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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  Need brakes again - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Constance - July 25 - 4:33 pm

  I just got a major service (tune up). I was told I need brakes again. In less than 2 years this will be my 4th set of brakes. They say it must be that I drive in the city. Well I have been driving in the city 37 years and never had this many brake jobs in so little time.The car sits low to the ground and scrapes the front bumper when parking head in. The inside frame between the windshield and window is so thick and slanted that you can miss pedestrians in a crosswalk. Even the smallest bump makes a big bang and it is very noisy in the cabin when on the freeway. the paint scratches and chips too easy. Gas mileage is not spectacular. Im sure there is more. Trading this as soon as I can.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 05 Accord EXL 4 cly - July 25 - 5:43 am

  A very good ride. It gets good gas mileage with the 4 cylinder and automatic transmission. Very good leather seats. XM radio is great!

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  Fun, Fast, Invigorating - 2010 Honda Civic
  By mitch - July 25 - 3:23 am

  Lots of fun to drive. Youll hear people talk about the low torque, but theres plenty of power to bring you to 60mph very quickly. Fast, fun car, with Honda efficiency and build quality. Typical civic interior design leaves a bit to be desired on the luxury end, but you get what you pay for. Car is very capable on the road and when driving aggressively through corners and on the highway. The sound this car makes when driving, is something that truly must be heard first hand to fully appreciate. All this with real world MPG rating supposedly around 28-32. The car and all its components feel solid and high quality.

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  So good I bought two! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By A-man - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a sports car in 2000. Drove the new Lexus, Audi GT and Boxter first. Then drove the S2000. Loved every second driving it. Fast, go- kart handling and dependable! I live 50% of my time in England. I went and found a 1999 Red S2000 with 1500 mis on it (little old lady thought it was too hot for her...sat in her garage). The backroads of England were made to be driven by this car. What a blast! 3 years on with two S2000s (for the price of one Porsche)and not one complaint!

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  Pros - 1993 Honda Accord
  By aloysius - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new for my wife. (and me too) traded in 1988 century. Bummer. Have had wonderful luck with it. Expensive to recharge A/C but worth. Thinking of trading in for 2005 Odyssey. Seating kinda low making getting out uncomfortable. Engine purrs like a kitten.

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  Best car I ever owned - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Patti - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Honda, and my favorite. I bought it with 125k and have had only routine maintenance to do on it. I love the visibility and handling, which the newer ones lack. The fuel economy is rare and the 5-spd manual trans lends a feeling of control. We just bought a 1999 Accord EX and its just not the same. They dont ake em like they used to!

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  Great Honda - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By unsuranceguy - July 24 - 5:01 pm

  Overall, very pleased with the Crosstour. Comfort, build quality, outstanding Navigation system(same as Acura), mileage, functionality, and styling make this a superb vehicle for the price. Some Auto magazines question the styling but as an owner, I love it and continue to get compliments. Honda has a clear winner here.

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  First Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By GGRRWW - July 24 - 9:00 am

  I have previously been a Toyota guy, but Ive been so impressed with Honda I dont think I will ever go back to Toyota. This vehicle has it all at a lower price. I can only find a few small things that I dont like. If you pay tolls, the coin holder slots are NOT easy to access while approaching a Toll. Also, the rear door has no good place to push it shut. I use the Honda emblem, and the license plate rattles because it is held by only two srews instead of 4.

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  Cheaply Made and cheap looking - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Addie Parnell - July 24 - 8:12 am

  I deeply regret trading my Honda CR-V for the Accord Sedan. The car rides nice but it is very uncomfortable and hard to get in and out of. The seat belts definitely are not made for short people and getting in and out is difficult for tall people. The seats are a lousy foam rubber and do not provide any lumbar support. The fabric on the door panels are grey and are beginning to show signs of wear and tear with only 5,000 miles on the car. The integrity of the body is greatly compromised. I dont think this car is worthy of the Honda name and am already looking to get rid of it.

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  Get This Secret Hot Car Now - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Elconservador - July 24 - 4:53 am

  Disregard all negative comments about the looks of the Crosstour based on pictures. Guys, see it for yourselves. I have been approached once a week by people with positive praise of the looks of Crosstour. Many folks were in luxury vehicles and SUVs. 1800 miles later and the Crosstour is just getting better by the day. Typical Honda the MPG gets better with age. The V6 is powerfull and the ride is very smooth. The interior and sound package is fantastic. It takes time to get use to the rear hatch visibility issues, especially if you are use to Hondas visibility reputation. However its better than most other vehicles.