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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  honda accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By pcms - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if i had the money i would have 3 of these. Ive had a long line of hondas and this one is not any less great than any of my other hondas, they are all great cars

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  Jeans car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Crockett - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car- the looks and color. I feel proud to own and drive it

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  6-speed Accord Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bertna - October 16 - 10:00 am

  6 speed coupe is fun to drive;Great handling on twisty roads; Comfortable for long drives; 32 mpg average on 11 hour drive to Montreal; Ours is red with tan leather upholstery; backseat is also quite comfortable; Smooth, quiet, comfortable with impressive stereo.

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  my honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rp5x5 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  make sure hood panel is alligned properly with side panel--noticed on many the raised hood is raised a bit too much.

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  Review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By GAT - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handing and ride. Mileage has been great for a car this comfortable.

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  Headrest and Parking Brake Defect - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Wanda - October 15 - 9:17 pm

  I admired the new CR-V body style for a couple of years before buying one. I did a test drive and mentioned to the salesman that the headrest was uncomfortable. He said not to worry, it was adjustable. After purchasing the vehicle, the dealership did not provide an overview of any of the features -- all they wanted to do was make the sale. I recently drove my CR- V on a 6 hour day trip. By the time I got there, I had a massive headache. I also had a bruise on my left leg because the parking break is placed right where I normally rest my leg. Can you say buyers remorse? I hate this car. The headrest is not adjustable and the parking break is going to stay where it is. Back to Toyota next time.

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  Used Accord, excellent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By reviewsareoos - October 15 - 8:04 pm

  I bought this car used, its my first car. After researching A LOT I came to the conclusion that a Honda is probably the safest choice when it comes to buying a used car. I wanted a four door and something with a little power. I am extremely satisfied. Luckily who ever had it before me took excellent care of it because its pretty much like new. I have yet to experience any serious problems with it.

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  Honda DOES NOT Stand behind their Vehicles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Hate Hondas - October 15 - 7:26 pm

  We purchased this vehicle brand new. At 14,000 miles the car needed new tires. At 30,000 miles the car needed new tires. At 64,000 miles the car needs new tires. We have been told the factory installed high performance kit does not have enough adjustment to properly align the car. The specialist told us that. Chezik- Bell in Iowa City, Iowa and American Honda will not even look at it, or listen to the "owners" of the car. Poor service - Poor management. Never have we had such problems with any other car than a HONDA. Will NEVER purchase another one. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2010 Honda Accord Drosstour EXL NAVI. - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Yao - October 15 - 3:46 pm

  I am proud to own this magnificent Honda. The design draws so much attention and has caused so many driver to go off the road or their lanes whenever I hit the road. The most fascinating fact is that some of the onlookers include drivers of Mercedes and Lexus.I have had a lot compliments from Grocery parking lots, traffic lights and gas stations. The gadgets inside are so cool (voice operated gadgets). The fact that you can operate the GPS, Radio, CD player and AC without taking your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel is an excellent safety feature.The dual-zone climate control is such a big relief. I love the bluetooth feature. I can make calls by just voice command. congrats Honda.

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  Disappointed - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Skyroamer - October 15 - 3:18 pm

  This car had a manufacturing defect in the transmission. After multiple loss of all transmission fluid Honda tried to blame us for the problem. The transmission failed at 50,200 on a 50,000 warranty and Honda refused to fix it. An outside shop found a machining defect from the factory in one of the case halves of the trans. replaced half at a cost of $1800 total repair and no problems in over 100G of additional mileage. Honda never answered my letter until 4 years later. Would never buy another as a result of their bad customer attitude and lack of concern/support. Have pictures and parts as proof of defect. Honda did not care at all!!!