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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  Sleek and sexy - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RogersRocket - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 2000 S2000. Vehicle has 20,500 miles on it. This car is well built and drives like a dream. Only draw back is plastic window in back and a pain putting boot over top. Stereo could be a better quality sound. Honda should have put the speakers in the side panel of door. This is a fun vehicle to drive that performs well and seems to be of good quality. Highly recommended. Worth every penny.

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  Boggled 1 - 2004 Honda Element
  By boggled 1 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the most well thought out vehicles on the market today. Although Honda tried to target the younger drivers. Im 44 years old and appretiate all that the element offers. As a home owner, there are times when I have to haul items. The removal of the rear seats makes this task very easy. As well as the clean up, when all you have to do is wash out the interior with a hose. The comfort and styling are impressive too. And the sound system is superb. My wife and I really like having the Element experience. Were boggled!

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  The ELEMENT of Form & FUNction - 2004 Honda Element
  By JimXtra - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my ELEMENT and I love it. My first foray into SUV and this one is not only Funky, but Fun to drive and travel in. ThisSUV is NOT like everyone else. This is not the Soccer Moms SUV! This is the I want to have fun and travel in style SUV and I couldnt be more impressed with its style comfort and power!

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  Very Happy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By D.Sanchez - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Had car since Sep 03. Very happy, no problems. I get nothing but complements where ever I go. Love the gas mileage. Love that I only need regular unleaded gas. Best car I ever owned thus far.

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  Unbelievable!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Matthew - December 10 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had numerous vehicles in my life, and I must say that the 2006 Honda Odyssey is the most impressive vehicle Ive ever driven! The ride and feel reminds me of a smooth and tight sports car, but not lacking the interior space as seen in those vehicles. The cabin is a scene of tranquility and peace without the noise of the road. At normal interstate speeds, you could literally hear a pin drop.

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  Family sports sedan with few compromises - 2018 Honda Accord
  By James - December 9 - 1:03 pm

  Let me begin by saying that I totally understand how great modern automatic transmissions can be - but I i find driving a manual to be so much more enjoyable. I have driven with paddles and they are just not the same. Consequently, finding a car with a manual transmission to replace my awesome (but aging) 6-speed manual 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD was my first priority. Unfortunately, there really isnt that much to choose from. I considered a Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Civic Hatch, Ford Focus ST, VW GTI, VW Golf R, and Subaru WRX. All of these come with a set of compromises. I was thrilled to learn that Honda was going to offer a manual on their larger (2.0L) engine for this Accord re-design. This almost never seems to happen. If there was a wagon version of the Accord, it would have been tops in all the things I wanted. Even without a hatch, it was hard to match the value of the new Accord. The thing that put me over the top was the rear legroom. With two small children using car seats in my family, this was a big plus. See how much legroom you have up front after installing a rear-facing infant car seat in a Ford Focus! Even though I had never owned one in the past, based on favorable automotive journalist reviews and Hondas reputation, I pre-ordered my white Accord Sport with a manual transmission mid-October. The car arrived within five days after 2.0L Accords starting rolling off the lines. I am very pleased with my purchase. The backseat is extremely roomy. I can install my daughters rear-facing infant seat and still put the front seats all the way back. If you have small kids you will know this is a rare feat for a mid size or below automobile. Overall it is a great family car. The Accord is going to replace our Subaru Forester as the road-trip mobile. Aesthetically, the car is fantastic. Two things Im not thrilled about: First, the trim/detail along the rear windows toward the back corner of the car is silver chrome. It would be better if it were black chrome like the Sport models grill. The front end, just over the edge of the hood, does stick out a bit. I think it would have looked better if it did not protrude or even tapered backward. Nevertheless, the black chrome on the Sport model reduces the prominence of the grill area in general (a common complaint) and overall makes it look pretty darn good. The black chrome sport grill is an available add-on option. Id recommend considering this for any non-sport trim. Trust me, it will look better. These somewhat minor criticisms aside, I feel the Honda designers hit a home run. The shape if the car is very fetching. It really does look more expensive than it is. The black accents in the grill and wheels on the Sport model set up what I believe to be a spectacular looking contrast with my white sedan. Driving this car has been a blast. It has a smooth sounding and feeling engine, and a great shifter. The seats are very comfortable with good bolstering and support. You can even move the lumber support up and down (not just in and out) on the drivers seat. That is a first for me. There is ample acceleration and power. The car feels very fast. Any more power might not do the car many favors given that it is FWD. You can lay down more rubber than you expect with the 2.0L engine. This probably wont stop me from seeing what the tuners at Hondata have to offer once my warranty is up. Body roll is very minimal in hard turns and the suspension strikes a great balance that supports aggressive driving while not punishing passengers when you drive over potholes. The controls are intuitively laid out and the touch-screen is responsive. The sound system is only average, and the Sport should have been given the option of a head-up display, but it is sadly not available. And you cant choose your preferred interior color if you go with the Sport. That kind of sucks, but the standard black is very nice. This car would be an absolute beast, and possibly one of the best sport sedans on the market, with AWD and a turbo-charged 6-cylinder engine. Im sure that combo would out-perform high end German and Italian Sedans for half the price (are you listening Honda? Id pre-order one of those today!). If you want to have fun driving your car, want a manual transmission, have a family (or other adults) to haul around in the backseat, and really like the idea of long-term reliability, I cant see a better choice than the Honda Accord 2.0L Sport. I absolutely love this car.

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  Fast & Reliable - 1994 Honda Accord
  By High Resale - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has a wonderful appearance and the VTEC engine provides more than ample acceleration on a 0-60. The cornering is precise and the interior features are well placed. Im sure this Honda will go another 100k miles like the rest...

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  I Love My Honda! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Scarlett - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive always had VWs..all models...never thought Id switch, but when I test drove my Honda, I fell in love with the comfort and ease of driving this car...it flies. Plus, I love the leather interior and the beauty. That is not prevelent with the VWs. Honda is a smoother drive and since I keep my cars for about 12 years, Honda is the way to go...I researched this. Hondas have a great safety record and low maintenance record also. My kind of car. Im loving it.

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  Best thing I ever bought!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By 8track - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought about a month ago and it is even better then the test drive. I think you are foolish if you avoid looking at Honda just because everybody has one!! Isnt obvious why everybody has one!!!! Think about it!!!!

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  First time car owner....love this car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By bostonianman - December 9 - 10:00 am

  It has everything you need and everything youd think of wanting. The engine feels like your in a V6 car. Its nice to find something with power items as a standard. Gets around great in city traffic. ABS may be one thing it lacks, but once you have one of these cars...youll forget all about wanting them. The price was very well worth it and the dealer I went through was very friendly and honest. I recommend if you get this car, make sure you extend your warranty as much as you can. Its a great starter car for someone in college or fresh out of college. Once you try it, you will not want to walk away from it.