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:

• 

  Good Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Satisfied Customer - October 22 - 1:56 am

  Plenty of zip for small engine w/auto transmission. Fuel economy is great at interstate speeds.

• 

  Typical Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hsw1186 - October 21 - 10:07 pm

  My first car was a 1996 Accord EX-L. I got this one 4 years ago after a horrendous experience with a Trailblazer. It has been a blast. Good handling and acceleration. Ride is neither too harsh nor too soft. Excellent fit and finish. In typical Honda fashion, all controls are well laid out and easy to use. Leather is of excellent quality. Navigation system is excellent and easy to use. Voice command is also great. Fuel economy is excellent. I average about 24.5 mpg in mixed driving. The best I have gotten on the highway is 34. That is great for a 240hp V6. XM is great for long drives. Road noise is a bit pronounced but definitely not too intrusive.

• 

  Great Car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Will Corni - October 21 - 2:08 pm

  I bought this car for all the safety features, and Im not disappointed. I feel this car could quite save my life in certain situations.

• 

  Comfort and Convenience are Tops - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DCARR - October 21 - 11:59 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for about 1 year and have put about 15K miles on it without any issues. We kept our 2001 Mazda MPV and I use it as a work vehicle. There is no comparison between the two, how we survived for 6 years in the MPV is unknown. There is now way we could go back. The Odyssey is stylish and a joy to ride in. Its bit clumsy to drive at times, but for a vehicle of this size and weight its no bad. Im amazed at the complaints about gas mileage. How anyone could get 12-13 MPG on the highway must something mechanically incorrect that needs to be evaluated. We have experienced MPG as high as 27.5 on the highway and as low as 16 in the city...21 overall and I track every tank

• 

  No Thrills but No Chills Either - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DCARR - October 21 - 11:43 am

  Ive owned my Accord EX-L for almost 5 years now and its truly amazing. If youre looking for a car to wow you with performance and handling look elsewhere. But if you want a vehicle that looks classy, rides well, gets great MPG and does just about anything with ease get an Accord. Ive taken it on long trips and even though its 5 years old with 40K miles I still prefer it over a rental car any day when I have the option for a business trip. Taught both my teenagers to drive in it and everybody survived! Easily the best all around car I have ever owned...I hope to keep it for many many years to come.

• 

  The Best minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By pbordeleau - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Honda minivan exL 2003

• 

  Great SUV!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ben987 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV for anyone looking for comfort, power, and quality. Gas mileage is excellent, and the CR-V is good in the snow.

• 

  Best bang for the buck. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By crazygrrrl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Civic LX sedan for a year now and I love it! Its fairly peppy for a 4 cylinder car but I wish it had more power (my weekend car is a Firebird so Im kind of spoiled by its power). The Civic is reliable and fun to drive. The seats are comfortable and the fuel economy is excellent. I usually get 34-36 mpg with my mostly highway driving. My all time best was 41 mpg for a 230 mile highway trip.

• 

  Nothing But Love for My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jazzhead - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Had purchased the 2004 Accord Sedan w/ Leather and have owned it for a week. I cannot say enough how much I am impressed w/ the excellent balance of sleek exterior styling (the moonroof visor, splash guards, and rear-spoiler I opted for definitely added to the overall allure), elegant interior aesthetics and comfort, smooth driving experience, and perhaps most impressively the value - what "bang for the buck"! Had considered the Passat, Camry, and Altima, but cant imagine having gone with any other car! The look and feel of this car stand up admirably against higher sedans. But for the price, you just cant ask for more. Kudos Honda!

• 

  Dont just test drive one, Buy One.. - 2018 Honda Accord
  By JAW - October 21 - 12:22 am

  I have owned most makes of cars. I have bought about forty ,(40) New cars in my life. This is my passion, the smell, the feel, the joy a new car can bring is priceless to me. I have owned, 3/ BMW 3s,1/ Jaguar X ,2/ Acuras TL & TSX ,2/ Infinities-I35s, 4/ VW Passat w/modifications, 4/Kia Optima SX &SXLs 2.0Ts, and an assortment of Toyotas, Nissans, Mazdas , Hyundais and Hondas. On Nov. 29 2017, after extensive research I bought a 2018 Honda Accord Touring 1.5, white/white. This is the first car of all I have bought that has every technical feature I have ever wanted. IT rides with a certain alacrity, It stays flat in corners, the seats actually hold me in place without sliding . There is no bounciness over undulations on the road, and the steering is as precise as my BMW 328 ci. The 1.5 turbo has the requisite amount of power for my at my current age and skill level and with the body colored rear spoiler I had the dealer install ,(it has a black strip on top of the white), it is quite attractive. I went to the local Kia dealer to pick up my wife while her 2017 Kia Sorento was being serviced, and every available sales person and manager went out to look at it, and wanted talk to me about it. That has never happened to me with any other car I have owned. In closing you can chastise, promote ,ridicule, or prefer whatever car you want, but until you Buy It, Own It, Drive It, you really dont know...Do You.