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 vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jf123 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had several new cars but this one is absolutely my favorite by far. It has a happy-medium between sporty and luxury. I had been looking for a car that looked young but also mature and this one definitely fits.

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  Stealth Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By racerick - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6sp manual is the true stealth vehicle. If you are looking for a refined vehicle that makes you giggle when hit the gas pedal, this is the car for you. So tell everyone about how safe and luxurious the car is, youll get no arguement there. What you may want to keep a secret is how awesome it looks, black on black with the Honda Factory Performance package which adds an extra tuned suspension which lowers the car about 1 inch, adds some flair with the underbody spoiler and 17 inch high performance tires, and how that makes the 240 horses grip the road, and the 6 close ratio gears get those horses galloping.

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  04 Accord LX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 123456 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great value, the car is very comfortable, has good brakes, accelerates well, and has little body roll in taking corners. The stick shift is very easy to use. I picked this car after testing the Altima & Mazda6.

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  Definitely "Fit" for me! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Lilli Schrader - August 30 - 1:07 am

  This car is absolutely amazing! I own the EX version and Ive never been more in love! Its comfy and super easy to steer, not to mention the awesome turn radius. Its super compact and can fit in tight places. Really great gas mileage especially with the econ button. The Honda lane watch is the best invention ever making it super easy to take turns and see into your blind spot. I would recommend this car to everyone!

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  5 mos of Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary - August 29 - 8:30 pm

  After 6 Chrysler vans we switched to our first Honda. The bad quality of the Chrysler vans and the good reputation of Honda caused the move. The extras are well done and the overall quality matched our expectations. But, the steering wheel is two inches closer to the dash than any other making seat adjustments difficult. I consider this an irritation not a major flaw. However, the real big problem is the PAX tire system. I would love to meet the engineers and management that approved it. The ride is hard due to extra thick sidewalls, you cannot replace the tires or rims with anything but the PAX type, and the cost is $250+ each just for the tire. This is going to kill the resale value.

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  2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By nlagares - August 29 - 8:23 pm

  2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Dislikes Internal hard drive – Can only copy original music cds, you cannot copy any media files. This is terrible because most people purchase their music online so you do not have the original disc. The internal hard drive becomes useless. Navigation, when you set a destination and start driving the only way to change it is by voice command, which almost never understands what you say. You have to stop the car in order to change it manually. Imagine being on the highway and you have to get off just to set your destination. This also makes your co-pilot useless. 7” screen – Poor music information layout artist, song title and album are laid out in such a way that

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  Take Two - 2008 Honda Fit
  By MisterC - August 29 - 5:30 pm

  After losing my 2007 Fit in a bad multicar collision my dealer got ahold of an 08 Fit sport for me. So far, car is nearly identical to the 07. The only major new feature is the government mandated tire pressure monitor system. Corrected from the 07 is the giant bar of rubber wiper blades that were notoriously loud in all but the heaviest of rains. Theyve been replaced with more standard looking blades. Windshield fit seems to be improved as well (the 07s have problems with rattle/whistling windshields that are corrected with some silicon sealer) Overall a great fun car to drive, lots of room for stuff, and easy on the wallet both at the dealer and pump

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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By tom77 - August 29 - 3:50 pm

  My CRV is the first non-domestic vehicle that Ive purchased. Ive been disappointed in the quality of the big three automakers for over 35 years and my Honda CRV doesnt seem to be much better. I dont know if the fact that my CRV was built in England has anything to do with the defects that Ive encountered but it shouldnt matter anyway. This CRV was missing numerous body fasteners from the factory and the rear window glass is defective. The engine is losing coolant internally and the dealer doesnt know where its going. There is one door that seems to have a problem with the latch.

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  Dream Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy to finally find a truck - August 29 - 7:49 am

  This truck is very comfortable to drive/ride in. Plenty of front seat room and adequate rear seat room for passengers. With the rear seats folded up there is plenty of room for dogs or hauling groceries. The handy lockable trunk in the truck bed is very nice for things that you dont want to load in the cab. Drives very smooth. This truck may not be the truck for people that want a true truck. This is more like a luxury SUV with a truck bed. Still have not tested the AWD features.

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  Fit to Drive - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jim S - August 29 - 6:43 am

  I bought a Sport MT in June. I live near Cripple Creek Colorado and drive to the Springs.(104Mi, 2 Hr) I average 42 MPG. Power up the pass is adequate.I recently drove to Georgia and found that when I exceeded 65 mph my mileage dropped to 35 to 38. At lower altitude it was noticibly more powerful. Wind and large trucks did not seem to effect it.The radio is great. It looks small but is roomy inside and a hoot to drive. Handling is a little stiff but sure. Its not intended to be a luxury car. My first snow experience tested the highway treads standard on this car. I will change them before next winter. Fit and finish is beautiful. Ride is quiet with room to haul all your stuff.