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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  Get one! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By TTexas - November 12 - 1:56 pm

  Stylish, elegant, agile, versatile, spacious, comfortable, smooth, fast, well-equipped, nice finishes, great contours and solid Honda engineering.

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  awesome car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By grimlock13 - November 12 - 1:44 pm

  This car, the 2013 Honda Accord, EX-L V6 is awesome. I love the way it handles, the power that the V6 puts out and the way it handles and manuevers is awesome. I just can not say enough about how I love driving this car. I Feel in complete control when driving this car and it is an amazingly great feeling.

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  Some people are never happy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Johnss2k - November 12 - 12:10 pm

  After 8 months and reading some of these reviews I had to chime in. The v6 in my car is awesome. My 5th Accord, 3 had over 300k miles on them. I get 32.7 mpg hwy and 25 hwy when I drive good. When I drive nutty its substantially lower (to be expected by anyone with a brain). People seem to think you can buy something new and abuse it. The car needs to be properly broken is to get the best out of it. I like the option of changing the locking and unlocking of the doors to my preferences. I also have an s2000 another super car. I refused to trade my 1991 Accord in because at 263,000 miles it is still running so good. The oldie will be the parking lot ding car .

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  2002 Accord V-6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By pioneer79 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  I am pleasantly surprised how many standard options come with this model. V-6 engine, traction control, 6 CD changer, and , best of all, a thermostat climate control system are features that make this car a remarkable value at $23,500. (It is a better value than the Acura TL for example.) Previous Accords that I owned had the power windows and moon roof, so I am accustomed to those options in a car. I live in New England so the addition of traction control makes winter driving less frustrating.

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  Please with all except mpg. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By rjball - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Only complaint is mpg. Experience has generally been 18 in city and best has been 24 on highway.

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  Takes getting used to... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Cami - November 11 - 10:00 pm

  Ive never owned a Honda or a hybrid, so this car was hard for me to get used to. My biggest complaint is the jerking it does while breaking (the electronic brake distribution). When taking your foot off the brake while slowing down, the car continues to break on its own. I miss the power of my sports car & feel the need to accelerate very slowly to keep my rating green. This car is priced to be a less expensive hybrid & is cut back on the inside (no lock on the glove compartment, small center console, lock button only on drivers side, 1 power outlet, no leather). There are a lot of neat features to make up for it though: Eco guide, maintenance reminder, auto climate, Aux/USB ports, sport mode.

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  Brakes and wheels - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By b mytinger - November 11 - 9:15 pm

  Have had problems with warping of the brake disc and was told this happends often by the dealer. Tire wear is uneven and the car drives stiff.

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  forget the kids i bought it for me - 2003 Honda Element
  By pitts - November 11 - 9:02 pm

  All the bells and whistles of a cadillac - killer stereo. thank god i didnt get a gas hog. real fun and a tremendous conversation piece, We call it the little hum (akaHummer)20 bucks a week for gas 14000 miles and no real problems

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  Buy it, You wont be disappointed - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By WillieB - November 11 - 7:30 pm

  Had to have it after the first test drive. Very comfortable ride and a good solid feel of the road makes this one of the best SUVs available.

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  So far so good.. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 1st van owner - November 11 - 3:02 pm

  Purchased our first minivan a few weeks ago from a reputible Honda dealer. Had 39500 miles so we got the "certified honda warranty" good for 10yrs/100000 on the powertrain and 12months/12000 on everything else. About day 4 of owning we noticed a shimmy/whining in the front end when applying the brakes. Took to our Honda dealer and was told the brakes and rotors were replaced when the vehicle was certified. The brakes were shot. We were asked if when we drive, do we ride with our foot on the brake. NO ! They agreed to replace without a problem, and so far 700 miles later everything seems fine. No smells,smimmies, or whines from the front end. Overall were VERY pleased thus far. Great ride !