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:

• 

  Wonderful car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joeletta Mummert - April 25 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned a 94 Accord for 14 years and am very pleased with the makeover that Honda finally did with this model. This is comfortable, fun to drive and very quiet. I only wish it would have a better gas mileage with this 4 cylinder engine however Im hoping it will improve after its broken in. Im currently getting just 20 miles per gallon with half city and half freeway driving.

• 

  Blown Away!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - April 25 - 1:33 am

  After months of research on this and other sites & countless test drives, I decided on the 08 Accord Coupe. Im absolutely thrilled with my decision! The fit & finish would lead you to believe youre in top of the line luxury car. Definitely a head-turner, I get looks from BMW, Acura, & Lexus drivers all the time; maybe they realize they paid $10k more than they had to for a top-notch car. For people complaining about low fuel economy, are you red-lining it at every stop light or something? I drive aggressively and still get 25 MPG city. The 31 MPG hwy rating is right-on, last 2 trips I got right at 31.4 MPG. Take care of it, drive it right, and it will take care of you (& your wallet)!

• 

  Too Much Fun - 2005 Honda Element
  By Betty - April 24 - 3:20 pm

  I find this vehicle to be a blast to drive. I have never owned a four cylinder vehicle and this I must say has the pick up I need. It is simply amazing at what you can pack in such a compact vehicle. It does have some road noise but the super sound system takes care of that. I find this vehicle has most all the opions a person needs to be comfortable. The seating is great and I have back problems. I would highly recommend this car to anyone and too, I must say the fuel economy is super and in this time and age we need to consider that. Overall it is just a fun little SUV that packs an amazing amout of stuff and is a lot of fun to drive.

• 

  Fun and great mpg - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phil - April 24 - 7:36 am

  I own a 2004 Prius and now own the 2006 civic hybrid. Great car and every bit as nice as the Prius. I currently have 1,800 on the vehicle and am averaging 51 mpg on mixed highway and city driving. I dont know how people can be getting way lower than that. I do not drive like a grandma, just sensibly. Dont expect to get 50 mpg driving 85 mph on the expressway or flooring it off the light. Great car, compares very well with the Prius. If you are seriously considering hybrids, this car is a good choice. I have two kids and we can all get in with no problem. You can definitely be a hybrid only family and take trips with no problem.

• 

  Nice car so far - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By SebastianI - April 24 - 3:07 am

  Need to read about hybrids before buying one: regenerative braking, Atkinson ICE, driving modes (D vs B) and maintenance. Mileage is not great in the cold season (my average was 42 mpg) but is nominal (48 mpg) at temperatures above 50F, on a 50/50 commute of 24 miles. Occasional 63-65 mpg. Hi-tech, like Honda sensing, Bluetooth reliability, audio, wheel controls , precise ride and no frills design. Great car overall - both for commuting and family trips.

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Sailor - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have driven it for 2 1/2 years, driven coast to coast, and 35,000 mi. per year. I have been in an accident, hydroplaneing, at 70 mph and walked away after hitting the concrete freeway divider, returning to the highway doing a few 360s then back to the concrete divider hiting it with the rear of the car. Damage? all sheet metal except the doors were replaced, I drove the car to the side of the road to clear traffic. No radiator puncture no oil leak. Frame was 3 drgrees out of alignement after it left the shop it was 0 degrees out. It has never been back to the dealership for any repair or fix anything.

• 

  MOST RELIABLE CAR - 1994 Honda Accord
  By RICHL - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely incredible reliability. Zero unexpected repairs, only routine maintainance (oil chges,filters,bulbs timing belts, etc.) in over 365,000 miles. Starts better than my wifes new Accord, and drives like the day I bought it cloth seats show no wear. 2 failures in all this time: cassette player eats tapes so it now holds my CD adapter, and the electric antenna mast needed to be replaced ($25.). I kept it away from local Honda garage which has a reputation for creating problems. This has also been my experience with my daughters 93 Accord which has not been as trouble free (bought used).

• 

  New Styling. Tight Pkg. Still Popular! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By casper90651 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This was

• 

  Not Impressed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RA - April 23 - 5:10 am

  So much for Honda reliability. The tires which Honda has decided to equip there best selling car with are the worst rated for driving on snow and in wet conditions. The satellite radio cuts out constantly, the heated seats are barely warm, the sound system is pathetic and the brakes wore out around 15,000 miles (google it...theres lots of complaints). On top of all that the engine is completely lame...just not fun to drive at all.

• 

  After 11 Hondas Im very disssapointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gary"US - April 23 - 3:23 am

  This is my 6th Accord and the very first that I have ever had a problem with. DONT rely on your test drive, the seats are Very uncomfortable and when the engine goes into the "econo" mode the vehicle "shifts/rocks violently" forward and when leaving the "econo" mode it shifts/rocks forward once again which means that the vehicle is "CONTINUOUSLY" SHAKING AND ROCKING. 5 trips to the dealer resulted in 1 new wheel, 3 new tires and rotors turned down, (3000 miles)? have produced nothing! My best MPG at 60 on cruise is 22. I have a 2006 Accord V6 and routinely get 28/29MPG and the ride is Beautiful!!! Seats are very comfortable and ride is very smooth! Save your money, buy a used 06