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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  1996 Honda Accord 25th Anniversary - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Torch - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. You get bored with the car before it wears out!!! (I just bought a ford truck) I have been thru 4 sets of tires and a couple complete brake jobs..I think this is due to the weight all in the front of the car and fortunately my husband is a mechanice!!At 122000 miles I am noticing a hesitation in the transmission shifting from 2nd to 3rd in the cold weather until the car warms up. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Nice car but... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By pat - September 4 - 3:10 am

  Good car to drive, but not as fun as previous 96 Accord LX. You notice the weight in corners and stopping but the acceleration during highway merge and passing in straights is wonderful. Not made for cornering. Road noise is intrusive and the radios tinniness doesnt block out the road noise. Drive feedback through the steering wheel is numbing. Transmission shifting is clunky and noticeable especially during smooth, gradual acceleration. Outstanding ventilation controls and headlights.

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  Best Fun-to-Drive Car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JustinW - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun car you could purchase for the money. With a 9k redline there is no doubt about the fun this car can produce. The handling is superior to almost any car. You get good looks, good performance, and great mileage from a Honda so you know it is reliable. The closest comparable car to a S2000 would have to be the new C6 Corvette, which probably doesnt handle as well in the convertible model.

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  perfection - 2004 Honda S2000
  By arthur k - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Boxter Ive driven the TT Ive driven the Miata. None of them match the ride, the responsiveness, the fun of the S2000. Every time I drive the S2000 the only question that occurs to me is, why would i want to drive anything else?

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  Got more then i paid for - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Adrian Villanueva - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. You get more then you could ever pay for. The most reliable car I Have ever had. It does not sacrifice anything. Put it to you this way I will never buy anything but a honda

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  Love pushing that pedal - 2005 Honda Accord
  By jsflan - September 4 - 1:33 am

  Only had it two weeks, but this car is much more than my 2001 Accord 4 cyl. trade-in. 240 HP v. 135 HP for starters, and that increases the driving fun exponentially. In my advancing middle age, Im also lovin all the bells and whistles, esp. the XM...but the biggest thrill now is the acceleration, handling and steering. Very fun to drive, at least for one used to a 4 door, 4 banger for the last 4 years.

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  16 Lx - 2016 Honda Civic
  By doc gupta - September 3 - 6:21 pm

  Much better driving experience then previous generation civic

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  06 Honda Civic LX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Peter - September 2 - 3:06 pm

  This is my first Honda purchase and it sure wont be my last. The car looks and feels like a million bucks. For a small affordable car it is loaded and drives like a more expensive car. The 5 speed automatic shifts vey smoothly. I have taken the vehicle for a weekend trip andd it perform wonderfully. Very comfortable ride. Highly reccomend.

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  Best non family car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PHM - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, great handling vehicle with quick response and a quick ride. Plenty of power and smooth shifting 6 speed transmission makes this car FUN to drive. Great vision at night with the new headlights!

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  Lovin my new Accord!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By janey81 - September 2 - 1:34 am

  Wow - I absolutely love my new car! Honda has really done an outstanding job with the new styling and features! I have always loved their cars and this is my 4th one. I just traded in my Civic that I bought brand new 10 years ago and drove over 161K miles with never any problems! The new Accord is such a smooth ride and I havent experienced any of the road noise that some of the other reviewers have commented on. For the price and value, I dont think any other car can beat this one! Love love love!