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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  Like it but dont love it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ech227 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The car has some rattles around the moonroof and the windows creak if they are only open an inch or two when driving on anything but the smoothest road. I only experience decent performance when on the expressway or not in crowded city traffic. If you are driving in the 20-40 mph range, the car seems to lug and be unresponsive when you step on the gas. The headlights dim when idling at a stoplight or whenever the compressor kicks in. The brake pedal sinks if you are braking slowly and go more than 30 feet or so, the pedal will sink down and you need to press harder to have to car continue to brake.

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  Great performance and value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By OC - August 7 - 8:26 am

  After test driving a bunch of cars, including Acura TL, Lexus IS, C class Mercedes, Infiniti...it was an easy decision to settle on the Honda. Absolutely great value for the money, performance is superb, feels great, just like the Acura TL. Some reviews on this forum complain about road noise...I have not heard it at all. Also I read complaints about the seats...somewhat true but in my case I find it forces me to just sit up straight and have better posture. Overall, I love the car. My only wish is cosmetic: projector beam headlights and LED tail lights. I paid 27K and change for mine plus all the other dealer options, TT&L, etc etc. I do not regret my choice at all!

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  Buy if you like WHINE - 2010 Honda Accord
  By David - August 7 - 6:43 am

  Coming from an unreliable 07 Passat, I expected this car to be reliable. Not so! As the car heats up, there is this awful mechanical whine/drone coming from the engine. It is a horrible sound and makes driving the car intolerable. That and the stereo crackles in the dashboard and is clearly very flimsy. Im really disappointed so far. Otherwise, the car handles well, is balanced, has great suspension with good road feel. The EX manual is calibrated as it should be, but the car would benefit from joining the rest of the world by developing a 6 speed manual. Decent performance, not great. My kids love the back seat room, and the interior is open and airy feeling. But this car has me worried.

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  Model EX-L is a rip off - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - August 7 - 2:24 am

  2016 Accord added a feature call "Honda Sensing" which is included in the navigation package that costs $2000, which includes FCW, LDW, etc. However, you guys need to know that 2013-2015 Accord EX-L include FCW and LDW as a standard instead of an optional package that cost $2000 dollar. I rather buy an ipad to be my navigation system.

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  Drive to believe - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Serg - August 7 - 2:00 am

  9k, the tach flashes and shift... only on this or a race car... it also turns and stops (in case u need it). Had a BMW M Roadster and when compared to the S2000... feels like a u-haul.

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  Just purchased - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Carolyn - August 6 - 7:30 pm

  We were actually looking to buy a compact SUV like the Subaru Forester, Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 but when we actually thought about it, we decided they were too small for our needs. It ended up as a choice between the Pilot and a Toyota Highlander. The Pilot was just better designed and better built. The Toyota salespeople ignored us so that didnt help them. This vehicle is fun to drive. Love the heated leather seats, 6 CD changer, DVD player, sunroof. Drive is a little sloppy on cornering but nothing that I cant get over. I am a safety girl and love the 5 star crash rating. Gasmilage could be better. Like the interior better than the exterior but the exterior is not offensive, just plain.

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  First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rramjet - August 6 - 2:33 am

  Convinced my wife she should get a Honda for reliability, quality, resale yada yada. She gave up her 04 Cadillac CTS. The car does have good styling, Seems economical compared to the CTS. One of the nosiest vehicles Ive ever driven. I have to assume Honda is trying to keep the weight down by limiting insulation. Tires may also contribute. Compare it to a Malibu if you can. Difference in sound level is unbelievable. The driver seating is uncomfortable. Im 63" 245. Probably the most unbelievable to me is what must be a totally inadequate electrical system that allows marginal headlights to dim when the A/C Compressor cycles. Had a 72 Datsun that did that. Wife loves her car.

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  need selling price - 1990 Honda Accord
  By xx - August 6 - 2:00 am

  have driven since 1997. Bought frm elderly coupe, no kids or smoke. perfect condition. Just had exhust system cleaned out and new fue pump. Last of metal timing belt, so never need to replace

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  Love my S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By JohnA - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but great fun.

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  owesomee - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mizrak - August 6 - 2:00 am

  this car has no limitation on speed.