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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  Happy With Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HappywHonda - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Purchased in February 04. Got a great deal and great car. Ride is quiet, smooth, and there is no need for a 6 cyl. It has plenty of pickup. No problems at all so far which is more than I can say about the Volvo S40 I had prior to his. I think it is the best car for the money.

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  GREAT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By accord6spdstck - April 30 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd accord cpe...i love this car...if i could suggest something different i would suggest memory for seats & mirror positions...otherwise they have thought of everything....and the navigation is awesome....

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  in the clouds... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By michellesnewcar - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Amazing vehicle for the $. Still cant believe I own a car with such a fancy navigation and XM system. Smooth as silk. Expecting to buy a "practical" 4 door sedan, ended up fallin in luv w/ the coupe! worth it all the way...

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  Excellent Value--Top Notch for the price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jonastenbent - April 30 - 10:00 am

  In comparing an almost loaded-out model (no nav--couldnt justify the price) to an Acura TL, this car is a better value, no question. You lose 30 hp, no xenon lights, more pedestrian tires and rims, and a slightly less sporty appearance along with a less refined interior. But the upside--you save 7- 10 grand. You still have much better than average performance (on 87 vs. 92 octane fuel), very nice heated leather seats, a killer stereo with XM, and a good driving experience. The car does what you want, when you want it to. I cant think of a better car for the price. And reliability: Ive owned 4 Hondas, and never had major issues with any of them.

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  FIT YOU?? - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nate - April 30 - 6:30 am

  I bought my fit because I was working in AZ and living in CA. With the current cost of gas I needed something with good gas mileage. I can travel from Redlands CA to Lake havasu AZ and only use 5gallons of gas doing 70mph the whole way!!! The car handdles really good up in the mountains, and on the freeways. I feel that it is a little under-powered going up and down the hill but then again its only a 4cyl. Im glad that I bought my FIT I wont sale it for anything. Its priced well and will save you a lot of money at the pump for sure.

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  Awesome ride - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Louis - April 29 - 5:06 pm

  Awesome car, couldnt be happier with my purchase. Gets great gas mileage, I mostly drive city and I am currently receiving 25.5 mpg. Have the car a short time and have received many complements. Would buy this car over and over again!

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  2007 Honda Civic EX w/nav - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Justin - April 29 - 4:50 am

  I never though i would be a civic owner. To bland etc.... However I now drive 140 miles a day and I had to think of gas cost and reliability. To sum up this car is great! Very comfortable to drive and responds well. For the size of the car it has pretty good pick up. There is wind noise at higher speeds (75-85). The Nav system is great. The interior seems surprisingly more spacious than our subaru. The dual dash does take a little time to get used to but I find that i now prefer it than the traditional displays. Gas mileage during the break in period has been between 30-36 mpg. And this is all highway driving. Although as you have seen above at higher than EPA speeds for determining MPG.

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  Oil burner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ed K - April 28 - 9:36 pm

  Honda quality is not what they advertise it to be. They maybe at one time produced high quality engines but not anymore. My 2008 Accord EX-L V6 burns and consumes one quart of oil per 1000 mile. Their technical experts state that is normal. I definitely donÂ’t recommend this car.

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  First Time Honda Owner - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff - April 28 - 7:51 pm

  Grappone Honda, and Shirley, Paige, and Cathy in particular, made the buying experience an enjoyable one. It was a no-pressure and friendly experience. The sticker price on the new CRV and the trade-in offer were very good and eliminated a painful negotiation. This is the first Honda we have ever owned and it is the most comfortable. We purchased it because my wife will be driving her elderly father to appointments soon and we need a vehicle that is easy to get in and out of. Further, I always struggle with comfort because of my height and the CRV is comfortable and a joy to drive. Great buying experience and a great vehicle!

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  My first brand new car. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By A.Shane Travis - April 28 - 10:40 am

  So far so good. A fun to drive, sporty, sexy car. Great handling, smooth shifting, stylish machine and you cant beat the gas mileage or the preformance of the four- cylinder engine. Excelent enginering!