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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  Perfect fun Sports Sedan when I added two great upgrades.... - 2013 Honda Accord
  By lorenzo123 - September 2 - 7:25 pm

  This is my 6th Honda Accord (79/80/84/91/05/13), and Ive liked every one. BUT this one is in a completely different category. Best car Ive ever had - and in many ways. The Sport model was made for "ME" - large inside, handles great, 6 speed manual transmission is great, and very zippy and fun to drive. The 18" wheels really make a difference, as does whatever they did to stiffen the front suspension of the car. Hit 100 MPH driving uphill at 11,000 feet above sea level (5th gear).

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  5 days...love it so far! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Roger_in_PA - September 1 - 8:53 pm

  Our 5th Honda (97 Civic EX, 04 Accord EX-L, 08 Odyssey EX-L, 11 CR-V EX-L Navi. Took it out today on first highway outing--about 120 miles round trip. Best Honda weve owned to date. Sufficient power, comfortable ride (though still stiff suspension, excellent handling, smooth CVT (vs. my somewhat choppy CR-V tranny), and quietest cabin of all the Hondas weve owned. Still on first tank of gas, but it appears that mpg will blow away all previous Hondas except our 97 Civic (w/far less comfort/power). Will update this review once weve put more miles on the car.

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  Great Value-Fun Car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By earnhart1 - August 29 - 11:56 am

  Have 3,500 miles now, so feel I can give a good posting on the car. This is my 5th Honda--and its definitely the best to date. Traded my V6 auto Accord to this 4 cyl. manual Sport model--really fun car to drive! Quick easy throws on the manual and the engine loves to rev in the high range. The car seems screwed together well--no rattles or initial problems with build quality. Easy to drive both city and highway--but ride is much firmer than my previous Accord. Having test driven the Mazda 6 (as this was the closest contender), I went with the Honda for features and value.....but it was a close call. Gotta say, not disappointed with my purchase at all--really have enjoyed the car.

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  Update - 2012 Honda Civic
  By shannonb36 - August 29 - 7:37 am

  Have had my 2012 Civic coupe for 7 months and have loved every minute of it. Have put 12,000 miles on it so far. It gets me everywhere Ive asked it to go so far. I do agree with others about the blind spots, but have learned to be aware of them when changing lanes. I also agree about the acceleration. It takes a little while to get up to highway speed, but once it does it cruises very comfortably and sometimes when I look down the speed on the speedometer surprises me and I slow down quick! Still impressed with all of the features offered in an economy priced car. Very happy, very good purchase.

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  2009 Civic EX 5 Spd Manual - 2009 Honda Civic
  By mcuvelaine - August 28 - 4:00 pm

  I love this car. Absolutely love it! My last Honda went nearly 200,000 miles before it needed any serious work. I grew up with Hondas, I learned to drive on a Honda, I am 100% committed to Honda. This is a fuel efficient car. It looks sporty, but it isnt a fast little racer. With that being said, I get an average of 34-38 mpg. Not complaining. It handles great, and the comfy seats are designed to keep you planted while taking corners at lightning speed ) My one complaint is the gear box. Im not sure if the previous owner was just too rough with it or what, but shifting (either up or down) into 2nd can be a sloppy, gear grinding mess if you dont put enough force into it.

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  An Excellant family vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rporterincincy - August 26 - 2:25 pm

  I really like my 2003 Honda Odyssey. It now has 143,000 miles and runs like its brand new. Very smooth, powerful and dependable. Like any other car it does have some quirks. My Odyssey goes through tires every 35,000 miles (wears evenly, and I rotate them every 3000-6000 miles), and goes through front brakes every 40,000 miles (evenly worn brakes). I just installed top of the line ceramic brakes to see if this would improve the ride. My car has no rust (wax every 3-4 months), no wear on the interior, and I change the oil every 3,000 miles. My dealer is great and I like working with them. The car is very versatile and we enjoy going on trips with it. No major issues yet.

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  BMW wannabe - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kaarlo - August 24 - 4:09 pm

  Have 3000 miles on 2013 Honda Sedan, 6 spd trans. 60 years old and this is first Honda Ive ever bought, wouldnt be the last if they build them all like this. Very impressive car. Runs great, smooth firm ride, handles like a BMW. Getting 33 MPG average w/36+ on freeways. Looked at the Jetta but liked the different standard features on the Accord better plus the Accord had a longer wheelbase for the freeway. Had to get the upscale package on the Jetta to get the rear view camera and larger more powerful engine. Wife is mad, thought I was getting the coupe. Says she wont drive a granny 4 door car. Hard to look disappointed when you cant stop smiling.

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  Great SUV with some exceptions - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By azdesertguy - August 22 - 12:28 am

  My CR-V is great except for two issues that have really bugged me. 1. Noisy tires 2. No auto headlight turn off How in the world can a manufacture be so stupid to leave a feature off auto headlight turn off. I had the least equipped 2004 Vibe and it had auto headlight turn off. I figured the top of the model should have this feature. Talk about stupidity in the first degree!!!!!! Then noisy tires....yikes!! I have had people not wanting to ride with me due to the fact the tire noise is so high it would give one the impression the stupid wheels are going to fall off due to bad wheel bearings. Fortunately, I had this checked and all the noise is from tires....

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  best car I have owned - 1996 Honda Accord
  By arner - August 21 - 7:04 pm

  I have 427,000 miles on the Accord and have not had any major problems. I change oil at 7000 miles and use whatever I can find on sale. This car is a keeper.

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  Much better than I imagined! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rootdown - August 21 - 12:22 am

  Accord Sport w/ the 6sp is amazing! I have been a die hard Honda fan, but always liked the Civic model. Traded in the 08 Civic 5sp manual for this, and have been blown away by the difference in the first 650 miles. The manual transmission is smooth, the engine is quick to respond, and its got lots of power I often peel out in between gears when having fun with it. The quality of the cabin/exterior just feels like its going to last forever, and Im looking to push this car over 300,000 miles in the years to come!