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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  My 6th Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 6 Time Honda Owner - July 21 - 1:56 pm

  Owned a 1980 Civic DX, 1983 Accord Hatch LX, 1989 Accord Sedan, 1997 CRV, 2002 CR-V EX...and now, 2008 Accord EX Coupe 4Cyl AT. This coupe is the nicest of the bunch! Its a well built beauty. Solid build, comfortable interior, smooth ride, fuel efficient (averaging 27.9 mpg, reasonable price and, its a real head turner. I simply love it!

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  Love my Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DBH - July 21 - 11:10 am

  What a fun car to drive! I thought the 2-tier dash would be a turn-off but either Ive gotten used to it or Honda really knew what they were doing (probably the latter). Fit and finish are what you would expect from Honda. I am concerned with how my seats will hold up in the long run. They look great now, but what about in another 20,000 miles? I love listening to this engine as I run it up to 8000 rpm out in the country. What a thrill! Although you may have trouble getting your hands on one quickly, it is worth the wait. I couldnt even test drive one at the dealership--had to drive my buddys si. A great way to celebrate your 45th birthday. One of my all-time favorite cars

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  A Perfect 10!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By JPF - July 21 - 10:33 am

  Perfection. We had a 1999 Odyssey. Honda made all of the improvements you could think of. This van is awesome. My wife will not switch with me. She was thinking of ditching the van concept but not now. Honda is a great car - van - company!!!

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JeffM - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought his vehicle used and am happy so far. The kids enjoy the DVD and my wife enjoys driving it.

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  Damn Good Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Man-o-war - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had it for about a month and Im really impressed. Looks kinda small from the outside and blows you away with the space inside, especially with the rear seats folded (really cool feature). Peppy without being gas guzzly, and the looks are in line with the clean, classic Honda look. Is much quieter than my old Corolla, and I dont slow down as mych in the rain. Really happy with my purchase.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike A - July 20 - 2:53 am

  I have been a Honda owner since 1979 and my 2009 coupe is the classiest to date. I really enjoy driving it. It handles and brakes extremely well, but it lacks power/acceleration when passing cars on the highway. Im sure a 6 cyl would be more responsive. I am not intimidated by the center dash controls and at night the cockpit looks very impressive.The leather seats are very comfortable and the diver seat controls make it easy to adjust. I am very impressed by the separate climate control system for the driver and passenger and the 6 CD stereo. Im a little disappointed in the trunk space. I can just squeeze in my large golf bag and cart. Overall there is no other car that I would want.

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  EX-L feels like an Acura - 2016 Honda Accord
  By david - July 20 - 1:21 am

  It was down to the Camry vs Accord. After a test drive of both it was clear the Accord was for me. I test drove the Accord EX-L and Camry XLE. The EX-L is roomier up front and feels more high-end. The Accord is very quiet and talking on the phone at highway speeds is no problem, but I remember the Camry being even more quiet. That was the only advantage I found for the Camry. I thought price was in Camrys favor initially, but at the trim levels I was interested in, this was not the case. Granted, I bought the car on December 30th, and used Edmunds (which was $1000 better than Truecar). FYI: I just passed 1,000 miles and my overall MPG is at 30.4 mpg.

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  Touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By francis henke - July 19 - 4:02 pm

  Great gas mileage, great tech package.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By aesullivan12 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Element. It is fun to drive and is so cool on the inside. Ive taken the back seats out at times and threw a couple of bean bag chairs in the back and went to the lake. I opened the back up and sat in my bean bag facing the water. Its so versitale and easy to clean when it gets dirty. After I bought mine and let my 70 year old mother drive it, she decided to buy her one!!

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  Honda for good - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Texidor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Good quality & performance overall.