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 car weve owned - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By tahitian-tattoo - October 3 - 2:00 am

  After reviewing and comparing every minivan made, we chose the Honda and couldnt have been happier. Power is plentiful, storing the backseat is easy ( if you dont mind removing the headrests). Cup holders seem to be an afterthought. There are plenty, they just dont hold very well. Lots of room, can take six on a week long road trip with all the stuff and have room to spare. Missing AWD and occasional glitch with power doors are only drawbacks that would make us look at another brand next time around. All in all, very solid car and it fit us perfectly.

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  LovesHerAccord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By LovesHerAccord - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Accord LX in March with 81k miles. In 7 months, I have added 14k to that and dont regret it one bit. Its been more than reliable. This is my second Honda and Im sure to have a third. Other than changing the oil and gassing it up, theres nothing else that needs to be done. I wish I could have happened on the EX model when I found this one, just for extra bells and whistles, but Im happy with what Ive got. The gas mileage is awesome, too. I did a lot of traveling shortly after purchasing it and it was affordable. Everything has been affordable and theyve got great resale value. The dealer trade-in value is more now than I paid for mine back in March! I love my honda!

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  overall - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cornman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  handles fine, gas milage 23 mpg with only 900 miles on van. has a slight hum or noise when in 5th gear and just lightly on throttle at 1500 rpm. also sounds like a rattle in under carriage on rough roads, other wise no complaints

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  Wouldnt Let it GO! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Paul Hubert - October 2 - 7:11 pm

  The dealer service reps say the 1992 model Accord is "built like a tank". Ours has less than109k miles and uses NO oil! Visibility is great. Road holding is great. The engines eagerness is also great. Weve just spent $12,800 for body work and complete paint thanks to an other driver at fault minor hit on the rear quarter panel while in a stalled traffic lane. Throwing away a car otherwise in perfect condition would have been senseless and it provided an opportunity to fix every little ding and refresh the paint to factory new! We both think it is SUPERIOR to all the new cars on the road, including Honda Accords after 1993. I never get good gas mileage out of a car. I drive enthusiastically. I LOVE driving. Maintained for 24 years at the same dealership. When my wife bought it she said it was her last car! Hoping for 24 years more! "Value" doesnt address this cars value to us, expressed clearly in our willingness to spend nearly 13 thousand to keep it in the family!

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  I now understand what the fuss is about! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By JBLaney - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  I have only had this car for a few short days, but I am already in love with it. It handles like a dream, and has plenty of power to boot. This car has everything you would want unless a sunroof and 6 disc changer are important to you. With the LX you get the same performance of the EX, but for less money. Not to mention the resale value of a Honda.

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  Good ride - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Alec - October 2 - 9:30 am

  Its a great vehicle I used it for work have not had any issues and have 23k miles on it so far added a cold air intake which I think is a must with this 4cyl you get better mpg and much better performece all in all a solid car would rather have bought the manual version tho next Accord will not be a cvt trans

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  Bad Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Uh ohhhh! - October 2 - 7:03 am

  Ive owned Hondas for more than 24 years and this is the first Honda that merits a major complaint. No matter what is done, the car pulls to the right. Come to find out that there is no way to adjust caster and camber in the front or camber in the rear, only toe can be adjusted. After complaining to Honda and talking to two dealerships, there seems to be no way to fix the problem. The rear tires are so far out of alignment that it can be seen just by looking at the rear of the car. Honda says it is OK, even after their own equipment shows the out of spec alignment. I think Honda build quality has taken a serious decline. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  1st Honda, finally! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By n_stemp - October 2 - 2:00 am

  1st off this forum has been VERY helpful to me. I researched ALOT of cars for hrs upon hrs and I had no doubt that I wanted a Honda, I found a few preludes, on line, and the one I purchased was 400 miles/8 hrs (round trip) away from where I live! I made trip to test drive and fell in love, bought it right there on the spot! I had to have a friend drive me back to pick it up on another day. This car is VERY fun to drive, Ive been in my Dodge intrepid (95 3.3 ltr) for 4.5 yrs, it is more comfortable.. but thats to be expected. I test drove 3 NEW hondaa (05 accord, 04 civic ex, 04 civic lx) and this car (96!) out peerformed all 3! new cars dont have the balls anymore.. fuel efficiency?

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  Honda S2000 Rated - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Rainman xxx - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, lots of power with great gas milage. It is a great looking car and a super value for the money. The car seems to hold its value as I check the used prices. I dont see many of them around, so it will catch your eye. I bought it, and like it.

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  Good Little SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GSC - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very reliable, comfortable, and well laid-out vehicle. Kudos for the interior layout - everything is right where its supposed to be. Well, the automatic gear shift takes a bit of getting used to... just close your eyes and pretend its attached to the steering column. In two years, Ive had only one problem: the outer left rear brake lining detached from the metal backing pad. This caused the most awful metal-on-metal sound. Replaced the rear brake pads & had no more problems. One note: dont get the black exterior paint unless you have the means to have the car washed daily! The OEM stamped steel wheels are also a bit cheesy go aluminum.