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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  Great car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Nick - May 16 - 9:52 am

  Best car Ive ever owned from an overall value standpoint. Went from a 10 Infiniti G35x to the Accord and actually preferred the Accord. No, its not exciting and could be called an appliance, but doing 25k+ a year, this car was perfect and price was great. Went with Sport in 13 because of exterior styling but would have preferred Sport appearance on an EX-L or Touring. This was fixed in 16.

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  Honda Accord - 10 years use. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By N. Solis - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My Accord now has 180000 miles on it. I like it very much and intend to replace it with another Accord or a Camry.

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  Almost too good to be true. - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Kevin Senecal - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough about this car. 167,000 miles and she runs like new! Follow the manual to a tee and shell last forever. I too am getting 30+ miles per gallon. Drawbacks: Slight rust below gas cap (thats with meticulous care), fuel filter is one hell of a project, replacing rotors is a nightmare.

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  Honda Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By mperez - May 16 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Honda, it was 2yrs old. The car has been excellent. Very few things have gone wrong. It is now over 10yrs old with over 130,000 miles and I know that it will start every morning. Only problems areas have been the a/c and the cv joints. otherwise, I take it in for a tuneup every year and thats it. still put around 15k miles on it a year, and ov80mph on hiway

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  Almost Perfect! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By T.C. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Civic Si brand new. I have never had a single problem with it mechanically. Just followed the recommneded maintenance - thats it! I have driven it through fairly heavy rain/snow with no problems - that is, AFTER replacing the stock Michelin XGT V4s, which were downright DANGEROUS on any wet road conditions. I am now running Yokohama Avid T4s, which are not as high-performance but they increased the ride comfort considerably - at the cost of more body lean in the turns due to a softer sidewall. A fair trade-off, because their wet-weather capability is outstanding.

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  A good car with some problems. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Tonisama - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Good: Interior build quality and control layout is hard to beat in a car of this price. Controls are all well placed and materials are high quality. The car is very comfortable to drive. Bad: Engine is noticeably loud in the upper RPM ranges. Automatic transmission is not very smooth between shifts. Engine downshifts as soon as I take my foot off the accelerator, then abruptly shifts back up into previous gear. Causes car to lose speed even when traveling downhill! Strange black trim pieces gave me pause. Why didnt Honda make the EX exterior trim, which was integrated and color matched, a standard on all trim levels.

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  My 2002 Honda Crv Ex - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sherlee - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My experiences have all been satisfactory. This is a well made car.

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  A reliable sporty car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By FuSheng - May 16 - 1:33 am

  This car is very, very fun to drive (for those who like sporty cars and sticks). It gets excellent gas mileage while still being pretty quick. The interior is very nice, with some cool Si-only touches. I got a crazy good deal on this car used, but Im not sure if Id like to pay full price for it new. Its not quite as quick as some of its competitors (only 160hp). But, it outhandles most of them, and, importantly, it has just about bullet- proof reliability. Most other "Pocket Rockets" are pieces of junk with powerful motors (like the Neon SRT-4) but the Civic Si will still be perfect 100,000 miles from now.

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  Good for the Cost, Reliability - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dstech - May 16 - 12:40 am

  I have now owned this car for close to three months and the thing that gets me is the gas mileage. Its got good functionality, nice looks--but the gas mileage is the part that sells it.

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  Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lestat - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised by the overall practicallity of this vehicle. Everything in the car has its place and purpose, from the numerous cup holders between the driver and passenger seats to the back seats being slightly higher than the front.