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:

• 

  Excpetion leg room - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Marsman - September 1 - 2:03 am

  I have 2 kids with car seats, and when I drive I usually recline the seats all the way back, leaving my kids with only a few inches of leg room. NOT the case here. Plenty of room, my kids arent cramped up, not kicking the back of my seat. Cargo room is great. Went to home depot the other day. Folded down the seats and everything fit great. Looks are exceptional. I constantly get comments like what kind of car is that, looks great etc.

• 

  exceptional value - 2007 Honda Accord
  By trent - August 31 - 8:00 pm

  Was in the market after surviving for a year driving an 07 Yaris-poor handling for New England winters! Drove the Accord and we were convinced that we made the right decision. Gas mileage is consistently 25+ mpg. Handling is quick and secure. Winter tires/wheel package (Tire Rack) with standard VSA make driving in Vt winters a breeze. Unbeatable combination of power/performance and value .

• 

  Near Best of the Best - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Paul - August 31 - 4:49 pm

  I have owned 3 Hondas before this one, and this one tops them all. I bought this EX used and it has not had one single engine problem in 1 year. I am 511 and it fits me like glove in front and back. Besides the manual clutch jamming very rarely, its a smooth ride. It is slightly loud on the road, but you learn to ignore it because it can keep up with any car on the road. On a trip to LA I drove 70 mph and got 33.33 MPG over 410 miles. When I drive slower I get about 35 mpg. This is a great reliable car! My next car will be a NEW civic whenever that day comes. :)

• 

  I love this car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ashanti - August 31 - 1:27 pm

  This car is the best in its class. It has the perfect blend of luxury and sports car. The acceleration is amazing! I feel that my 2004 model compares to any 2008 model car with its performance. Im a young college student with a car thats affordable on gas, and has a classy, forever young look to it. I will grow with this car for sure and just know that it will last me through grad school!

• 

  Hard to beat this car. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Bob - August 31 - 12:29 am

  Not a soft ride

• 

  Great Value and Fun for the Money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Missouri Man - August 30 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned 7 Accords, and this version is absolutely the finest yet. Ive also owned Mazda, Toyota and Ford, but never found a vehicle as refined and reliable as Honda. I purchased the Accord Sedan V6 with the 6 speed manual transmission, and this baby can move!!! Great ride, control, and comfort. Highly recommended!

• 

  Love, but... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gloria Liu - August 30 - 2:50 am

  Havent had this vehicle long enough to rate the reliability (repair frequency, dealership support, engine, transmission, electronics) or Value (maintenance cost, purchase cost, resale value, warranty). Previous car was a wider and longer, but lower on the road sedan. Glad to be in an SUV to be able to see farther among other big vehicles on the road. Road handling is stable. Tight turns. Glad theres am mpg meter which is already changing the way I drive. Nice to have rear camera for easier reverse & parking. Nice to have bluetooth to play music from portable devices. Nice to be able to place calls & receive calls through the car sound system. Not sure why occasionally the receiver has difficulties hearing me. When the mpg is displayed, the clock is placed low and to the right of the screen. While the driver can see the clock in this position, passengers in the rear seat cannot easily see the clock. Drivers side button window controls is next to and almost the same size and shape as the door lock button. Have to look down to see which button Im pushing.

• 

  I Love This Car!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Melan226 - August 29 - 6:53 pm

  I have wanted the Pilot for over a year now. My husband bought me one and I love this car. It is comfortable and fun to drive. Lots of room inside for the kids. So much comes standard on this car. My only complaint would be that I dont get that great of gas mileage. It said 17-22. I drive streets and only average about 13-14 mpg. WhenI do drive the freeway, I get good mileage. Everything I was looking for in a car.

• 

  Excellent! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Tanya - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car thrills me, the styling, the handling, the interior space. I previously had a Saab 9-5 that completely fell apart before it reached 70,000 miles, starter, electronics display, rotor, turbo, head gasket. I had bought it to last. Never again. So much for German and American engineering.

• 

  love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By Meme - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I love it.. there never before was a car designed just for me. I sail, bike, kayak, windsurf and ski and this car lets me carry everything easily.