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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  Very Best Choice - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ehawkins - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Wife totaled our Lexus, (just a small bruise). Did about 6 weeks of research. Honda always came out on top. only about 200 miles on it, no complaints so far. I like it better than the Lexus, for about $10,000 less. The 240hp will flat move you on down the road. Takes a few days to get use to the Nav,CD and radio controls. Nav is awesome, and I really like the XM Radio. Buy it, you wont be sorry.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jp1234 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall this is a great car, but a few major flaws have made me an unsatisfied owner. My Accord EX now has just over 3,000 miles and rattles like a ten year old jalopy. The rear seat, headliner, driver and passenger windows and doors, and dashboard all rattle all the time. I am actually embarrassed to have passengers ride in my new car. I have owned two problem free Honda cars in the past and was really excited to get my new one. I bought this for its quality, and now I am dissappointed because of it.

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  Reliable? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Mugen - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased my Accord "new" for reliability. At 6000 miles the flyweel bolt came loose and got stuck in the clutch, then my AC would come on and off without being turned on -- requiring 4 visits to repair. Now, the radiator fan comes on and stays on all night, killing the battery. This one must have been built on a Monday.

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  Great Small SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - October 5 - 12:16 pm

  Just a terrific vehicle.

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  One fine car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By George Sutton - October 5 - 5:36 am

  I have driven my new EX for a month now, and I love it. It responds as though it can read my mind. Mine is in Galaxy Gray Metallic and I think its beautiful. Honda has done a great job with exterior styling. Its very attractive. Not only does the windshield give it a sleek look, but the windshields angle provides great protection against breakage. While driving on the interstate, a rock from a truck in front of me hit the windshield with such force it would have broken the glass of my previous cars, but not this Civic. Honda has used every space for available storage, and has filled the car with every convenience, from the security system to the laser cut keys. I just love it.

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By A honda owner - October 5 - 3:31 am

  I bought this car almost 20 years ago and I can honestly say it was one of the best purchases I made. It has more than 150,000 miles on it and I changed the tires, battery, brakes, timing belt and front CV joints, but other than that had no major issues. Now my son, who learned to drive with this car, drives this car to and from college over an hours drive away, but so far it is still holding up well. Update Sept 2017: The outside is looking pretty worn but this car is still running good. Just took this car in for a smog test and and with almost 190,000 miles on it this car easily passed. In fact, it passed way below the minimum requirements needed to pass.

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  crv nav - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By steve - October 4 - 7:56 pm

  Went from a 2000 civic to cr-v for room for baby. Back up camera works well along with nav. Excellent ride, comfortable with good pick-up.

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  I LOVE this car!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By hankyjackz - October 4 - 2:23 pm

  I had given lots of thought as to what car I really wanted and this was one of the main options, with the others being 1.BMW M3, 2.Mitsub. Evo IX, and the IS300.. I can in all honesty say I would not trade my car for none of those (well, maybe the m3 :-). It simply has the best of all worlds: Interior/exterior design, FUEL MILEAGE (Im getting 30+MPG consistently), features, reliability, cost of Aft.Market parts, love the stock rims so dont have to buy aftermarket ones (Will paint them black with red lip though). Everything about it excites me and that transmission.. OMG awesome! cant get enough of it.. If you are thinking about buying one, dont hesitate and DO IT!

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  The Accord is still the best midsize sedan - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Benjamin - October 4 - 7:24 am

  This is the 4th Accord my family has owned, and its the best yet. The EX model that we just got has amazing features for the price, including remote start, AndroidAuto/AppleCarPlay, moonroof, smart entry/putshbutton start, dual zone climate control, rear seat AC vents, etc, etc. Love the LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and tail lights. As always with an Accord you get great comfort and room, sporty handling, and excellent sight lines all around. The last is quite important, since most cars these days have poor visibility out the back. Excellent power and gas mileage. Compared to previous generations of Accord this car is quiet and powerful. Love the car so far.

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  Hondas Best SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Larry - October 3 - 3:18 pm

  We purchased the Elite trim to have the best of Hondas safety technology. Our guests will enjoy the panoramic sun roof, but I dont anticipate the video ever being used. Wish that the engine shut off at stop lights could be disabled. Great, comfortable ride, we look forward to roadtripping, soon!