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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  2004 BAD DISAPPOINTMENT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ALJIGGA - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAD 3 HONDAS BEFORE AND THE 2004 IS MY LAST ONE REAL BAD CAR TO DRIVE YOU CANT EVEN PUT PEOPLE IN THE BACK CAUSE YOU FEEL EVERY BUMP AND FEELS LIKE YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE. IT FAILED ON ME TWO TIMES TO START. BUT THE MAIN THING IS THAT WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS YOU HEAR A BIG NOSIE LIKE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION THE SAME THING THE 2003 HAD AND IT WAS RECALL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THESE THINGS WAS HAPPENING AND THEY TOLD ME THATS THE WAY THE CAR WAS BUILD AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS P.S. HONDA THE FRIST CAR WAS HIT IN THE BACK THEN THE SECOND CAR THEY MISPLACED KEYS AND HAD NO INSP. HAD WENT THERE THREE TIMES TO PICK UP MY CAR AND GOT A BAD ONE

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  Hondas Rule - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob in NJ - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda. I have an 02 and there is no comparison to the 04. The interior is vastly improved and the seats are the most comfortable in this price range. All of my hondas have been exceptionally reliable and so far so has this one. This car is so well thought out that Honda gives you a little yellow spot light on the center console. Its perfect.

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  Accord vs. Altima - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dvdirv - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I was prepared to replace my 2003 Altima with a 2005 model until I checked prices. The Altima starts with a low base price than you need to add options. When I was finished adding options, the Accord was about $1000 less than the Altima. With the higher resale of the Accord, the purchasing decision was a no-brainer.

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Chris - July 19 - 8:06 am

  Bought this car to replace my Dodge truck and its terrible mileage. I have been very pleased with the car so far. Gas mileage has averaged 28-31 mpg in mixed highway and city driving. I drive over 50 to work and back each day and am never uncomfortable. This is the second Accord I have owned (the first was a 1987) and the improvement is immense.

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  My Fourth Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KPeck33 - July 19 - 12:13 am

  This will be the 4th Honda I have owned in the last 15 years. This, by far, is the best yet. I just cannot believe the overall look and feel of this car. I never though in my wildest dreams that I would own a Honda that turned heads. I think Honda hit the nail on the head with this coupe. The dash design is great, stereo is awesome. The fuel economy in this thing is just amazing! I almost want to give this low ratings just in the hopes of being the only one in the neighborhood with one. If you are reading this for research, GO AWAY, I want this to myself!

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  Honda Civic LX 4 dr special edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By southerngirl - July 18 - 9:43 pm

  I have not had any major problems and I am overall satisfied with my purchase. The care is great on gas and overall is comfortable. Nice trunk tray and spoiler.

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  Awesome SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By JPF - July 18 - 2:30 pm

  I looked at them all - Pathfinder, 4 runner, Commander, MDX, Volvo and even a BMW X3. Couldnt see the difference in the SUVs 10K more?? The X3 had a tighter ride but being 63" the back seat on the Bimmer was not usable for an adult. The Pilot has great room in front and rear. The third row is for twelve year olds and younger. Great ride, great fit, XM is really cool, cant say anything negative about it. Alot of SUV for the money.

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  Gas guzzler - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - July 18 - 2:13 pm

  Traded in our 2004 Odyssey for the 2007 version. Love the improvements in design of rear seats, driver seat, electric 12 v.outlets and usage of space.

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  My first car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By BJL - July 18 - 1:33 am

  This was the first car that Ive driven, and have been doing so for three years now. I havent had any problems with it, even though it now has 115,000+ miles on it. Only routine maintenance had to be preformed. The car has always had good pep, and has no trouble with high speeds.

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  Fabulous Accord - Honda Does It AGAIN - 2016 Honda Accord
  By A Nonomus - July 17 - 5:36 pm

  There were BIG changes made with just about all of the mechanical aspects of this car. The outside appearance is about the same as prior years. Having had it less than a month, it is more sporty.... this car purrs as moves along, our prior Accord was extremely quiet and business like. The 2016 feels so different, as well as sounding different. The suspension is improved. we like the wheels MUCH better. We cant rate maintenance cost, or resale value but our prior Accord was outstanding, which is why we bought another one. But the 2016 is not just another one. We didnt know what was in store when we bought it, not entirely. After a very short time owning this outstanding value, so much for your money, we are so very, very glad we did buy it. The only thing that needs any attention is the navigation. It does not work as well, as smoothly, as our 2008 Lexus. We hope that a technician can improve its performance....