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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  06 Honda Accord EXL I4 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Will - December 27 - 8:17 pm

  Very nice upgrade from my old Mazda Tribute which had major issues. This Accord has all of the bells and whistles that my Tribute had, so I am not missing anything. I am big and tall and this is one of the most comfortable full size sedans I test drove, I especially like the seats. The exterior design is much improved from the 03-05 look especially in the rear. I am consistently getting 33-36 MPG on the highways. Once I get new tires the handling on the snow should improve. No problems with this car yet, I hope I can drive this car over 250,000 miles with normal maintenance and no mechanical catastrophes.

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  Good Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Wheels5 - December 27 - 4:16 pm

  This is the second Accord Ive driven, the first being a 1999 Accord EX-V6, that my Dad still drives with 180,000 miles. I bought this one for better gas mileage and Ive been extremely happy with the 29.7 MPG Ive gotten on average with 60% highway driving. Comfortable, roomy, and its got just enough power, having the manual transmission helps though also the manual isnt prone to failure like the automatic is. Overall a fun car to drive everyday that isnt great at one thing but good at everything. Go Honda!

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By scooterpower - December 27 - 12:59 pm

  This is probably the best appliance you can buy for your family that doesnt guzzle gas. Quality is great, mileage is excellent. 20mpg is nice for such a large truck, but weve always had hi-po cars in the garage (V10 M5, M3, S2000, Cayman S) so mileage isnt a deal breaker for us. Quality/design of interior is on par with the best from Germany, too bad the outside is vanilla. I prefer the looks of the Traverse & CX-9 to the Pilot. 1 major flaw three weeks in and weve got a huge windshield crack! I havent even made a payment yet... Overall great car, but Id prefer a wagon to ANY SUV. We really do not need the 3rd row seats.

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  Recently Purchased CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Lani - December 27 - 10:00 am

  My Husband loves this vehicle. He says it fits like a glove and couldnt be more comfortable. I am short and find that the headrest are bothersome to me. Also the seats have wings on the back and I find that to be somewhat uncomfortable on my arms and back. I think the seats could be softer also since it is a pricier mini SUV. So the seats are my only real complaint. Great otherwise!!

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  reliable accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jackiegrin - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my accord. It has plenty of leg room when sitting in the back seat. It has a smooth ride and is very dependable.

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  Getting too Big to Handle - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ed K - December 27 - 8:50 am

  I waited few months to write this review due to that I thought I will give it enough time to get used to its size. I owe a 1993 Accord that I love to drive, the 2008 is not a fun car to drive. The Gas mileage is good, the acceleration sometime is slow when cold from 1st to 2nd gear. Seats are little on the hard side.

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  2008 EX Coupe Auto - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mr Black - December 27 - 7:23 am

  Had to buy a new car...did my research and Accord kept coming back as one of the top performers in overall quality. Very happy with the car. I4 offers responsive acceleration - its not a drag car car so have realistic expectations - buy a V6 if you really need that feeling. Interior is very comfortable w/ ergonomic design in mind. are there a lot of buttons? Yes, could they have made it simpler? Yes. but realistically is it hard to figure out? No. new coupe styling is outstanding. Must see in person to really appreciate. pictures dont do it justice. Radio isnt to bad just make sure you set the EQ to fit your music or it can get washed out. 6 cd changer is a nice treat, but the aux

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  Big Disappointment - 2009 Honda Civic
  By ed hill - December 27 - 7:16 am

  Well if your in the market for hybrid, I dont think Honda has its act together. The performance is not any better than a civic, maybe a couple MPGs. Its under powered, I dont know what the eclectic motor does, seems nothing to me. They only way you save any money on gas in town driving is when you stop the gas engine stops, thats about it.

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  Never buy a first model year again! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By TouringNY - December 26 - 9:18 pm

  Bought it new when it first came out and have had several recurring troubles, had a brake grinding noise, went several times until finally dealer got Honda to replace the pads and shave the rotors. PAX STINX, as everyone says they dont drive that great and they are so darn expensive, lasted us only 25-30K each set. Sliding door got stuck but fixed under warranty, keeps making clunking noise and hesitation at 2500RPM since 30000 miles, tried to get dealer to figure out several times, they just charged me a diagnostic fee of $120 and cant find a darn thing.

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  Aweasome - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By DD - December 26 - 8:54 pm