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:

• 

  Euro Yellow - 2002 Honda Civic
  By zeusdude - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for nearly 2 years and loved every minute of it. Drives great, everyone everywhere has to talk to me about the car and the color. Could use a little more storage and horse power. The shifter is the best, easly goes into gears and flys down the road.

• 

  Complete Package At The Right Price! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Realtor01 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Got the vehicle at clearance pricing which was a blessing on its own. Put on 500 miles in two days and the ride was a dream. Exterior style works because it seems to reduce wind noise when you have the windows down. Navigation system leads the way and is always out to impress others who share the vehicle. Love the fact that the nav screen is touch screen and that you can also use it to display XM Radio/CD/AM/FM (which shows Artist name & Song title), A/C controls & even has a calculator + calendar. Rear leg room is superb, trunk space is great for signs and quick getaways. Excellent on long drives (100 miles each way) and sharp handling reflexes. Took a fast turn and it handled flawlessly.

• 

  Great car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By honda convert - April 8 - 10:00 am

  My family usually purchases American made cars but these have had some reliability problems lately. Weve tried to look at Hondas before but werent happy with the sales personnel at the local dealership. This time the strong reviews and the resale value of the Accord made us take a second look at a Honda. We were fortunate to meet up with a good salesperson too. The Accord is well designed and has great acceleration. Very little body lean and sound handling on tight corners. Seats are comfortable and the ride is good. Good highway gas mileage. I would definitely purchase this car again!

• 

  Always a Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By JANEHONDA - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Had them for years, will always have them for years to come. The best!

• 

  My 2004 Accord EX-V6 is a lemon! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Tony123 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first honda and will be the last one for sure. The car was bought one month ago and failed to start twice. The battery keeps on running low because some parts are consuming energy after engine is off. Now the dealer needs to locate the problem.

• 

  Perfect Reliable Coupe - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Aaron Fine - April 6 - 10:11 pm

  For something reliable, yet sporty, I couldnt think of anything better.

• 

  A Step Above - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By KW - April 6 - 3:16 pm

  Owned a Chrysler T&C (loved it) and a Mazda MPV (loved it), With the extra money for the Odyssey, every penny was worth it. It is a world apart from the others. The interior is comfortable, roomy, and the handling is exceptional. I bought it for the standard electronic stability control, and am very pleased with the complete package. If you plan to haul the family around in a van, the standard electronic stability control should be the selling point here. Never leave home without it.

• 

  Poor Mans MDX - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By X MDX Owner - April 6 - 1:46 pm

  The Pilot drives/handles better than the 03 MDX Premium it replaced. The road manners and feel in the wheel are better. The rake of the windshield is less, providing better all around visibility.

• 

  Money well spent - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Brandon Stevenson - April 6 - 10:26 am

  Just purchased the car on May 24th, after looking at every comparable vehicle. From Chevy to Toyota, after reading reviews from other consumers we agrees hands down, that the Accord was the way to go. The new body style looks great, and the interior is laid out very well. The safety features speak for themselves. This is the first time , after buying a car, that we havent felt ripped off. What a good feeling, so far

• 

  Nothing like this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By christine - April 5 - 9:23 pm

  This is the best car purchase Ive ever made. Economical, yet fun and fast! Its the perfect car for me. I enjoy the sound system (it is awesome) and this car has many perks (auto window/sunroof/navi/wheels)...the seats are so comfy too! Honda has really changed the style of the new civic, but its one that really works. I just have to be careful not to get a ticket-accelerating this car is a blast!