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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  Another Winner From Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JoD - November 2 - 11:43 am

  Much bigger and better than our Accord 00 EX-L trade-in, which we loved. The xtra room is a bit wasted on us, empty nesters, but the Civic is too small. "Gliding" can best define the comfort and quietness of the ride inside. Driving is nimble with quick steering and smooth road feedback. Ample power is confidence inspiring; the heavier new car has better weigh/HP ratio than the old one. This trim is about right for us: we dont need moonroof, heated seats/side mirrors (we live in S.FL) of the EX-L. But all the safety eqpt. is the same. Some other STD features add true value. With the leather seats, comfort is close to EX-Ls at a "best buy" price.

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  Another Happy Customer - 2009 Honda Fit
  By James - November 2 - 4:23 am

  We truly enjoy the performance of this vehicle. Even though Honda Fit has a small engine, it picks up speed easily. We have no problem recommending this car to our friends.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Pam - November 1 - 9:10 pm

  I only purchased this car 3 days ago, and I really love it. This is my 3rd new car in less then 2 years and I think I finally have found a great car. I test drove Camry, Milan, Elantra, I owned a 2006 Sonata did not like, On my first gas fill up I got 27 mpg city. Have not been on highway yet. Am thrilled w/gas mileage so far, cant wait to take it on a trip to see what I get. This is a great car, the EX had the features I wanted, the only add on was the Protection Package and I am going to add the auto-dimming mirror at a later time. I highly recommend this car.

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  My Honda Accord Hybrid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By perry beck - November 1 - 8:33 pm

  My 3rd Honda Accord. Outstanding body style. Excellent interior finishing. Very comfortable to ride in. Performance is excellent. As good as my V8 Durango. I wish that it came in a few other colors. Getting into and out of is not as easy as my last Accord. The power front seats are great. I have enjoyed the XM radio a lot. The car is very quiet and a pleasure to drive

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  Awesome car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Crystalis - November 1 - 4:46 pm

  Great car for the money. No mechanical problems, awesome gps, roomy and comfortable interior.

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  GREAT CAR, POWER,COMFORT, STYLE all in ONE - 2016 Honda Accord
  By JACK HILL - November 1 - 1:38 pm

  I bought one of these cars as I wanted the quality that comes with buying a Honda product and I am MORE than pleasantly surprised. It took searching the entire east coast OF THE USA to find one, and one dealer would not tell me where the car was. DEALERS had wildly different prices out of the four dealers that had one. It is not a big seller and most dealers do not stock them, only the larger dealers will buy one MAYBE two for the entire year. The car moves down the road with ease,power and gets looks from young and old people, most people do not what kind of car it is, most guess at a Civic, but they all say "NICE CAR !", and it is. Comfort, style, power and the latest in technology all wrapped into the most successful mid-size car of the last 35 years...THE HONDA ACCORD. I will take care of this car and I am sure it will more than take care of me. this Honda Accord has Leather interior, 360 watt/ 7 speaker sound system, 2 video screens(one touch screen), 2 cameras, 4 way power drivers seat, power everything. It might be .5 second slower BUT The Accord Coupe actually blows that car away....and I loved my 93 Sunfire. This Accord Coupe should serve me well.

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  Accord a Great Value Proposition - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ttank - November 1 - 5:50 am

  I recently leased an EX-L I4 with Automatic Transmission and now have 1200 miles on the car. I am very happy with the features, performance and economy that this car offers for the money- I leased for $290/mo with $0 down and 12K miles/year. I love the way the car looks every time I walk up to get into it. I am averaging 28 mpg in combined ciy/hwy driving. My only complaint is an occasional interior rattle coming from the rear shelf area of the car that I have not yet identified the source of. The EX-L has virtually every feature a driver could need. Again for the money, it is hard to beat the value offered in a car with the features of the Accord EX-L

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  Love my Honda CR-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dan Troutner - November 1 - 4:49 am

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  Long in the Tooth - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hyampols - October 31 - 10:43 pm

  When I first purchased the Accord in the fall of 2007, I gave it a glowing review, noting that Accord had a perfect balance of quality, value and sportiness. After nearly a year of ownership, the car seems to be getting long in the tooth. Yes, it is roomy, has a nice interior, silky smooth engine, good transmission and direct steering. Yet, the Accord seems to lack that spark posessed by its predecessor. From the hard and uncomfortable driver seat, excessive body roll, several rattles in the interior and intrusive road noise, the vehicle just does not strike a chord (n.p.i) with me. In fact, I find my 2006 Civic Ex w/Nav to be a better built, more comfortable and more engaging car.

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  Old accord great, New accord even better - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Carey - October 31 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought the 2005 accord about 4 months ago. Previously had a 1993 accord that never had any major problems (Typical Honda). The honda is awesome. It has a lot more room and the ride quality is outstanding. Personally i would have perferred the V6, even though 2.4L has plenty of power.