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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  i love my accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By yuri - September 9 - 2:00 am

  i totaly love my accord for spacius interior,as well as trunk that can fit a (cow) in there.exelent on gas and very quick being a 5 spd man.transmision

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  03 HONDA ACCORD - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RENA CALL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND HONDA ACCORD I HAVE PURCHASED IN 4 YEARS. I LOVE THE RELIABILITY IT OFFERS. IT TOOK A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO ADJUST FROM DRIVING THE SEDAN VS. THE COUPE BUT THE EASE OF GETTING A CHILD IN AND OUT OF HIS CARSEAT HAS PAID OFF.

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  past , present , & future - 2004 Honda Accord
  By juano - September 9 - 2:00 am

  im an Honda owner since 1979, on that time i bought an Honda Civic CVCC, I WAS 19 , and was great to drive , low mantinience , low gas consume and had a low price too $5300.00. was my great deal. After the Civic, 1984 accord coupe , 1986 red Prelude , 1991 ACCORD SEDAN , 1994 ACCORD SEDAN , 2004 ACCORD SEDAN. IS JUST A GREAT CAR.

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  Fit for me. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Clifton - September 8 - 11:41 pm

  The Honda Fit has been a great car so far. Not only do I average 32-33 miles per gallon (less on E10, unfortunately), the tight steering and quick shifter makes every drive enjoyable. With only 109 horsepower its not a stoplight racer, but the 1.5 L mill is more than adequate for driving in the city and pulling the Fits ~2600 lbs up to highway speeds. While its no plush luxury car, the Fits interior space belies its diminutive size, as four people can fit in the Fit in relative comfort. Then with a few clicks of the "magic seats" you can fill the car with furniture, boxes, etc.

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  My 2003 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - September 8 - 11:10 pm

  My first Honda... wonderful car... interior switch gear is odd: the single stalk to operate the wipers is confusing as I own and operate two other cars.

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  Love This Thing! - 2004 Honda Element
  By kminimax - September 8 - 9:42 pm

  We just purchased this vehicle as our primary vehicle. We love it. My husband is 63" and has more than adequate room for him and our growing son without kicking the backs of the seats anymore. Now neither of them are eating their knees anymore like in our old sedan. I certainly would like to buy another one!

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  Great Mileage, Fun Drive! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By First Honda Ever - September 8 - 6:56 am

  Commuting 65 miles/day means gas mileage is paramount ... and this car averages 38 MPG! The engine is quiet yet responsive. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The car handles well in traffic.

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  3 Years 36K No Problems - 2005 Honda Accord
  By iowahonda - September 7 - 8:47 pm

  Bought our 05 at the end of the model year to get a deal. Were completely happy with it, and have had absolutely no problems. We consistently got 30 mpg city/highway combo, then started getting around 35 mpg once we slowed down on the highway a little. This is a perfect commuter car. Plenty of response and power in traffic. Typical tight Honda feel. No squeaks or rattles ever. This is our 3rd Accord, none ever leaked a drop of oil. Only minor issues are that the seats are a bit firm for long distance driving, the stereo isnt that great, and rear door exit is tight -- have had people hit their heads on the way out.

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  Deeply Satisfied - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tony - September 7 - 8:36 pm

  The First want I test Drove was the Automatic and although I was impressed with Quality Build and general quality the ride was just I expected, very good, BUT... Everything changed when I drove the MANUAL...WOW!! I was in a deep driving satisfaction what s difference between the Auto and Manual. The Manual makes you want to keep going and not let go, is almost as if you wish you had your work and home as far as way as possible in order to maintain the pleasure as long as you can.Hands down Manual is for true driving expnce. When Idle you feel as if the motor has not started yet, impressive. Great/ Smooth Pickup Speed Interior Craftmanshp top notch. Thanks Honda you raised the BAR once again

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  Solid SUV with a few minor issues - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Alexei Isac - September 7 - 10:04 am

  1. LX model does not come with the option to add a Honda remote start. To get model that comes with the option, have to bump up model to EX and EX-L. I found there is not much added value to bump up to EX, had to go with a 3rd party remote starter that was installed at the dealer. 2. Speaker and bluetooth quality is not great