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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  Buyers Remorse - 2013 Honda Accord
  By brdln - August 25 - 2:15 pm

  EX-L-4 Wish Id looked closer & at other cars first to compare. Seat is hard & seat seam hits you wrong. Lttle open space for glasses & badges. Arm rests are next to useless & Very little CD storage. No garage door button on EX-L-4? Rough & hard ride. Cant find comfort spot while seated. Test drive on salemans route didnt show hard ride, wife drove, her car. Loved previous 3 Accords, kick myself hard for not looking harder at 2013. Already has vibration rattle. Love design, looks, cameras, power, rear seat room, plus other stuff, dont like sitting & driving the car. We will adapt & adjust, have to, but have real remorse about buying it. Loved previous Accords, Not this one.

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  Love my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By MDmom - August 25 - 1:00 pm

  I have only had this car for two weeks and have 750 miles on it so far. I love this car and am so happy with purchase. Test drove/considered Highlander (-gas mileage, price; + 3rd row); Rav4 (-ugly; +3rd row); Mazda5 (- bumpy sort of weird looking; +3rd row). Very pleased with decision, was cheaper than all three other options, very comfortable, fun to drive, roomy enough for me and three kids (despite no third row - even on recent 3 hour drive no complaints), so far avg 24 mpg with about 50/50 city/hwy driving, FEELS safe, easy to park and turn in tight spots. I bought base model no extras 20K out the door. I probably could have gone lower but my color was selling out everywhere.

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  CR V FOR ME - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Hastings - August 24 - 9:41 am

  GREAT SOLID CAR

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  Interior Noise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By glen2262 - August 24 - 9:26 am

  All I can say is that I purchased this car thinking I was getting a quality car as I have done in the past. Forget it! The days of the Honda are over for me...Take it on the highway, the engine noise is so loud that its hard to hear people on the other end of your cell phone. And at the end of a long trip your ears are still buzzing with the sounds of road noise.... Honda designed a beautiful car, too bad the mechanics arent on par with the design. I have had others before with no such problem. This one is a joke. I am getting rid of this car as soon as I can. Stay away from this one. Another friend of mine bought his at the same time and is selling his too.... Sorry, Honda you lost your edge

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  Extremely Reliable and Superb Performanc - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Car Fan - August 23 - 11:53 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. The engine is the best. This is usually the case for Japanese car. But I have drivine Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is no doubt even better than that. The engine never had any problems since I bought it ten years ago. I think you could expect it lasts for 200,000 miles before it has some problems. On top of that, very fuel efficient, trasmission very smooth, with great exterior design (the silver edge around the window looks great)

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  Extremely Reliable and Superb Performanc - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Car Fan - August 23 - 11:53 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. The engine is the best. This is usually the case for Japanese car. But I have drivine Toyota Camry, Honda Accord is no doubt even better than that. The engine never had any problems since I bought it ten years ago. I think you could expect it lasts for 200,000 miles before it has some problems. On top of that, very fuel efficient, trasmission very smooth, with great exterior design (the silver edge around the window looks great)

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  Great Value - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Dale - August 23 - 6:40 pm

  The rear entertainment system is great - the kids love it. For the price this has a lot of standard features that are included. We hope to keep it for a long time. Lots of head and leg room for tall people in the front.

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  2003 Accord V-6 Cpe - Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By klimbon - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Accord in January. I fell in love with it as soon as I took it for a ride. The V6 has excellent pick up and is so smooth. The interior is laid out beautifully and the fit and finish is great!

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  Happy So Far - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By sutton - August 23 - 4:20 am

  We bought our Pilot last weekend and have really enjoyed it so far. We wanted the RES, but our dealership had the color we wanted in stock without it and could add the DVD player with wireless headphones after factory for a better deal, so we went that route. We had a Hybrid Highlander and this SUV is so much roomier! We really needed a solid, sturdy third row seat and the Pilot is perfect. The drivers seat is very comfortable (love the lumbar support) and it rides very well. I am a small female and was worried about having to look over the large hood of the front of the car (especially compared to the highlander), but I have quickly gotten used it. Very comfortable, roomy, sturdy.

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  Great vehicle w/ extremely low maintenance needs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By G Goldberg - August 22 - 9:04 pm

  First thing to know is that the paint finish is superb. I waxed this CR-V a few times early on then never again for the 11 years. It still shines and beads water. The interior leather, 11 years later, is still in near perfect condition. I changed the tires right after purchasing because I wanted something smoother and quieter. It was a well worthwhile investment. It handles remarkably well in rain and snow. (I got a set of snow tires on steel wheels that switch to for the winter and have never had any problems.) The AWD and anti lock brakes work very well. I get 20 mpg in stop and start city driving of very short distances. I work 5 miles from home. Having this car has made finding a new one I like, very difficult. Technologically and safety wise, this car was way ahead of its time with the AWD, ABS, number air bags, a multi disk CD player, and a tilt, slide back, and view through moon roof.