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 family minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sylvia - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Overall nice car. Perfect for a growing family and all the gear. The Odyssey is great for around town and wonderful on long trips.

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  Honda keeps up the good work - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Patrick - April 28 - 1:10 am

  My new wife informed me that my 2003 Honda Civic Coupe EX wasnt exactly a good family car and that we needed to look for a sedan. I did a lot of research and ended up wanting to stick with Honda. I was impressed with the 2006 Civic Sedan but my wife talked me into trying out the Accord. We werent even a mile out from the dealership during our test drive of the 2006 Accord LX Special Edition when we decided that it was the car for us. I loved my Civic but comparing the Civic to the Accord is like apples to oranges. The entire car is just a step up. The comfort and ride of the Accord is phenominal. The build quality is great. The 4 cylinder engine performs beautifully. We love it.

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  Great for the Heat...not for the cold. - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By NRSP - April 27 - 9:46 pm

  We bought the 2018 Honda Odyssey to replace our 2006 Toyota Sienna. So alot has happened technologically so that was something getting used to. Although I still am mourning the loss of the CD player...but we will have to find a way. The controls for the temperatures are another story...I dont mind that things are touch-screen, but some things just can be reached without taking off the gloves...and when the windchill is -20 degree outside, its pretty tough. PLUS we spent an entire 8 hour drive from Chicago to Cleveland trying to figure out how to get the defrost/defogger to work properly. We ended up with windows that were frosted ON THE INSIDE of the car because we couldnt figure out the proper settings. All in all the van is good. Just the temperature controls have issues. In terms, of interior storage...we found that the back seats dont lie completely flat. There are bumps and ridges on the seats that would not allow you to lay something down. For example...if I wanted to sleep in the back of the van while camping, it would be very hard because the molding on the seats would make it near impossible to only have a sleeping bag. You would need a mattress to cover up the plastic on the backs of the seats.

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  Excellent design, questionable quality. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Derek - April 27 - 4:13 pm

  Bought my Accord in the fall 2009. Have since put on about 5000 miles, the car currently has about 26000 miles on it. I must say that I am really impressed with the design of the coupe (not sure if they fell asleep designing the sedan). The coupe looks awesome and I get lots of complements. I have owned 4 Hondas and I must say that every time I got a new one, the build quality has gradually got worse. First, door seal came off, then glove box started to rattle, I am watching the rear brakes closely now as many complaints there, rear brakes at 35% but front at 75% interesting. Today I heard new center console rattle. Car vibrates @ 60-70 mph. What happened to Honda quality?! Looks is not all.

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  I LOOOOOVE my accord!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Islandgrl - April 27 - 3:40 pm

  My 2006 Accord Coupe is my first car..i couldnt have asked for more. = ) This car is so reliable, i never have ANY problems with it. Its easy to clean, fast...enough ; ) and the ride is very smooth. I HIGHLY recommend this car for ANY ages!

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  Awesome Ride - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ammoguy - April 27 - 2:46 am

  I was initially looking at the Mazda 6, but when I got into the new Accord I couldnt get back into the Mazda. This car responds right away when you tell it what to do. The ride is comfortable and relatively quiet. The looks are excellent. People didnt think much of it when I said I was getting the new Accord until they saw it.

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  BRAVO HONDA!!! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Usopachat2002 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  No wonder I always see 90-93 Accords in the street. My, car was very reliable, fun to drive & it drives like a brand new car. It is the best car ever came from Japan.

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  Excellent, fun car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By donoby - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Car is excellent for someone looking for clean handling and excellent reliability. while succeeding generation Handa Accord coupes are more stylish, this car still looks good after 8 years.

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  not bad - 1999 Honda Civic
  By puloneke - April 27 - 2:00 am

  the car handles like no other front wheel drive ive driven, my mods to it are as follows aem short ram dc sports 4-2-1 header dc sports short trow shifter apexi n1 cat back hyperflow cat tanabe suspinsion, 2 inch drop 16x7 inch rims gas mileage in the city so far, 25-30 mpg i bought the car with 40,000 on it and i really enjoy the car the arrest me red paint is the greatest only prob i have is the passenger windo sometimes has a problem rolling up

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  Cant Go Wrong. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Fireline - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Inexpensive quality thats fun to drive. This car works, and its that simple. 62K, and still no oil leaks, sqeaks, rattles, knocking, or other annoying sounds you get from other economy cars with similar miles. Ive owned an 01 Accord, and my Civic is far more fun to drive. 5 speed is silk, and the engine is incredibly quiet and smooth through all of the gears. I feel lucky to own one. The only improvement could be better power windows. Mine are slow to rise, so I can see how others dislike them as well. I plan on keeping this car for a long while.