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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  Best Mid-size ever built by Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By HondaMania - October 17 - 1:36 pm

  Ive shopped everywhere for a affordable yet sporty midsized. Ive looked at Camry, Maxima, and Mazda. The best was Honda Accord. Its got luxury, power, attractiveness, and even comfort. The V6 EX L is not cheap. I ended up paying over $31,000 after taxes and fees but its been well worth it. Acceleration is more than enough for my wife and me, interior room is very spacious, and I feel like Im in a true luxury vehicle. Sometimes I forget that its a Honda. Yes, its that good.

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  Impressed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bug4 - October 15 - 9:03 pm

  Picked up my silver EX-L with black leather and a spoiler last weekend. I love it! Im a fan of the exterior styling, but what most impresses me is the interior and the way the car drives. The interiors design, looks and quality have grown on me since I first drove the car. The automatic transmission is smooth and very predictable. I hate auto trannys, but think Im going to be able to live with this one. I love the responsiveness of the throttle. The cars handling is very competent and even a little sporty when you push it. After looking at almost every car on the market under $35k, I think this is the best bang for the buck - certainly not perfect-but a very nice car for the money!

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  Found The Best Kahhh!!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By duval - October 15 - 7:06 pm

  Wohhhh WEhhh, found the best kah!!! I used to have a honda civic and a honda integra overseas. I love them both but I think I need a bigger kahh this time. Everytime i drive the car is like a feeling of satisfaction and peace of mind... everybody, you know what i mean, dont get me wrong, domestic cars are good but nahh, there just too many of them in the side of the freeway that needs towing......love everything about this car, inside has got a lot of leg space, outside is conservatively MACHO...and the best is that everybody looks at me ,opps sorry!!! at my car at the stop light.

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  Great style, economy, and technology - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Bob - October 15 - 3:55 pm

  So far I really love this car. Access to the USB port for Android Auto could be a little better. The gear shift blocks it somewhat. Also my Samsung Note 4 barely fits in the cubby hole where the USB port is located. Back seat room is superior. The ride is very nice overall. So far I would highly recommend buying this 2018 Accord.

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  Mixed bag but overall an excellent choice. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By MJTX - October 15 - 3:43 pm

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  Odyssey is AWESOME - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Casey789 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyessey EX because we have one child, one on the way and two dogs; we needed more room than our SUV afforded. We have not been let down. This van is spacious, comfortable, rides smoothly and is quiet. The dual remote sliding doors make getting in and out a breeze. The cargo area is huge. The disappearing 3rd row seat is a snap to use. Its easy to see why these minivans are in such high demand.

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  Dont Ya Just Love It? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - October 14 - 5:33 am

  Truly a vehicle for all seasons. Payload is great, mileage for its class is awesome, comfort is nice, visibility is good (much better than the Honda Element with its nasty blindspots...have 2500 mi on it...ask me again in two years...

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  Long term reliability concerns - 2006 Honda Civic
  By viccard - October 13 - 11:03 pm

  I had 4 door DX-G for over 2 years, have 45K miles on it. The bad: Stock tires are really summer tires only. After 25K miles they had minimum tread left and had to be replaced. Front brakes started making squeaking and grinding sound after 20K miles. After installing another set of pads and not fixing the problems I had to replace rotors and pads at just over 30K miles. Front wheel bearings were replaced under warranty at 30K miles after developing noise. Few weeks later I got a letter from Honda about the recall affecting wheel bearings on most 2006 models. Sometimes for no reason the car takes longer than normal to start (few seconds of starter spinning with the engine not catching)

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  The Fit is perfect - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ultimat451 - October 13 - 10:40 pm

  I went on the waiting list for the Fit before it came out. Finally received it a week ago in Storm Silver metallic and absolutely love it. I think this is one of the better colors for the Fit Sport as it shows off the body work and looks like liquid mercury in direct sunlight. I have never been a big fan of large cars, mainly because of manueverablity and less then ideal use of interior space. This car, although small on the outside, seems as big as a 97-01 CR-V on the inside.

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  I never thought Id say this... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof3 - October 13 - 5:30 am

  Now with 3 kids I had to upgrade from my Nissan Murano to the Odyssey. I never thought Id be a "minivan mom" but the Odyssey is so comfortable and convenient, with lots of room, Im so glad we got it. I wish the gas mileage was better. The DVD is great and I love the auto side doors. Very happy with it!