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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  Boring, Dull but Reliable - 2006 Honda Accord
  By andysomogyi - June 25 - 4:19 pm

  This car is definitely not in the BMW 3 series league. I had the V6 - 6 speed model with the sport suspension. Understeered fairly bad, rolled and wobbled badly on corers, and despite fairly good HP numbers, acceleration felt uninspired. This car had no personality, it just basically ran -- dull exhaust note, non-communicative steering. If you just want a commuter car, this is probably fine, but dont waste your money on the V6. You want a more performance oriented car, look elsewhere.

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  Honda Accord Review and rating - 2010 Honda Accord
  By acg00 - June 23 - 9:21 pm

  So I have been a honda fan and owner for nearly 2 decades. We owned a civic way back in the 80s. Sorry to say the Honda Accord sedan though a fine car has not improved and the competition is working hard. Sure it is reliable and spacious, though trunnk capacity is average. In terms of handling the accord sedan rolls a bit though the coupe handles better. Also its styling is a bit chunky. If you want to read a good assessment and review of the honda accord sedan go to.... [HTML deleted]

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  DONT BUY A HONDA ACCORD - 2011 Honda Accord
  By carrsss - June 23 - 3:49 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda. When you buy a Honda, you expect a solid car/good value...nothing complicated. My 2011 Honda Accord 4dr has the same problem that started with in 2008 with the current generation...body creak due to a failed rear passenger weld joint. Plus, this car makes all sorts of weird sounds/creaks/groans. Google and find out for yourself – many complainers. Solution? Rip out interior panel and spray toxic lubricant on the interior area of the car. Or bend the metal parts that are rubbing. There is a TSB on point so Honda knows about this problem but is still making cars with the problem.

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  Headrest from hell! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tj99 - June 22 - 10:29 pm

  Ive had this card for just over two years. So far, the car has been fine mechanically. Had to fix a noise coming from the console, that took a while to resolve. But the absolute biggest complaint I have is the headrest. It pushes your head forward. During a recent vacation, I developed an aggravating pain in my neck and upper shoulders because of the way this headrest is designed. I was told it was required by law to prevent whip lash. Well, how about the problem it causes someone during everyday driving? I have this car on lease, and because of this, I will lease or buy another vehicle that has a headrest that pushes my head forward.

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  Sonata has it all over Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bri310 - June 12 - 4:48 pm

  Bought this Accord after my lease was up on my Hyundai Sonata. Seemed to be a great price and looked comparable to Sonata. Biggest mistake I ever made. The Accord is extremely uncomfortable over long trips, you can litterally feel every crack,bump and pit on the road. the interior fabric and trim is CHEAP( all mouldings around the doors are drooping and wont stay in place, seat fabric is cheap as well.This car is absolutely terrible in the snow,I would not reccomend driving it in the snow. the positives are the gas mileage and it has been reliable despite the discomforts. In My opinion the Sonata Is definately a much better value. Hyundai is the old Honda, and Honda is the old Hyundai

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  Not Impressed - 2011 Honda Accord
  By thinktwice - June 10 - 7:21 pm

  I have an EX-L 2011 Sedan that is far from impressive. The road noise on the highway is horrible. It sounds as though the windows are not up all the way. The seats are very uncomfortable as well. I had an 09 TL that I traded for the Accord thinking that the fuel economy would be worth what I was giving up. Well, other than the cost of regular gas vs premium, Im not saving enough to compensate for what Im missing. Honda needs to step-up. Although the leather is nice, the dash and console area are very cheap looking plastic. Almost embarrassing. I wish I thought longer before this purchase.

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  Beware of A/C - 2011 Honda Accord
  By bob1991 - May 28 - 9:40 am

  A/C failed at about 5000 miles. took to dealership and they said a stone punctured the condenser. also that this is a common problem which costs about a 1000 dollars to fix. None of the other cars I own have any problems of this kind. This will be my last Honda, why bother getting a trouble prone car when you can get a Toyota or any brand which is not purposefully engineered to make money off repairs.

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  Great if you only drive in the city - 2008 Honda Fit
  By lucarescigno - May 24 - 10:23 am

  I bought my Fit new in 2008. At the time, I loved it. Since then, its various issues have worn down my support for the vehicle. Now Im considering selling it even though its still pretty new. The ride quality and road noise are getting to me, and the car lacks certain basic amenities like cruise control (my fault for getting the base model), adjustable intermittent length for the front wipers (thats right, its every 4 seconds or nothing), and any intermittent setting for the rear wiper (its either on or off).

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  This vehicle is a nightmare - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By kpolitte - May 19 - 4:05 pm

  The PAX tire system is a nightmare. We just put our 3rd set on the van with 90,000 miles...so thats $4,000 alone we have invested in tires. The car rattles, has major other quality issues. Never again...

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  clutch - 2008 Honda Fit
  By disapointed7 - May 19 - 11:46 am

  Had only 32 thousand miles and clutch went. My old hundai accent had 250 th on origional clutch. I do mostly highway driving. Dealership led me to believe it was a defect and would cost me nothing instead it cost well over a thousand dollars. Will never own another. Next car with be Hundai. The most reliable car I have ever owned. The accent had only a need for brakes, and tuneups. Had orgional stareter alternator tailpipe and muffler after 8 years and 250000 miles.