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 sedan for the money - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bruley - April 25 - 10:00 am

  First experience with a Honda but wont be the last. Have owned American cars for the past few years but the Honda is far better in build quality, handling and resale. Love the acceleration of the V-6.

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  Nearly Perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Easy rider - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall a fantastic vehicle. Has been driven from Tennessee to Michigan and Florida getting 34MPG at 73 miles an hour. Has the power and smoothness of a V6. Extremely comfortable on long trips.

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  What a car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ddavis - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Own an 02 Accord which is an outstanding car. Just bought and 05 for my wife and am very impressed on Hondas improvements to an outstanding 02 design. Im a hard grader not believing something can get all "10s" but this car is outstanding. Bigger and quieter engine, better mileage, very comfortable interior, repositioning of gauges and displays which shows they are continually listening to customers driver comments. The XM radio is an outstanding feature. Cant say enough good things about this car. Looked at many competitiors vehicles as we wanted the best value for our money and a car we can continually rely on. This is it. Check out the 05, youll be impressed.

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  Honda Accord Hybrid - 2005 Honda Accord
  By David Parrish - April 25 - 5:20 am

  The shift from gas to electric assist is seamless. Initially, its seems strange to pull to a stoplight and the engine shuts-off when you break. As soon as you touch the accelerator, the car takes off like a vehicle with a regular gas engine.The drive is smooth with plenty of power for any condition weve experienced.

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  Unique, purely Unique - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Frank - April 24 - 11:50 am

  I expected nothing less from Honda. The car delivers excellent performance and reliability. One can only say it outperforms what Honda states. This is the quietest car on the market. You do not even hear it start. An impressive achievement. While Toyota makes a good hybrid, Honda has kept the price down and delivered an amazing driving experience. I am achieving 45+ miles to the gallon. I drive to my clients homes for a living and I spend lots of hours in this car. Having come from Beemers and high end cars I expected this to be a let down - NOT! You will be proud to own this car and you will be saving the environment.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Tony - April 24 - 4:20 am

  A step up from other accords in utility, comfort and road feel. Confident on highway and handles large bulges and holes very well. I could not be happier. Very stable at high speeds and fuel economy for a vehicle of this weight is superb. Have owned over twenty Hondas and this is the best one ever. Also, once you get acclimated to the rear configuration and learn where all the small view windows are located, rear view vision is not a problem at all, and the back up camera is the best I have ever used. Gorgeous interior and the exterior is much better looking on the ground than in the photos, in fact, very striking and aggressive from most angles. A smart buy - great value for the bucks spent

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  Good car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Yifan Sun - April 23 - 3:32 pm

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  Get it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By honda - April 23 - 11:23 am

  Great car, accelerates fast, has a lot of leg room. Im six foot with really long legs and this is one of the few cars that I could fit into. Was looking at Camry, Corolla, and Civic. The Accord was most comfy and roomy for me. We got a great price too, only $700 more for the Accord than the Civic, while the Accord has so much more to offer!

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  very satisfied customer - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By annie - April 22 - 11:53 am

  I have no complaints about this vehicle, I recently went on a long distance vacation (2,000 miles), and got 25 miles per gallon on the highway using the cruise control. My two teenage children went with me and were quite comfortable in the vehicle.

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  Glad to be back in a Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Capt Bunny - April 22 - 5:26 am

  We had a 2002 Trailblazer and had transmission problems. That is why I went back to Honda. I have a 1990 Accord with 200,000 plus and no major mechanical problems. We love the design and interior and all the standard features of the pilot. The price was very good compared to other manufacturers.