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 coupe - 1993 Honda Accord
  By johndoemd - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Nissans, Toyota, & a Mazda and this car is the only one still standing. I just reached 200,000 miles and I look forward to seeing 300,000.

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  99 ody - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By canuck1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Minor problems all covered by warranty.No problems with tranny which has been a problem on some(2%) ody. in the early models.Might buy a new one in 05,06 if this one stays ok

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  Karens Review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ksmith - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We love the car and so does the middle and high school kids. We have been told that the van is "tight".

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  bad mileage very bad mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By akatz - February 5 - 12:16 am

  extremely bad mileage...17 miles per gallon...complained to the dealer...they said that it is normal because of the v6 and that the sticker info when you buy a new car (and that advertized the car for 27in the city and 35 on highways) is not established by Honda but by an independent company...so honda has no responsibility...Nice pick-up though, fun to drive but a killer for gaz. Also after a year the leather is already wearing off...it is too thin and dries- up and wrinkle very easily...so my friends...beware and ask the dealer more than a few questions....my feel is that there are going to be a lot of these on the used market very soon..so if you want a v6..get it used!!

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  LOVE the EX-L - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Silvia - February 4 - 11:19 pm

  We love love love this car. The cabin is spacious and it feels like sitting in the lap of luxury. The adjustable lumbar support on the drivers seat is perfect. The back seats comfortably seat a tall person and the side windows allow them to look at passing scenery without craning their necks. The Accord is a game-changer for safety. The side camera really reduces tension when changing freeway lanes or keeping an eye on bicyclists. . I had to stop suddenly when a kid ran into the street. The brake went down faster than I could have braked and the stability assist helped me keep control of the car. And. I love CarPlay navigation while streaming music.

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  Great car overall - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Leo - February 4 - 11:14 pm

  Owning this car knowing a lot of things about Honda, I was very satisfied. The car handles incredible rain or shine. The K24a4 more could be better but I was unlucky enough to not find a v6 more that was in my price range. Even though it is a 4L the engine sounds amazing after getting a custom made exhaust. Along with that the inside of the car is great but the one issue I have is that the dashboard looks so cheap unlike the Japanese version thats in Japan. Along with that you dont get Bluetooth which sucks. Plus theres this common issue with the stock radio, I would get a after market radio which is pretty cheap and easy to install, its a typical DIY duty. If youre looking to buy this kind of car with a manual transmission I would install a short throw shifter because Hondas typically have a long throw when youre going to another gear. The short throw shifter makes everything so smooth and easy. Plus a side note to this is that a lot of Acura TSX or TL parts are interchangeable for the 03-07 Honda Accord.

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  2009 Honda Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Wow. Love This Car - February 4 - 5:30 pm

  This is our first Honda. The 2009 is fantastic. Love the leather; 4cyl is plenty of power, smooth, quiet. So much interior room its amazing. And the stereo in this car is like a private concert hall. Stunning. I cant wait to get back in the car every day!

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  Love it, love it, love it! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By PW - February 4 - 3:53 pm

  We have just bought our 3rd Odyssey. No other minivan can compare, I wonder why the other guys dont just give up! I test drove the Toyota Sienna, thinking the new design would finally be some competition. ICK! I cant think of a single thing that I liked better about the Sienna, including the price. The Odyssey drives much smoother and more solid and the stearing wheel has a firmer feel. The Odyssey feels bigger (especially drivers seat) even in places where the specs say the Toyota is bigger. I thought our old 2001 Odyssey was the best ever - but Honda has improved on perfection.

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  Money Well spent - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Tomas Martinez - February 4 - 12:28 pm

  If you got the money get better trim..

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  Honda Accord 2002 SE - Not too satisfied - 2002 Honda Accord
  By DG - February 4 - 11:26 am

  The ride comfort of the Honda is very poor. The economical part of the vehicle is very good. The transmission is the weak part of the 2002 (4cyl) model. Vehicle has been checked out twice by the Dealer. Dealer cannot find problem. The transmission downshifts and upshifts very harsh at intermediate times. There is not a pattern to problem. Now I worry if I am going to be broke down on the side of the highway at some time in the near future and not covered by warranty.