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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  More than expected - 2003 Honda Accord
  By corpmin - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Accord provides luxury, quality and dependability that far exceeds the expectations for a car in this price range. I am in sales and use the navigation system daily. It is superb and seems to outperform the systems in more expensive cars. I purchased the car because it was one of the most economical cars offering a navigation system. I have been extremely satisfied with all aspects of the car.

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  Re-designed 2003 Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Honda Supporter - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Accord. I absolutely LOVE the Accord! There isnt a single thing I could suggest Honda change on it. Excellent value in automobiles!

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  Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JUDEs-Nick - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is our 5th Honda Auto, 4 Accords going back to 1979 and theyve only gotten better. The gas mileage had continued to be very high despite the increase in accesories and weight of the auto. The last honda was a 1997 odyssey which just gave way for our 03 accord. The Mini van had 12100 miles on it and was as tight as the day we bought in november of 1996.

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  Marvels - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lynn Marvel - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Must increase comfort on long drives. Long trips hard on back. Lumbar in seats is inadequate. If you are taller than 6 ft. front cabin leg room is too short. Unless corrected will be my last Honda

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  Good car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By south bay sean - January 13 - 3:15 am

  I really wouldnt want any other car at this point. I am VERY tall and cruise control would be nice so that I could stretch my right leg sometimes. Other than that it is great!

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  da s2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By dherhsthj - January 12 - 8:46 pm

  Well the s2000 is a extrordinary vechicle the speed are enormus but mine is different cause i supped mine up.

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  Reminds me of a MG A Twin Cam - 2004 Honda S2000
  By W&G S2K - January 12 - 1:21 pm

  I just purchased an S 2000, after considering a BMW Z4. This car is a hoot, and in my opinion a much better value as a true sports car than the BMW. When I was in college my roommate had a new MG A Twin Cam. Yes, I am over 65! Any way, the MG, as I recall was red lined over 7000 RPM, and it would screem at high revs, just like the S2K. I recall that most of those MGs experienced a total engine failure after about 10,000 miles. Everything about the S2000 is great except the cover for the top (its a chore to put on properly). I am also disappointed in the lack of oil pressure and electric gauges.

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  Comfortable, agile, manual transmission sedan - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Nicholas Keen - January 12 - 7:56 am

  The car doesnt corner as flat as a BMW and doesnt have the most powerful engine at this trim level, but it is quite fast and toss-able on a country road. The slightly gruff, very responsive character of the non-turbocharged 4-cylinder has won me over. The engine loves to rev, feels alive and is your friend for a fast drive, as is the handling, which is agile and sure footed as long as you feed the car some power through fast corners -- if you lift off or are timid with it, it can get a bit twitchy and nervous. On balance Id much sooner have this car with its absence of electronic add-ons, than an option-laden front-heavy V6 that is great for freeway acceleration but doesnt not have the balance of a four and is lumbered with an automatic transmission. Having come from European and U.S brands, it was great to get into a new car and have simply nothing wrong with it. Best points: engine performance; handling; steering; reliability; the standard halogen headlights are very effective -- really as good as HIDs; value for money; passenger space; San Marino Red color. Worst points, minor stuff but: stereo sounds boxy and tinny with a treble bias that cant really be dialed out (lessons to be learned from GMs ability to get decent balanced sound from a modest system); Bluetooth radio streaming sometimes fails -- may be the iPhone at fault; Im not doubt in the minority on this but I would prefer a fully manual climate control system -- this one does not seem good at holding a comfortable temperature and airflow volume in winter when set to full auto with a setting of, say, 72 degrees (but summer A/C performance seems strong). Overall, this car does pretty much everything I care about very well and I am glad I bought it.

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  Honda Quality has come down - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Basheer - January 12 - 7:20 am

  I have new Honda CRV 2016. Quality of interiors is very poor. The car starts to vibrate within 10 minutes and it is very irritating. Has transmission issues and Electronics is outdated. Noise is very irritating. It has resale value just because of name "HONDA" but is not value for money/comfort what you pay for.

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  Very Pleased - 2006 Honda Civic
  By David - January 11 - 11:16 pm

  I was hesitant at first, traded in my Chrysler for the Honda - but quite happy now - enjoy most everything about the car - has better speed and get up that I thought it would have. Quite pleased.