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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  Fun car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Josh Carter - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I have put about 70000 of the hardest miles any car will ever see on this Accord. The engine blew last winter because somehow a Marti-Gras bead was lodged in an intake valve...Who knows how... Other than that, nothing has ever broke. I did have a major issue getting the brakes replaced last year. Sway bars improve handling incredibly. Very sporty feel, and fun and easy to customize.

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  1994 ACCORD EX, Bigger Bang For The Buck - 1994 Honda Accord
  By charles jr - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with about 100 thousand miles on it. I do quite a bit of driving and over the last year I have put 30 thousand miles on the car and have had no major repair costs. This car is great on fuel and obviously very reliable. If you plan on getting a used car more than 5 years old with high mileage, then there is no safer bet than an accord.

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  The BEST & most FUN car Ive ever owned! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Thalia - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I had a Honda Prelude, but this CRV drives better than it did. This CRV is the most fun car that Ive ever driven! My husband even told me that hes glad that I finally have a car that I LOVE to drive now he gets to enjoy the passenger seat. I bought the Honda used. This Honda has been so enjoyable from my first test drive! It handles magnificently, will slide into any parking spot, turns on a dime, it drives more comfortable than any SUV Ive ever driven before. Our driveway is very steep & gravel and it goes up it like a dream! I plan on keeping this Honda for many, many years!

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  ICK! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By fedupwidhonda - June 24 - 2:00 am

  nothing but trouble. Transmission failed at 42,000 miles. Whats up with that crap, expensive to replace. No help from the 3/36 protection. Air Conditioning failed, and a electrical short in the radio! This from the best in class? ICK!

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  Honda Accord V6 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By tom ballard - June 24 - 1:28 am

  I have owned this car for only two weeks-so far so good.

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  Hideous Wheels - 2017 Honda Accord
  By TAR - June 24 - 12:08 am

  I have owned 3 Accord Sedans, all EXL, both 4 and 6 cylinders. Think the car itself is the best on the road. I would have purchased a new one last week except for the only available wheel on every car on every lot ... talking the EXL4. Hideous wheels, cheap looking, not the least bit refined or classy, why belies the rest of the car. I would never buy a car with those wheels. Brain dead on the part of Honda.

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  Great Minivan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By shoop05 - June 23 - 10:10 pm

  Honda makes a great minivan that is powerful, comfortable, stylish and reliable. This vehicle has a very tight fit and finish, very low road noise and great creature comforts. The interior of the van has all the features that make it feel like a luxury car and the exterior is sharp looking. Overall the van outperforms it competition.

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  Good, but not the best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kenny Pomalis - June 23 - 4:33 pm

  Hondas are known for their reliability and build quality, but I beg to differ with the later. Dont get me wrong, my 240hp MT 6spd Accord is more than the average grocery getter. I was surprised by the get up and go. This car is a definite sleeper especially when that VTEC kicks in....look out automatics with less than 290HP. OK, here is the downside, inferior leather seats that crack too soon even with the use of high quality leather care products. Paint is chipping down to bare metal due to only one coat of paint. The dash rattles and creaks around the driver side "A" pillar. had a few problems with the car being hard to start on the first try. Spring in trunk stopped working. The G35 is a better car.

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  Civic Re-designed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bob - June 23 - 2:53 pm

  In search for a reliable and sporty commuter car the new Civic came up on my list for consideration. Price and performance (40 mpg) were factors for a tie breaker, this is were the Civic coupe won us over. From the unique instrumentation layout to the ergonomics of driver position and controls it was evident that a conciderable amount of thought and design went into the Civic. To that end there are hundreds of sensors and electronics in this vehicle that can cause havoic. We have had a problem with the "check gas cap" since we drove the vehicle off the lot. Dealers response was check the cap.... Fit, form and function... great!!

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  Great Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Peech22 - June 23 - 1:36 pm

  The Honda Accord SE is by far one of the best sedans considering the price. Its smooth and has most features that the EX carries, but for much less in cost.