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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  The Best Decision I Ever Made!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Me - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Recently, I upgraded from an 06 Civic EX Coupe to the 11 Accord EX-L V6. Very Smart move! Holds the road well, COMFORTABLE, and the best part, hidden POWER! People assume because its a "Honda" its not going to have "Guts" but this thing has plenty of PUNCH! Love my new car!

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  Accord coupe EX-L V6 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rickyedger - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Fun car lots of power and cornering stability. My favorite car to date.

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  High Mileage Performer - 2007 Honda S2000
  By DrBob - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Just finished my second cross-the-usa trip, 7500 miles, averaged about 30 mpg overall fuel average has been 27 mpg covering a total of 45K miles. Im 69 years old and this is my daily driver. Performance and dependability and precision control would best describe my driving experience. Yes, its a small cockpit with not a lot of wiggle room but the seats mold to your body and I can go all day without body fatigue. Try it before you buy it, its not a car for everyone.

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  Brakes, doors and windows - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By RAC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Very unsatisfied with this vehicle. Im owner of three other Honda and decided to buy and Odyssey. Decided to buy lower end Honda because i dont like automatic doors. van has been in the dealer twice for issues with the doors due problems with spring. at 21k miles van was having issues when pressing the brakes at 50 mph the steening wheels vibrates very hard, took van to the dealer and according to the dealer rotors are uneven and need re-surface or replacement. According to do them the problem is bad driving. I cannot believe this response. I have other Honda and has never had any issues with rotors at this early driving mileage. Warranty doesnt cover rotors after 10K miles. Van not recommended.

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  Ownage! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Angry Gook - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new off the lot. Lots of modifications done to it. If your settings are right, this car can overtake idiots on the roads around corners. I had modified the suspension to give it superior handling, way better than stock, readjust the throttle cable, replace the intake and headers to give it a more smooth flow, lighten it, added kits for aerodynamic stability at high speeds and this is no stock vehicle. With all of my experimentation had me driving just about 470 miles with half a gallon of gas left in the tank. Less weight = quicker acceleration = less fuel usage.

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  2003 Accord 2.4L LX - 2003 Honda Accord
  By michael - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used in 2007 with 50k miles and I am now at nearly 150k with no major mechanical problems. Only work thats been done on this car is oil and transmission fluid, brakes, tires, timing belt as scheduled for mileage. Id like to trade for something more fun to drive or better-looking every now and then but being that I drive alot for work, I cant find anything better for the price range and practicality. Its a little slow off the line but i would not say its underpowered. Transmission took to making a whirring sound just after 100k miles, which worried me as some have mentioned problems there. Since I was past warranty I just crossed my fingers and kept driving, still ok 50k later

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  My 3rd Accord - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Buckeye - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car now since late September and like the styling. Radio is a bit cumbersome to get used to but the sound quality is really good. This is my third Accord (98, 04 and now the 11) and I am surprised that Honda still has not done a better job with road noise. The Camry is better for keeping the noise down but the Accord handles better.

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  2010 Honda Accord EX - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Todd - November 5 - 2:00 am

  As is my want, I did a lot of research prior to purchasing my new Honda Accord. I was somewhat concerned about some of the reviews on this site (and others) dealing with road noise, seat comfort, and premature brake ware. To date I have put 11K miles on the car. I have used the car for a couple of longer (6 to 8 hour) trips, and can say that I found the seat to be comfortable (I am 6 tall, 230 lbs.). Nor has the road noise been bothersome to me. Regarding the brakes, no problems so far. I like the Accord, and though only a four cylinder, it seems to have plenty of acceleration for me and is a pleasure to drive. Nice car, overall.

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  Very Good Car for middle class sedans - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Happy Driver - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car 8 months ago with 40K miles and it is great car. I have driven Accord 03, 06, and this one is 08 - all are good to perfect. I am not sure why some people are giving bad reviews. The last generation Accords use the same moving parts (engine (4 cylinders), transmission, etc.) as in 05, 06, 07. By doing by extensive research many people, that posted reviews here, have some interest in Detroit automakers (Ford, GM). Union may be? That is why the are bashing Honda here to make people to, at least, look at Ford Fusion or Malibu. No question, those cars are great inside BUT drive them for +60K and you will see the difference between Accord ad them. Enough said...

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  Extremely happy with my Insight! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hbarton88 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has helped me to become a more efficient and calm driver. The fuel economy you get is WAY better than EPA estimates.