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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  Bad Seats - 2007 Honda Accord
  By G - May 6 - 12:10 pm

  I love the way my Accord LX looks and drives. However, I have been very disappointed with how uncomfortable the seats are. The angle of the seat is much steeper than in other 4-door sedans. Without a power adjustment I find myself constantly adjusting the seat front to back and up and down without any success in terms of finding comfort. Hondas look sharp and their engine performance is incredible but they have really let me down on comfort.

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  Fits fit me - 2016 Honda Fit
  By richarad kite - May 6 - 4:20 am

  Improvement on this model are beyond the original in handling and stability. Electronic improvements are adequate compared with the newest model year.

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  fun and power in one package - 2005 Honda Accord
  By street rod - May 6 - 3:30 am

  this vehicle is used as a daily driver and performs to every expectation i had for it. plenty of power when needed and a quiet comfortable ride when going for extended distances. could not expect more from a car- has also been extremely reliable.

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  S2000 at 1 Year - 2001 Honda S2000
  By James Z - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owed BMWs and other sports cars and this one without a doubt is the most fun to drive. A little weak in the low in power range but you forget all about that when the rpms rise above 6500. I have experienced no problems with the vehicle and other than me wearing a set of rear tires off nothing other than normal maintaince has been done. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  overall great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By 4 honda - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have over 107,000 miles on this vehicle only problem is limited power on hills and replacement of u-joint cost over $1000 due to the fact that I had to replace entire drive shaft in order to replace u-joint( not sold separately)

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  Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - May 5 - 10:40 pm

  Ive had 2 Accords before this one, both of them were 2002, and both were leagues better than this one. This car had rattles at 500 miles and has horrible performance even for a four cylinder. The car hesitates when accelerating. When paying 22k for a new car, it should be solid and not have any squeaks or rattles. I am very disappointed with this car. On top of all this, I get horrible gas mileage; in city driving I get 15-16 mpg. Apparently the car isnt broken in yet, but I know someone who has a new 4 cyl Accord which is past the break-in period, and he also gets around 17 mpg. I would NOT recommend this car to anyone. Go for the Camry; I test drove it, and its much better than this car

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  Car in Minivans Clothing - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - May 5 - 5:43 pm

  With 2 kids and their grandparents visiting about every 3 months, we needed a versatile, comfortable, safe and reliable vehicle. A crossover was not an option since we needed a vehicle that allowed us to "walk" (not contort / crawl) to the back and take care of a newborn. Test drove the Odyssey, Sienna, Quest and Entourage. Sienna-drive too trucklike and more expensive for same amenities. Hyundai drove well, but interior looked and felt cheap. Quest was not well built+expensive. Just bought this so no report on the MPG, but the overall report thus far is great! Smooth, quiet, car-like ride. Lots of room for storage and kids. Thoroughly tested everything in it B4 buying and all works great.

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  Practical, but fun to drive - 2007 Honda Civic
  By KEVIN - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my hybrid last week so it is too soon to know quality/reliability. Hoping Hondas reputation for building reliable cars holds true. Car is fun to drive and so far I have been getting about 35 MPG in town (I almost never do highway driving). Car takes a little getting used to as the hybrid system can be a little jerky at slow, coasting speeds as the regenerative braking system charges the battery. Other than that the hybrid system is seamlessly integrated and the result is a nice ride with ample (not great, obviously) acceleration. The seats are a little uncomfortable and really lack lateral support.

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  Another Great Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By RAC - May 5 - 9:06 am

  Just leased my 4th Accord. I had an 05, 01, and an 83 and also lease an 04 Civic. Loved them all, but really like this car. It looks classy and drives sporty,with excellent handling and a very comfortable and well finished interior. I dont think there is a better combination of quality, features, and price on the market. Fuel efficiency will improve once I break the car in. I miss the red gauge indicators on my 05 a little, but the gray/white ones are growing on me. The Alloy rims are an improvement, with no annoying edges like my 05s to collect break dust.

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  Great vehicles and service! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris Whitely - May 5 - 5:06 am

  The Odysseys are great cars for a big family - very comfortable, safe and handle very well. Planet Honda is a great dealership to lease from, excellent customer service, good at answering questions, and responsive to customer needs.