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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  Big Disappointment - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fourth Accord - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a huge disappointment. The ride is very hard compared to my previous Hondas and the seat is very uncomfortable. The speedometer has an illuminated dial. It doesnt have fixed numbers, so if you adjust the light level for night driving and then turn on the lights during the day, the speedometer disappears. If you dont want to carry the huge keyless entry key, the only way to open the trunk is by first opening the drivers side door and hitting the trunk release. Car speakers buzz and rattle. Controls for air conditioning and radio are . Plus, its ugly. Honda turned the engineers loose on this one to the detriment of the driver.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By vp544 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 98 EX-V6, I was deciding between the new EX-V6 and Acura TSX (Euro Accord). After reading many reviews and looking at both cars, I realized that I could get a bigger/roomier car in the Accord, w/ 40 more HP, and most all the features of the TSX, for much less, even though both MSRPs were $27k (w/o nav sys). After reading about paint problems with the TSX, and getting a below dealer invoice price on the Accord($24,000 delivered), it was a "no-brainer". The fact that the V6 takes reg. unleaded vs prem. for the TSX (and gets decent mileage) was another plus.

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  Not What I expected - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By larryhat1 - June 18 - 5:36 am

  This is the 4th Hybrid car that I have owned. The other 3 were Lexus ES300H, Lexus CT200H, and a 2012 Camry Hybrid. All previous models got the exact MPG that they stated they would give. This Accord with 5k miles on it, isnt even close. Im averaging 39 mpg. When I talked to the service department at my local dealer, they gave me the old Ford answer...you have to break it in? Wow! The other 3 I did not have to break in...why would you a Honda? Also, I am getting a loud popping noise out of the drivers side front end. At the end of the day, this car has some nice features for safety...but it is certainly not worth more that $6k more that the Camry Hybrid.

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  Value, Comfort, Economy & Green - 2008 Honda Accord
  By catmike - June 17 - 11:20 pm

  Driving is easy, fun. Car is nimble and rides over bumps and railroad tracks with suprising smoothness.

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  Im Happy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By J Mac - June 16 - 8:36 pm

  Couldnt be happier with our 2002 CRV 5 speed EX. Highly recommend the 5 speed as it is fun, smooth and adds a lot of spunk. The engine power is perfect. The size of the vehicle suits our needs - not too small, not too big. The CRV is much roomier, sportier, and quick and than the Accord I traded. Very quiet, too. No complaints here other than having had to pay list price.

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  Great utility vehicle - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By IB Chris - June 16 - 8:25 pm

  If you want an extremely reliable, cost/benefit vehicle... this your choice!

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  I love my civic already!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kyuyeon Jung - June 16 - 7:48 pm

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  Great..but will return to civic next - 2007 Honda Accord
  By cam - June 16 - 7:33 pm

  The accord is very nice, but my previous car was a civic...and my next choice will be a civic.....much better on gas....

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  I hate it! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Janey - June 16 - 2:33 pm

  This will be my last Honda or Japanese product. The build quality is terrible on this thing. It rattles and squeaks with only 4000 miles on it. I had to have the whole Nav system replaced. Every bump in the road makes the cd player skip. My other car is a honda too (2004 Accord). It has already had the transmission replaced on it, as well as not wanting to run in the wet or cold weather. Japanese quality? Never heard of it.

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  Best car I have ever driven!!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Wolfman - June 16 - 12:06 pm

  I travel 3 states as a territory manager and this is the best car I have ever driven. It is so fun to drive and everything is rtight where you want it. Stereo with 6 disc cd is awesome. Power moon roof is great and engine and transmission are solid.Handling is nimble and athletic. Styling inside and out is really sharp. This is my first Honda. Wow! I have owned GM and Ford and Chrysler products all my life and this CR-V from Honda is almost too good to be true in every respect. I will be a customer for life! 5200 wonderful miles so far. Thank you Honda for a job well done...