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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  Honda is really over rated - 2005 Honda Accord
  By T.C. - November 3 - 1:33 am

  My 2005 Honda Accord DX was a piece of junk. The car is really over rated. First of all the transmission went out at 7000 miles Luckily it was under warranty. Then at 10000 miles a cylinder went out so I was riding around with a 3 cylinder. Then at 11500 miles the A/C went out. I bought this car for my bussiness car because I had read and heard that an Accord was the best car out there so I believed and bought one, but that was a mistake as you have been reading. So at 15,000 miles another cylinder went out and Honda replaced that for me, At 25,000 miles I finally realized this was a mistake and traded the car in on a 05 Mercury Sable

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  Very Impressed! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By ejernest - November 2 - 11:10 pm

  After 15 years of mini vans, we finally have a ride I love to drive. We traded in our 06 Odyssey Touring. We test drove pretty much everything in this class with AWD and third row seating. We could not find another SUV in this price range that rode as nice with as much room. We also drove the 08 Pilot and there really was no comparison. The interior design improvements over the 08 probably sold us more than anything else. The additional room is what sold my wife, plus the driving comfort. I never wanted to drive her mini vans but she has trouble keeping me out of “her” new Pilot. At 6’1”, I’m able to sit in the third row seat comfortably. After 500 miles, were very happy and impressed.

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  Great value and fun to drive! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By EXLV6Coupe - November 2 - 1:06 pm

  Picked up slightly used Nighthawk Black V6 coupe a couple of weeks ago. So far has been great. Excellent pickup and great interior. Definitely a great buy for the price. Honda has really improved the exterior styling from the outgoing coupe. Might not be as aggressive looking as a 3-series, but definitely gets head turning. Ample room for someone that is 62", and extremely comfortable for my daily commute (75 miles round trip). Excellent ergonomics and attention to detail. Most of the interior layout has been carefully thought out. Great car!

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  LOve my Accord!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim - November 2 - 5:52 am

  Ive owned this car from new. Over 11 years and 165k miles later and it runs and drives great! I maintain the fluids myself and have done a few brake jobs. Im amazed at how well the car has aged, and now understand first hand, "brand loyalty". I would buy another Accord in a heartbeat and am eyeing the tenth generation as a replacement, but only, ONLY if Honda still offers a manual transmission. The MT in this car is superb for the price point and has been flawless. The 2.4 I4 engine is also a gem. It is extraordinary how well this car has been engineered, the powertrain, the steering, the interior layout and controls, the comfort of the seats are all exemplary. Everything works together seamlessly, and I still very much enjoy driving it. One negative is that the paint is rather weak and I have had to fix a few minor rust bubbles on the fenders and one on the hood. This despite regular washes, including rinsing the undercarriage and wheelwells, and waxes. There are no major rust issues. Another annoyance is that while the HVAC is generally good, the floor vents are some of the weakest I have experienced. I want my feet warm during the Wintertime while still breathing cooler air. For some reason heat is not directed fully to the feet but seems to come more out of the top vents. One other is that the engine, "clacks" in colder weather when started. My understanding is that this is piston slap. While it does not seem to affect long term reliability of the engine it is nonetheless disconcerting, but I have become used to it. Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase, and look forward to a new Accord in the future if Honda continues to manufacture benchmark vehicles and only if they still offer a manual transmission.

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  Love the Honda CRV SE - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By S Cheung - November 2 - 3:02 am

  I love this car. Excellent for all my needs without too many frills. I got another one just like my previous one after insurance totaled the first one.

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  Love the Honda CRV SE - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By S Cheung - November 2 - 3:02 am

  I love this car. Excellent for all my needs without too many frills. I got another one just like my previous one after insurance totaled the first one.

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  Practical - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Gonzalez - November 1 - 3:14 pm

  Its a reliable car with top crash and safety scores.

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  cheap plastics and jittery! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 4kids - November 1 - 11:10 am

  Coming off 7 years of Chrysler T&Cs, we wanted to buy another, but 3 significant problems kept us away: 1. the stow away seats are inadequate for regular adult ferrying! 2. the head room shrank considerably with the side air bags (Im only 6 but felt claustrophobic), 3. and the front passenger seat lost most adjustments. Come on. Figure it out! The Honda solves those problems, with good power, great tranny, comfy seats all around, decent int. storage ideas, and rep. for reliability. Not a bad execution, EXCEPT for the cheap plastics, everywhere. Every handle, lever and release feels thin, sharp (dont get cut) uncomfortable--like youd expect in a minivan for $12K.

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  HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Cali girl - November 1 - 6:28 am

  Fun and economical crossover. Great value. Only thing that would have been nice to have is power lift gate.

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  The reliable machine - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Chakradhar - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my accord 8-year old, and it is two years since then. It has been so faithful to me and worth each and every penny I put on it. Excellent miles/gallon and smooth breaks and gears are the big plus.I highly recommend this car.