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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  Wind nouse - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jose Vega - January 8 - 11:53 pm

  After 69 mph wind noise is very uncomfortable. It is very pronounced on the upper corners of the front windows( right next to your ears -shoulders and makes for an unpleasant ride

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Adam - January 8 - 2:46 pm

  I purchased this car because the amount of time I spend on the road, I need a comfortable car that is reliable. I have in the past had 4 Hondas, all have been excellent cars. My last Honda was an 05 Civic. I changed to a GM and the resale value was HORRIBLE, as well as the build quality was poor. I decided to go back to Honda as even with high mileage they keep their value. This car is comfortable, loaded with options and every one that gets into it loves it. I imagine I will have this car for a full 5 yrs. In the past I had an 89 accord-400,000 miles out of it, a 93 civic 587,000 miles on it and an 05 civic which I sold for 2,000 less than I bought it for with 100,000 on it. LOVE HONDAS!!

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  Best Reliable car Ive had! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 8 - 11:26 am

  Battery sucks...had battery issues before I reached 100K miles and Check engine light went on because of it. However, I wasnt going to pay 3K for replacment batteries and just ran the car without the extra HP the batteries would have given me. I still get 50 mph, and 200K miles later its still going strong. I have 310k miles on it now and runs great! Havent really replaced anything on it except tires, oil, and struts. Everything on it is pretty much original!

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  Almost Great - 2013 Honda Accord
  By irvolson - January 8 - 9:31 am

  The only thing about this car I dont like is the slightly stiff suspension - and I can live with that. The mileage is good - 27/28 mpg in all city driving and 35/36 at freeway speeds. On a trip from Florida to Minnesota we got 35.4 mpg on the on-board mileage gauge and a little higher calculating the old fashioned way. Very nice! The interior is comfortable and roomy. Friends have commented that the back seat is also quite roomy. Driving this car is a pleasure - it drives and handles very well. It has very good acceleration considering the 4 cylinder engine. The only time we hear the engine is on hard acceleration.

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  Ford Expedition Rear Impact - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jane - January 8 - 9:26 am

  I was driving north in commuting traffic in a.m. on the Garden State Parkway in the far left lane of the "Express Lanes" when traffic suddenly came to a halt. I barely missed hitting the car in front of me (who also missed hitting the car in front of them, & so on). Simultaneously, the car in front then changed to the right middle lane;in my rear view mirror an SUV behind me who could not stop in time. My vehicle was pushed into the left side guard rail, bounced off; spun around; crossed over 2 lanes to the right plus an exit lane; across the snow covered grass median & landed in the middle of the "Local Lanes". I walked out of my totalled car; the SUV driver: a broken hand an SUV totalled!

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  Love at first gear - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kathy - January 8 - 5:30 am

  Honda has come out with a truly outstanding vehice. Changing this year from the boxy hatch back that is so mimiked by everyone else, to a truly phenominal vehicle. Spacious passenger space and plenty of cargo space, all packed in a fast and efficient piece of machinery. The new innovation of the displays, speedo above, others below is a crowning touch to a true masterpiece. The energy is best described when I tell people that I am in third gear doing 50 and then shift to 4th. The vehicle understands when you are in gear to travel, and switches to being in gear to perform, on demand. Good job HONDA Motors. And thank you, Kathy

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  Great Mini SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Terry - January 7 - 11:46 pm

  I enjoy most everything about this vehicle. The looks, the ride, the standard equipment and a couple more things that Im sure I missed here.

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  Best Honda ever! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Rowens34 - January 7 - 6:46 pm

  Drives great, looks fantastic and has everything I want in a car.

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  By no means a home run. - 2018 Honda Accord
  By manoj - January 7 - 5:52 am

  A lot of features attracted me to this car. The styling is great, Mustang inspired front, Audi RS7 inspired tail. Very roomy cabin and trunk. Semi-autonomous features that come standard, Android Auto integration etc. I have had the car for three weeks now, using it for a short daily commute and one highway trip. I am coming from a Toyota Prius and an Infiniti G35 before that. The car is far from perfect. I drive it mostly in Eco mode to conserve gas, and put it in Sport mode when merging onto traffic. Mileage I get is around 27 in the city, 35 on the highway. Things I miss from my previous cars: Having to fish out my key from the pocket (no proximity sensor), heated seats. Now the imperfections: Cabin noise at highway speeds, poorer quality sound system, static picking up local radio stations, creaking driver door latch, driver visor does not have an extension to block sun coming into your eyes, stiffening of the steering wheel combined with an overly sensitive lane departure warning causes me to have expend extra effort to steer to stay in lane.

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  Gold Accord EX V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mark - January 6 - 1:53 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months now and currently have 7200 miles on it. No problems whatsover to date. Previously owned a 2000 Honda Accord LX with V6. Performance has greatly increased going from a 200 Horsepower V6 to 244 Horsepower. Transmission shifts seamlessly and throttle response is almost immediate. This is a very decked out ride for the money. Build quality is good but nothing spectacular. The car comes standard with many features but does not have option for blue tooth. Gas mileage is good for a V6 with this many horses under the hood (Avg. 22 city 29 Hwy). I am happy with this vehicle and would probably buy again. Might take a look at the new 2007 Camry.