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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  2008 Accord Good, Could Be Even Better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jon Isenberg - December 6 - 8:40 am

  The 2008 Honda Accord is my first foreign car as it was the only fuel- efficient and powerful 4 cylinder in a family-sized mid size sedan which made overall sense. It has attention grabbing styling from most angles and is yet still a fairly modest car! The front driver seats lumbar support seemed very uncomfortable at first. The dashboard angles out to much at the perimeter and "invites" you to bump your leg or knee when entering or exiting in a trade off between style and practicality. Perhaps even more annoying is the side windows curve inward too much in accommodating a narrower roof line resulting rain pouring into the vehicle unless are windows virtually shut.

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  Best front wheel drive Sedan - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Alex - December 5 - 7:05 pm

  So far Ive owned this car for over 3 years, and still have no major problems. I guess its because i owned a troublesome 99 Ford Contour before this... good riddance! The Accord was number one in the FWD sedan category back in the days and can still be if modified correctly. Even though the stock engine makes almost no power, i managed to swap it with a 200hp DOHC prelude engine with a 5 speed, added a better sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and still didnt manage to break my bank account. Compared to the flabby ride it once was (still a lot better than other sedans back in its days) its now a quick, maneuverable sports sedan! Theres tons of after-market support for this car!

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  What were they driving? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Kevin - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  Im talking about most of those car experts who rated this car poorly based on ride and power. Ive used this car both around town (NYC) and on the highway. Considering its motor and transmission, it never left me waiting for the power to kick in. The assist needle will jump anytime you call for extra power. The ride is quiet and Im able to hold conversations at 70mph without yelling, unlike my Mazda3. The suspension does a great job of absorbing bumps and potholes. It takes turns with minimal body lean. Dont attempt anything sporty in this car, though. Very little engine noise when youre up to speed, though you can hear it in the cabin during acceleration.

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  2016 Honda Civic Sedan Touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By ssaileanu - December 5 - 10:22 am

  Love the car: comfortable, big for a "small" car, good gas mileage (37 mpg combined), smooth riding. One big worry: navigation system has problems - either get stuck in a "searching" mode or it shows the car completely off the road. Wondering if anybody else has a similar issue - resetting the system didnt fix anything.

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  Really disappointed - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Billy - December 5 - 6:20 am

  We were very excited about our first Honda. Words cannot express how disappointed I am with the car and with the dealership. The rear windows in the car have not worked properly since the night we got it home, dealership has replaced everything except the window pane itself and we are still having problems with it. The car makes a loud whining noise when moving in reverse, dealer claims its just regular brake noise. Fuel economy is great, but the quality of this car is awful. As soon as my head is above water Im going back to Toyota. A lot of my friends love their Accords, I think I just got a bad apple, which unfortunately tarnishes my entire image of Honda. Will never buy another.

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  civic ex coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By keith - December 5 - 12:42 am

  The 04 civic is a basic Quality small sized car. Nothing dramatic about it, but fairly dependable. medium quiet ride. Good on gas!!!

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  Quality makes for good purchases - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By dmyers - December 4 - 10:22 pm

  Overall very comfortable ride. Great on long trips. Gas mileage not bad and almost lives up to the reviews within a mile or two.

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  Fun - 2007 Honda Element
  By Tom - December 4 - 9:52 am

  The suspension is a little stiff but I got used to it. Havent enjoyed driving a vehicle this much since my VW van in the early 70s.

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  Honda Accord Brake Problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By EX honda owner - December 2 - 8:53 pm

  For those of you that have had rear brakes replaced at under 20K while the fronts have 11/32 or more what are you doing? A car is designed to use most of the front brakes to stop, almost 70% vs 30% rear. So whats the real problem. Hondas excuse is BULL, (NORMAL) My guess is that the rear emergency brake was never adjusted right from the factory thus inside pad wearing faster than the outside. Either way this is not normal and should be a defect and replaced by the factory. I drive 50K a year and had to replace the rears at 30K while the front had 11/32 left. For those that dont know 11/32 is new 2/32 in the min you should drive with. 11/32nds show very little brake use at 50K.

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  oh god the warranty has expired - 1998 Honda Accord
  By nanj - December 2 - 2:00 am

  under warranty, 2 steering racks replaced before 25k, trans failed at 65k (honda covered unit, I paid for labor$650), paint failed(very faded) Honda dealer offered 50% at their shop left $1250 for me to pay, car has never left me stranded, interior in great shape, overall pleased but very nervous, unsure if will ever buy another