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:

• 

  First Hybrid - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mikec - May 17 - 10:37 pm

  What a great ride! I have been driving a Mini Van for several years and due to the age of my children I no longer need a vehicle this large. I went with this vehicle due to MPG and performance. I bought this car used with 31,000 miles at 20% below Kelley Blue Book. The vehicle is very quiet, love the leather as well as the interior. The performance of a V6 with the MPG of a 4 cylinder. Despite the reviews for the Hybrid Accord I love this vehicle.

• 

  Best car in the segment - 2007 Honda Accord
  By John - May 17 - 10:33 pm

  This is the best car available in this market segment at this cost, by far. Ive had 3 Hondas now, an 02 Odyssey (still own), 05 Accord LXV6 and this 07 EXL. All have been totally reliable, never an unscheduled visit to the dealer. Accords are no BMWs, but do provide a good compromise of performance, price and comfort. The 4cyl (I4) engine has good performance for everyday driving. I rarely miss the power of the 240 bhp LXV6, not as much as I first thought. I switched to the I4 for 3 reasons, EX for LX-V6 price, daughter learning to drive (V6 too powerful), fuel economy. I averaged 26 mpg from the V6 and only average 27.5 from the I4 so far (5k miles), I was hoping for 30 mpg.

• 

  Totaled 2008 Honda Accord, replaced w/same - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GMF - May 17 - 4:21 pm

  I purchased my first 2008 Honda Accord on 11/20/2012 with 75,246 miles on it all told for $12,379 On 10/19/17 I was rear ended by a GMC Sierra Pickup truck doing about 40 mph !! I was also pushed into the Honda Ridgeline in front of me causing extensive front end damage (airbags did not deploy and I had all 3 recalls on them fixed ??). However, I really liked this Model and thinking that I wouldnt get much from the other drivers insurance company so I searched for used 2008 Honda Accord to replace it. I found one close by and found that it was the Fully loaded version of my previous car. I received a check from insurance to replace the car for $10,035 .. I was amazed !! I purchased the used fully loaded version with 144,500 miles for $9,500 (Totaled car had 182,000 miles). Im happily driving my new / used 2008 Honda Accord EX-L with all the extras and less mileage. When I researched the value on Kelly Blue book and Edmunds the replacement value showed on $5000 in excellent shape ??

• 

  True Honda Quality - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Rock - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Total satisfaction. Fun driving experience. Great performance and handling. Head turning good looks. Performance with great fuel economy, nothing better. Suprising how comfortable it is on long road trips. A great car for the money.

• 

  wow - 2003 Honda S2000
  By onelittledime - May 17 - 10:00 am

  my father bought one of theese and they are unbeliveable wow i love honda s 2000 its the greatest car in the world

• 

  Sporty Razor Sharpe - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Greg Hofmann - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything a person would want in a sports car for less money. The engine is incredible for only being a 2.0 liter.The shifting of gears is close and precise while the engine delivers heart pounding exhileration.To drive this car is a divine supernatural expierience.The interior is simple but both appealing and unwastful.When you sit in the driver seat its like being in a comfortable space capsule.Not alot of room but body pleasing. The instrument panel is also very eye appealing with its different looks for night and day.240 horsepower? 2 liter? huh? Zoommmmmmmmmmmmm.

• 

  Most Bang For The Buck - 2003 Honda S2000
  By GlennK - May 17 - 10:00 am

  There is not a car made that equals this one for the money. It will blow away an Audi TT and Porsche Boxster.

• 

  Just gets better - 2003 Honda S2000
  By smileinla - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has exceeded my expectations. In so many ways it is a much better vehicle then I was expecting. It drives like a miata below 6,000 RPM and drives like a boxter above 6,000 RPM. Red line is at 9,000 RPM. I have owned over 25 vihicles and this is by far the most fun I have ever had driving a vehicle.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By maureen - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my crv a week ago. I love it. It handles extremely well, and is fun to drive. Everything is well thought out in the interior. I drove every mid and small size suv on the market, and the minute I drove the crv I knew it was the car I wanted. It has a reassuring solid feel to it, and high crash test scores ratings. The fuel economy is great,too.

• 

  Honda Odyssey .reliable car - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By migdalia valdez - May 17 - 10:00 am

  reliability i can depend on honda odyssey. enjoy traveling without worring about overheating, engine light turning on,transmission failure at 70000 miles, just about finishing paying the car but now have to buy another car because the current one has to many car problems and you face sudden death.....of the car. those experience had in the past. NOT ANYMORE.