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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  New vs Old CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Francine - December 6 - 10:00 am

  more pick up than previous design, 1999 CRV. also more leg room, a nice sun roof, and 6 CD changer with better sound system.

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  Reliable and beautiful - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Silviu - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a beautiful car inside and outside. A very nice experience since I left the dealerÂ’s parking lot. Has a quiet engine with a smooth acceleration that really pushed you in the seat. Has an ergonomic interior, and a lot of space which may not be imagined looking from the outside. Very well done car!

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  Mixed Blessing - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gohybrid - December 6 - 10:00 am

  HCH is peppy & responsive. CVT is much smoother than regular auto transm. Handles well on curves & highway. Brakes are right there. Actual mileage lower than expected (37-40 mpg, mixed suburban driving). Bumps on steering wheel (@10 & 2 oclock), plus its thickness & wide ribbing, interfere with hand placement for small-to-average womans hand. Even with seat cranked up, rear visibility is poor (Im 5-5"). Seat is uncomfortable on long trips. Passenger wipers sweep into drivers visual field has effect of narrowing view & is disturbing; transm. sticks chrome plate reflects sun glare into drivers eyes- a driving hazard. Exterior finish scratches easily.

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  great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AKIRA - December 6 - 10:00 am

  A++++++++++++++, A MUST HAVE CAR FOR HONDA LOVERS LIKE ME.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Nick_C - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Prelude for the Accord, and actually liked the latter better. Its got a very comfortable leather interior (EX model), smooth changing of gears and acceleration. The satellite radio is a plus. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Honda does it again! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lawrence - December 6 - 9:15 am

  Wonderful design, interior is classy, and the Navagation System is much improved. The 2016 Honda Pilot is a winner in every way. If you really want to enjoy this vehicle you should purchase the two top models Touring or Touring Elite....a little pricy but worth it with the upgrades.

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  Spectacular New Ride - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Maine Driver - December 5 - 11:13 pm

  Key features include the turbocharged engine and the six-speed manual - which is VERY hard to find in a non-stripped car! The interior quality, features, comfort and roominess are amazing. The car replaced a Lincoln MKZ: the tech in the Honda is superior, and the interior room is darned close. Mixed mileage is a bit above 40 mpg. Mostly highway drives are 45! Incredible mix of performance, pep and fuel economy. I looked at Lincolns, VWs, Mercedes, Mazdas, Volvos, etc., but the Honda Civic is the only car that matches the performance I wanted, and room for adults in the back seat... plus it offered a great-shifting six-speed manual! There are a couple of Accord manual options, but they are due to be replaced next year and cannot match the mileage of the new design Civic. Outstanding car; a thrill to drive!

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  One Major Complaint - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Betty - December 5 - 5:56 pm

  As an owner of 2 Honda Civics, one sporty and one hybrid I knew I wanted a Honda to replace my 6 year old Volvo. After researching the Accord sedan, CRV and Accord 2-dr coupe and then after driving them, the choice for comfort, features and function was the Accord 4 door sedan. Its a nice luxury car thats not stuffy. In a cost per feature comparison, it outdoes its counterparts the CRV and 2 door coupe. The first 3 days of ownership saw me driving in heavy rain and sleet. It was nice to have this car with its traction control just overall great handling. The only choice to be made on this car is which color to choose.. See my ONE complaint later in the review...

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  Nice car, but some drawbacks - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dknight211 - December 5 - 5:46 am

  I purchased a 2007 Honda Accord Coupe LX V6 based on Hondas reputation for reliability and the good looking coupe. Its a strong car, but have discovered quite a few issues: (1) at 300 miles on the odometer, something inside the dash started rattling loudly, (2) when driving slowly (5 - 10 mph), the automatic transmission keeps jerking with a noticeable thud up and down, (3) the suspension is very rigid and you can feel all the bumps, and (4) seats are a bit uncomfortable. The jerky transmission makes me a bit worried that it will fail in a couple years.

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  7.5 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By babak khoda - December 5 - 3:50 am

  its a great car for an older person trying to look young, but for an enthusaist it falls short when it comes to proformance. the car doesnt bring the driver confidence and mores has really bad understeer when cornering hard. the car is fast though, in a srait line its a lot of fun but arounds turns im constantly afraid i might understeer and crash. the interior is nice and so is the outside.