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marie Balson - December 15 - 1:53 pm

  Have the car for 1 week + and enjoy driving it. Very comfortable and easy to drive

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  A nine month odyssey - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Finally - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  After approx. 9 months with a 2007 Camry LE, I found the car I thought I bought. The 2008 Accord EX (no V6) is as perfect as a car can get under $30,000. Where Toyota dropped the ball on the 07 Camry, Honda picked it up and has a brilliant car. I cannot find any fault whatsoever with the EX performance - tight but very positive, smooth, exactly responsive steering, and the suspension like the rock of Gibraltar, barely transmitting bumps on the road, but not too soft or teeth-jarring like sport suspensions. The acceleration of the EX I4 puts the Camry V6 to shame.

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  Love my Accords - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Wilhelm - December 15 - 11:31 am

  I own three Accords and one Pilot. I love the 2017 sedan the best. I chose to stay away from the redesign as new designs usually have quirks to be worked out. Also I like the 2013-17 body styling better compared to the 18.

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  Best Coupe Under $40K Available - 2009 Honda Accord
  By PeasterBunny - December 15 - 5:50 am

  I drove the Infinit G35 (great drive, terrible interior), the Altima Coupe (good drive, just not great), the BMW 3 Series (good drive, OVERPRICED) the Mercedes C230 (rides like a Buick), & the Toyota Camry Solara (chunky drive like the Mercedes). None of these cars compare to the Honda Accord V6 Coupe. The only ride I liked better was the G35 but its a rear wheel drive. And for that price it doesnt come with an ipod hook-up?!?!?! No other car even came close to the Accord as far as value and ride. YOU WILL LOVE IT! But drive the others so you have that, ha-ha! I got the best one feeling. Its lovely.

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  First month of ownership - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Glen/Patty Anderson - December 14 - 10:40 pm

  Great, fun car to drive. Advertised mileage is greater than the actual. Overall,out Hybrid is getting about 43 mpg average. Navigation system is good except it found a restaurant in the middle of an empty field. Excellent owner manuals which are really needed with all the wiz-bang electronics. The Civic is loaded with almost everything that one would expect to find on a luxury car.

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  So Much Fun!!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By civcracker - December 14 - 6:13 pm

  I have only owned this car for about 3 weeks now and coming from owning a S2000 and a MR2 turbo I wasnt expecting to love this car the way I do. It is so much fun to drive that I take the long way everywhere I go now. My friends all love it; coworkers keep asking whos acura that is in the lot. I get compliments and thumbs up everywhere I go. Its just an awesome car. i never expected to like it this much. I was torn between this and a used IS300. Im really glad I went with the SI. Expecially since Im getting 28mpg instead of 18. Oh and when the i-vtec kicks in bout 6000rpm! Screamin.

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  Honda Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By R. Young - December 14 - 11:39 am

  One of the best cars ever. I love it and would buy another.