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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  Love my Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Andrea Ripley - April 28 - 11:36 pm

  Since the purchase of my first Honda Accord, I have thoroughly enjoyed this car. Everything is so well designed and the car is fun to drive. The satellite radio is a wonderful feature. I gave up an old mini van for this car. What a great change. The performance was what caught our eye. We test drove a hybrid and the engine was not as smooth as a six cylinder. So we chose the 6. This car has some get up and go!

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  Real Fun - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tom - April 28 - 9:00 pm

  Excellent car for that money. Easy on the pedal. Always have feeling that you have control over the car. Its a big car but you will control it like a smaller car. The inside is roomy. Overall, the car is great.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Honda Civic
  By cwhyte - April 28 - 7:40 pm

  First year with leather in a Civic and I jumped at it. Actually, I wanted an inexpensive car with good mileage, but nice enough that I would be satisfied with driving it 85 miles daily. Ive only had it a week, but it has been fun and comfortable to drive and my first tank of gas got 34mpg!

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  MY FIRST ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By KHan - April 28 - 7:03 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Toyota Corrolla for this accord. I love it. Much more comfort, features and overall a much better vehicle. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a quite and reliable car.

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  My wifes new car - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Rob Brown - April 28 - 12:43 pm

  On the whole, excellent. We love this car. Only real downsides are that the radio/display is sluggish. Plan on a full second delay before response. The cruise control lane assist is a bit aggressive for my liking. I tend to use the full width of the lane not just the center.

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  my civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tenneshia - April 28 - 10:46 am

  I love my civic. It has a very smooth ride, I dont feel no bumps when Im driving. I also love the way its built its just perfect in every way.

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  Please Rethink - 1999 Honda Passport
  By HatedIt - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Just wanted to save some people the heartache of owning one of these. I bought the extended warranty on this vehicle and have gotten my money back and then some. Major problems: Transmission is sealed and very expensive to have serviced, shocks blown at 50k miles, leaks at door seals, ignition coils went out at 70k miles.

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  AWESOME CRV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ice dog - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I WOULD BUY ANOTHER CRV, I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL.

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  Mr. Reliable - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Happy Accord owner - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this Honda for 5 years and added over 80,000 miles to its initial 59,000. Other than routine maintenance, the car has never had a problem starting or running--and working 80 hrs/week at all times of day/night in snow-country, I needed reliability! Gives an average of 24 MPG in highway with stop/go traffic. Reasonable acceleration (I have a V4), still looks sporty in 2004! Very smooth. Because of it I will always be a Honda fan.

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  love it - 2000 Honda Civic
  By profile - April 28 - 2:00 am

  this car is very fun to drive, and is very comfortable. it has been very reliable for me, i havent had a single problem out of it yet.