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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  Love my Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DBH - July 21 - 11:10 am

  What a fun car to drive! I thought the 2-tier dash would be a turn-off but either Ive gotten used to it or Honda really knew what they were doing (probably the latter). Fit and finish are what you would expect from Honda. I am concerned with how my seats will hold up in the long run. They look great now, but what about in another 20,000 miles? I love listening to this engine as I run it up to 8000 rpm out in the country. What a thrill! Although you may have trouble getting your hands on one quickly, it is worth the wait. I couldnt even test drive one at the dealership--had to drive my buddys si. A great way to celebrate your 45th birthday. One of my all-time favorite cars

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  A Perfect 10!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By JPF - July 21 - 10:33 am

  Perfection. We had a 1999 Odyssey. Honda made all of the improvements you could think of. This van is awesome. My wife will not switch with me. She was thinking of ditching the van concept but not now. Honda is a great car - van - company!!!

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JeffM - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought his vehicle used and am happy so far. The kids enjoy the DVD and my wife enjoys driving it.

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  Damn Good Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Man-o-war - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had it for about a month and Im really impressed. Looks kinda small from the outside and blows you away with the space inside, especially with the rear seats folded (really cool feature). Peppy without being gas guzzly, and the looks are in line with the clean, classic Honda look. Is much quieter than my old Corolla, and I dont slow down as mych in the rain. Really happy with my purchase.

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  Looking at Camry - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jon - July 21 - 1:16 am

  Honda has done an excellent job with realiability and resale value, but if you check their history (Consumer Reports) body integrity has always been an issue. This is evident in the 2004 EX Sedan I purchased. Six times the vehicle has been to the dealership, who finally isolated the issue, for a rattle/squeak/rubber rubbing noise from the drivers side door. It was determined that there is not enough insulation between the headliner and body of the vehicle. The repair involved the technician removing the headliner and placing foam tape inside the headliner. For the time being, the problem is fixed, but its hard to stomach the monthly payment for something that rattles.

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  The Honda bulletproof liability falls short - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Floyd B - July 20 - 11:39 am

  I did buy this vehicle used from a honda dealership. I was not aware of the transmission issues this car had until well after the 30 day warranty expired. When I bought the car, it mileage was approaching 139k. Now, heres my dilemma. I have a 1998 Acura Integra with well over 370000 mile and not yet have I ever had a transmission issue. Accord because I would have to be a car. I was really hoping for the same reliability. That did not happen. After doing some research, found that between 1998 - 2002 that this vehicle have transmission issues. Im not blaming the vehicle or any of the previous owners for the issues. Nor am I blaming the manufacturer because I should have follow my instincts and garden a 5-speed manual transmission rather then the automatic. So thats my bad other than that the car was amazing. For a car of its age in mileage, the ride quality was really good. Very easy and after the shift into 3rd gear, very fun to drive. If Im honest, I would not have traded this car in for the current car I have now (2009 Subaru Tribeca/ Ive written a review on this car as well) if the transmission wasnt failing.

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  Joy of ownership - 2010 Honda Accord
  By moxie - July 20 - 6:50 am

  Its great to not be concerned or worry about defects or imperfections; my car is exactly what I had expected- phenomenal value and dependability.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mike A - July 20 - 2:53 am

  I have been a Honda owner since 1979 and my 2009 coupe is the classiest to date. I really enjoy driving it. It handles and brakes extremely well, but it lacks power/acceleration when passing cars on the highway. Im sure a 6 cyl would be more responsive. I am not intimidated by the center dash controls and at night the cockpit looks very impressive.The leather seats are very comfortable and the diver seat controls make it easy to adjust. I am very impressed by the separate climate control system for the driver and passenger and the 6 CD stereo. Im a little disappointed in the trunk space. I can just squeeze in my large golf bag and cart. Overall there is no other car that I would want.

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  EX-L feels like an Acura - 2016 Honda Accord
  By david - July 20 - 1:21 am

  It was down to the Camry vs Accord. After a test drive of both it was clear the Accord was for me. I test drove the Accord EX-L and Camry XLE. The EX-L is roomier up front and feels more high-end. The Accord is very quiet and talking on the phone at highway speeds is no problem, but I remember the Camry being even more quiet. That was the only advantage I found for the Camry. I thought price was in Camrys favor initially, but at the trim levels I was interested in, this was not the case. Granted, I bought the car on December 30th, and used Edmunds (which was $1000 better than Truecar). FYI: I just passed 1,000 miles and my overall MPG is at 30.4 mpg.

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  Seats Headrests are uncomfortable - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe - July 19 - 9:30 pm

  We have owned many Hondas and so I trusted this one to be up to par. Not as powerful as is claimed. Not as good of gas mileage. This vehicle is noisy. The worst part is the headrests, which Honda is proud of. They lean forward and do not allow you to lean your head back or straight up. The curvature of the seat is slouchy. Overall very dissatisfied and wondering how to get out of my lease.