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 Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By soccerref - November 29 - 10:00 am

  An excellent combination of performance and economy packaged in a very comfortable car. The engine is very quiet. Although not a V6, the acceleration is surprisingly adequate for a 4. The stick shift is crisp and unmatched in its class. The leather seats are very supportive for long hauls. Im getting 35MPG on mostly highway driving.

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  A Reliable Car it is not - 2013 Honda Accord
  By P. Beck - November 29 - 4:11 am

  This is my second Accord with a major repair bill (transmission, and starter motor) before it had 60,000 miles on it. Honda does nothing to offset these repair costs (nearly a $1,000 a piece.) There are many complaints on-line re. the starter motor and yet they refuse to recall the part. They were rude and dismissive when I called Corporate to complain. DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!!

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  No problems... - 1996 Honda Accord
  By ethylsdad - November 29 - 2:00 am

  The Accord is a great car. It has no real faults except for its horsepower deficiency, and its not-so-smooth auto transmission. Its fun to drive, just not as fun when pushing the gas to the floor as say, a 2003 Accord 4-cyl, or especially the V-6. Great economy, ample room, and great build quality overshadow these few shortcomings.

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  Nice for what it is - 2016 Honda Civic
  By David Burke - November 28 - 5:10 pm

  Some of the reviewers here think they should be getting Lexus quality in this car, but thats not going to happen. I owned a 2009 Civic Sedan and a 2013 Elantra sedan before buying this one so I am able to compare pretty well. First and foremost for me is the cabin noise because thats where they really got better over the other two, with the 2009 Civic being really noisy and this one very quiet for a small car. Ride is second because this is much smoother than either. Cabin noise, ride and handling make this car feel like it should be much more expensive, and this handles like a dream for the price. I was really wowd when I first got behind the wheel and it is a pleasure to drive. The seats could be better & more comfortable but overall the quality of the interior is much nicer than the other two. What I think is that this car is a really good value and I am quite happy with it so far. Not many miles yet so I cant comment on reliability.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rwidau - November 28 - 7:03 am

  Great and dependable car. Awesome gas mileage!!! Only problem has been with the drivers door not shutting tightly. I would highly recommend this car, especially if you are trying to save at the gas station. I average 36 mpg here in Indianapolis.

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  Not good for me! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By guest - November 28 - 2:46 am

  Purchased a Honda Accord V6 due to the reviews. This car has been the worst new car I have ever bought. Been to the shop 3 times for the coil replacement, 1 time for a new injector pump, 5 times for door and dash rattles and brakes at 26000 miles. No more Hondas for me. The dealer has been great to me but the car has been a poor choice!

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  CIVIC - 1992 Honda Civic
  By yonskibabe - November 27 - 2:00 am

  purchased with 60,000 miles and has 165,000 now. Best posssible small car available!

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  Why not perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jack riley - November 26 - 2:40 pm

  The car is good. I dont understand that a car maker with so much experience has not realized that the headroom is too low. They improved to make the car wider and longer, but failed to recognize to improve on the headroom like Toyota and other car manufacturers did. Thats too bad , because now we have to wait another 10 years for the next model change.

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  2006 Accord EX/L - 2006 Honda Accord
  By thec - November 26 - 2:03 pm

  We took a 2000 mile road trip a week ago. We didnt really care for the comfort of the front seats for a trip that long, although the driver could at least adjust the seat position more.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bmidd31 - November 26 - 2:00 pm

  This is my 7th Honda I have owned and already love it. I sold my 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5SL for this car. I was not happy with the Nissan and did not like the 28 MPG on a 4 cyl engine. The bottom line is Nisaans are not Hondas.