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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  Much More Than I Paid For - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Hondaguy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Again Honda proves that it makes the most sensible mid-sized car. It is a great design with great quality execution. I have owned several Accords, and presently also own an 02 Accord. Though I was initially hesitant about the unconventional looks of this latest design,I am more than won over by the aerodynamics, safety, fuel economy, low emissions, interior room, and acceleration. The car was delivered with zero defects. With Honda you get much more than you pay for and as a bonus you also have great resale.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chesley - January 10 - 8:53 am

  Well, I upgraded to the HCH II from a Jeep Wrangler, so this is like driving a Lexus for me. But, based upon my memory of my previous Coupe, this car blows all others away. Honda really got it right this time. The new Civic feels more like the Accord sans the leather seats. I opted out of the Navi because the dealers in the Los Angeles area are charging $1500+ markups. The $650 TomTom does the job.

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  2016 Odyssey - perfect family car - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom to busy family - January 10 - 3:54 am

  Plenty of room inside; comfortably fits 8 passengers; drives and handles well. We considered moving onto a SUV but couldnt pull ourselves away from the convenience and practicality of a minivan. Easy entry and exit for kids, plenty of space and lots of trunk room to haul lots of sports gear, groceries, large purchases and many other objects. The trunk room just doesnt compare to the small space offered by most SUVs. Plus the gas mileage is great!

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  Love the Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Eric - January 9 - 11:35 pm

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  Sweet EX Sedan - 2003 Honda Civic
  By steve v - January 9 - 6:56 pm

  I bought the EX Sedan in July of 2003. The Car has been a fantastic buy. I put zero down and could sell it for more than I owe. The only complaints would be: more headroom, sunroof eats up a bit, bigger trunk, my 89 Mazda 323 had WAY more, put better tires on it from the factory, the Firestones only lasted 31,000 miles and were VERY noisy, Goodyear Assurances fixed ALL tire concerns. The great things are: great build quality, great mileage (38.5 highway), resale value, longevity, etc. I will run it til it has 200 to 300k on it and still get a good price for it. Great commuter and traveler car. Obviously not for 5 people, but have done 3 adults, 2 dog crates, luggage & got 38 mpg.

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  Love my honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Thor - January 9 - 5:39 pm

  Beat the crap out of the car, has almost 250k!!! Has had its far share of repairs and aftermarket mods.... Love it will buy the exact same car again

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  Great, reliable car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Matt McClintock - January 9 - 2:09 am

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  Solid Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By kjac220 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Looked at many cars but finally narrowed my final choice to a Subaru Outback Wagon, a Toyota Venza, a Ford Edge, and the Crosstour. Have been very happy with this car! It is quiet on the road and has a nice sound system. Need the AWD for Montana winters and love the sporty look over an SUV (had a Nissan Murano.)

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  Mine is a 2003 LX V-6 Coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rick - January 7 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had my 2003 LX-V6 coupe for 1-1/2 years now and I like it as much as I did the day I drove it off the lot. It has power to burn (it will top 100 just going up the on ramp to the freeway) so merging with traffic and passing is a breeze. At the same time I get better than the EPA mileage estimate, 24 (me) vs. 21 (EPA) city and 32 vs. 30 highway. Handling is reasonable if not spectacular. IÂ’ve done effortless 12 hour days driving from Colorado to Montana. And feature for feature, the price was the best of any make. Nobody else offered a V6 in this class for even close to the price I paid.

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  Totally Pleased - 2004 Honda Accord
  By john - January 7 - 3:43 pm

  Great Power. Comfortable. Quiet interior. Plenty of room (Im 65" & 240 lbs) More agile suspension than Camry.