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 bang for the Buck - 2009 Honda Accord
  By MJ - October 7 - 9:23 am

  I have had my Honda for 8months now and thought I would relay my remarks. I currently have 10.5k miles. Now Im a pretty picky man and take attention to detail. The Honda took my expectations above and beyond. Nothing broke or had I had a problem with. It did well in the Chicago winter with heated mirrors and the defrosters are placed well. I love this car. I am getting paint chips but I do ride on the Highways mostly. For those that complain about road noise get better/bigger tires - I hear no noise with the stock 18 low profile tires. Those that complain about the seat, well I never have a problem, perhaps my model has a better seat. Great car - I expected to ride this into the ground at 200k+.

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  LUDES RULE - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By gatorfan69 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Just upgraded from 97 auto to 00 SH model. Base model is nice, but SH is a must for true performance. The SH offers dramatically improved handling and whips corners as fast as the driver can handle. The car has ample power, but anything could use more power. Add some bolt ons for a few more horses. Love the styling (the headlights grow on you), but interior is a bit bland, and can be unconfortabe for a taller person. Good gas mileage unless you push into Vtec on every gear. Could use a 6th gear for better hwy mileage. I have some worry about my clutch already making noise at 44k mi. But I bought it at 40k, and I dont know how it was treated.

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  The Best - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Mr Frank - October 7 - 2:00 am

  There is no reason to buy any other car the Accord works great, last forever and is fun to drive

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  So happy we chose the CR-V EX! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MCJ - October 7 - 12:01 am

  The Honda CR-Vs spacious interior and comfort is great. Love the side view camera that shows a wide view when changing lanes. Just packed the college student up and it held A LOT more than expected. Great car in every way!

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  Whats happening to Accords? - 2007 Honda Accord
  By k03ep0r - October 6 - 10:16 pm

  My last 2001 Accord LX V6 was probably the last best Honda Accord model. I had to trade it in for EX-L V6 and here all my disappointments started. New EX Accord interior design is very good, however leather trim on steering wheel is sticking out on one side, while its flush with plastic on the other side. The car developed rattling noise somewhere in the rear door or behind it. The car is in repair now at only 300 miles on it. Trunk liner and rear door plastic are cheap and not flush with metal.

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  Fantastic value!! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By DRwatch - October 6 - 3:10 am

  Wanted to downsize a little from my 2007 Acura TL-Type S. Test drove an 2008 Fit to see what was all the hype. It was great. Couldnt wait for the 2009. Went to my local dealer and put a deposit on one even before they came in... the car was that much in demand. Glad I did. It is amazing. Not as fast (or flashy) as the Acura, BUT, it is so nimble and just plain fun to drive. The folding rear seats (up and flat) allow for an AMAZING amount of room! Dont miss the Acura at all. Average just around 37-38 mpg in city driving... and sometimes I really push using the paddle shifters :-). Test drove many cars before I settled on the Fit. Easily outclasses ANY car in its class. Get one!

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  Bluetooth interface Issue - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tony2222 - October 6 - 2:35 am

  I have a 2013 Honda accord sport cvt model. I noticed the bluetooth interface with Pandora and the phone is not working correctly. I took it to the dealer and they noticed the problem also. they check with the Manufacture and they said that they not have any software updates for this model they said they have it for the EX model. Now Im stock waiting for more people to complaint for my interface isssue to get fix. I dont want my car to be the testing car. Help. Problem. Phone: Call history delays about 10 minutes for it to show in your call history. Pandora: Does not connect correclty all the time. Issues with dropping Pandora thru bluetooth.

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  pretty aint she - 1995 Honda Civic
  By James diggy - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car from my sis at 116k miles. It is fun to drive, heater worked great, A/C sometimes is weak, just needs freon. worked great no big mechanical problems. The muffler had some trouble, but what do you expect with over 100k miles. It was a good car. The biggest problem that I have had with it though is Thieves. I owned the car for 1 year, and it was broken into and almost stolen once, and a couple days ago It was stolen and the punks ruined it. that is the problem with it, thieves love these things, and apparently they are easy to still cause 3 other civics were stolen in my same neighborhood and we have a relatively low crime rate.

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  1992 EX Sedan :: 11 Years - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ex_driver_rbs - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 92 EX sedan new after several GM lemons. After nearly 11 years I now have 115,000 (local and highway) miles on the car and not one problem! Routine maintenance and timing belt the only time the car was in the shop. Drives like new except the window motors (slowing down). Plan to keep the car and give to my daughter when she is ready to drive.

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  1995 Accord Sedan Dx - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Accord95DX - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Accord during the summer of 2001, since that time I have spent money on only oil and gas. The car is very reliable and consistently gets over 30 miles to one gallon of fuel. I have the 5-speed transmission in my Accord and I absolutely love it, shifts are clean and crisp, and downshifting at high-rpms will put a smile on your face. The torque in the lower rpms is lacking, but this is true with all small displacement cars. For being such a heavy car it accelerates very quickly and passing on the highway is a breeze. Overall, the Accord is an all-around good car, from economy to performance.