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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  wow what ever happened to Hondas suspension rough - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Stephen - July 5 - 1:48 am

  The absolute best Honda I have ever owned is the 2006 a accord Ex..jNever a problem road like on a cloud. I have only owned the 2016 a couple of weeks. But disappointed in the comfort and the. Hard plastic steering wheel and the small console.seems to me Honda is cutting corners to save a buck or two.only my opinion..all I can do is hope I dont have any problems and if I do Honda America will take care of them under the. Warranty.The above is an opinion I have.Quality and reliability is number 1 to me.l

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  A Honda Believer for Life! :O) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dottie - July 5 - 1:40 am

  I have a 1997 Honda Del Sol and have owned 2 Preludes and I have to say that Honda delivers what others do not and that is a quality car with great handling and performance (more than the hp might suggest) for the money. I was hesitant to consider the new Civic after having had an older model as a loaner when getting my Del Sol worked on and I found it to be flimsy and loud but this new generation Civic is a charmer! I went to the dealership to try out the new Honda Fit as a supplemental car to my Del Sol which has over 100K miles on it and test drove the Civic, too, and fell in love. So far, Ive only had it a week but find the ride quality and performance to be great!

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  Trouble with rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By zion kodary - July 4 - 11:46 pm

  This car has brake problems and transmission problems. Does not shift correctly; it gets stuck on 3rd gear.

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  2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JLHDU - July 4 - 11:06 pm

  This is my third Honda and first CR- V. I am very happy with my V. It has plenty of interior room, except when my 5 y/o son attempts to sit behind me while I am driving. His legs are too short and end up against the back of my seat. Otherwise, I know what to expect with a Honda...excellence! Granted it doesnt ride like my BMW 740i but it is bound to be reliable. The only ride issue Ive noticed is that you definitely feel nearly every bump you drive over. If Honda could just soften the ride, they would have an even better vehicle. Ergonomically, the interior design is very good. Of the vehicles in the Vs class and at the 25k price range, the V is the best buy on the market!

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  A Superior Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By sly98 - July 4 - 6:53 pm

  This is my first car. Hands down, no contest, this is the best economy car you can get out there. It saves you money with the great gas mileage and maintenance costs. Plus theres the great resale value. The build quality is great. I have the blue ex couple and am very happy with my purchase. Have had the car exactly a year now. Just lacks that all out power, but it does have enough though.

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  Great all-round car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By accord owner - July 4 - 4:06 pm

  This car will treat you well. Its comfortable, and its passenger volume is excellent for a coupe. Its huge trunk and folding rear seats make it practical as well. Hondas reputation for reliability has held up so far, however regular wear items like the tires are surprisingly expensive on this V6 model with 18" wheels. The car handles faithfully and has excellent traction if you have the original-spec tires. Theres a general sense of solidity to the car, even at seven years old and more than 100,000 miles, the interior doesnt squeak or rattle, wind noise is minimal, and the ride is still comfortable but taut, as a coupe with sporty pretensions should be. Speaking of which, straight line performance is staggering. This engine loves to be worked hard, and has a pleasing intake note. Low end torque is excellent, and power increases linearly to 5000 rpm, where there is a second wind due to the variable valve timing. When youre not working the car hard, it settles down nicely as a daily driver. Fuel economy in city and mixed driving is acceptable for a relatively heavy car with a big 3.5 liter engine. On the highway, two or three cylinders deactivate to improve fuel consumption, and Ive logged as high as 32 mpg. The navigation system is dated, but gets the job done. Disappointingly, bluetooth is only for calls, there is no way to pipe your music over the air. Over the aux connection, the stereos clarity and bass strength are impressive. Dual-zone automatic climate control is amazing, and frankly I dont think I could buy a car without it, now that Ive gotten used to it. The driver and passenger can set their preferred temperatures independently, to be maintained by the climate control. The front seats are comfortable and well bolstered and, when required, the back seats are capable of fitting two adults in satisfyingly comfortable conditions, though entry and exit are a little undignified. As for complaints, the transmission can be dim-witted at times, and reaches for higher gears earlier than I would prefer. When you demand full throttle for an overtaking maneuver, a second or two can pass until the transmission drops a couple gears and the full grunt of the wonderful engine can be used to effect. The interior trim is hard plastic and a pseudo-aluminum that seem cheap, although the fit and finish are stellar. Overall, the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 is not only excellent value for money, but an excellent car outright, even at almost a decade old. Honda built the Accord Coupe better than it needed to be, and better than I expected. Its an ordinary car that makes me feel extraordinarily satisfied as an owner.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Matt W. - July 4 - 9:21 am

  My Honda just rolled over 95,000 miles and it still drives like a brand new car. The only problems its ever had was needing a new starter at 90,000 miles and new battery last year. My favorite part about the car is that it has a lot of power and accelerates very quickly when you need it to, (5.8s) to 60 which is pretty quick for a midsize sedan. My only complaints are that the low profile tires dont give a very smooth ride and theres no aux cord or bluetooth to connect a phone. But overall Its a great car and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. This is our third Accord one has 290,000 miles and the other one has 165,000 miles, with routine maintenance this car will last forever.

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  there are much better cars out there - 2003 Honda S2000
  By HondaMan - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned Hondas. I wish I hadnt got this one. I had a flat, and the tire wont fit in the back. All the power is at the very high RPM bands. it is cramped inside. There is no low end torque to speak of. Man what a waste.

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  Civic EX Best Thing Yet! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Foussé - July 4 - 2:00 am

  What more could I ask for then a all around great car. Looks good, awesome gas mileage, fast, handles great.! I love it!

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  Better than I thought! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By chorobe - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would find myself in an Accord because there were so many of them on the road already and I did not want to be like everybody else. But when I test drove this car, I understood why it was so popular. And for $13,000 for a used one with 38000 miles, it was perfect. The car is quiet, comfortable, and has plenty of power coming from the 200HP Vtec engine. And I definitely like the exterior styling on this generation compared to the new 2003 models.