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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  Love it - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cojlucas - May 4 - 11:46 am

  I just bought my Accord 2 weeks ago and am very happy with my decision. This is my 4th Accord and was considering the switch to the Acura TL. I decided I wanted one more coupe and am glad I did. I got the EX-L in Belize Blue and opted for all the extras: spoiler, fog lights, mud flaps, and tinted windows. This car looks great! The interior is very similar to that of the TL, but for about $7k less. I traded my 04 EX-L for this one, yet there a few things I miss like the electro-illuminescent gauges. My biggest fear is that of the other drivers and the amount of door dings I always get on my cars and this car doesnt seem much stronger. The passenger seat rattles, but other than that..nice car

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  Its a Hummer !!! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Ross 2015 Accord Ex-L - May 4 - 9:52 am

  This car rides like a Hummer , its the most uncomfortable car going over bumps , cracks etc. My car has the 17 inch wheels so I cant fathom how the sport with 19 inch wheels feels going over bumps , the cvt transmission feels like a yoyo during acceleration and just feels odd , Id much rather just have the feel of the gears shifting.I do love the overall look of the accord compared to the camry. As soon as I get enough equity on the loan I will buy another brand unless honda changes the suspension on the 2018 accord.

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  Accord for life - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Hilroy Samuels - May 4 - 6:05 am

  My 5th Accord but my first touring love the features. I love the V6 power. Average up to 26 miles per gallon highway. I do 80 miles a day round trip. Two dislikes are the apple car play is a little strange and the brake assist malfunctions when it is cover from round splash or snow cover. What I really like is the self steering feature it is so good when have my morning coffee it just steers itself.

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  exelent - 2004 Honda S2000
  By lighteningsikes7 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  its the best car and i love it i drive it with the top off even in da rain,snow and fog

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  Love my little milk truck! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ridsbabe - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my new Element so far. I bought the 2003 Galapagos green metallic, 2WD, automatic EX edition. It handles well, even in the rain. It is quiet and spacious. I would suggest adding floormats as the floor gets slippery when wet. The seats fold down, to the side or come out completely for this camping trips or trips to the furniture store! No more delivery fees!

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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Honda Pilot Owner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SUV. IT IS EXCELLENT!!!

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  Luv it, Luv it, Luv it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By crvict - May 3 - 10:25 am

  When we went searching for a new car, I had my heart set on a 07 RAV4. Husband wanted me to look at a CR-V before my final decision. Glad I did! Im happier with the fold down table in the middle of the front bucket seats. Im glad the hatch swings up and not into traffic. I added the removable tray in the back which is a dream after a trip to the store, and the gas mileage is wonderful. I didnt have to change oil for the first time till it hit 8,000 miles! And yes it is true for us, the CR-V was 15% less to insure because it doesnt have the spare hanging on the back. Ive driven it for a little over a year now, and cannot find one thing wrong. And I got the entry level AWD!

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  Great Honda but Stinky Dealership - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Fan 02 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  01 Oddy is an upgrade from a 95 Quest. Handling is excellant due to lower profiling. Power is pretty good but it feels a little sluggist. This is no race car. No problem with the engine, tran or gas milage. The kids love it. One minor complaint is that the driver seat (electrical) seems to moved out of adjustment by itself. The biggest complaint is the dealership in Cerritos. I wrote a letter to the Honda Corporation and they have forwarded the complaint to the dealership but never heard from them. Norm Reeve Honda is too big and they feel that they can affort to neglect a few customers. Be careful with them and dont be the next victim.

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  Love our Hondas - 2000 Honda Accord
  By paul171 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is our 6th Honda. Our first was a 1983 Civic that was flooded, hit, and survived two teenagers using it. Hondaa are fantastic vehicles. The 2000 is our 4th Accord and it has been fantastic. It now has 30000 miles on it and has not been back to the dealer for anything more than scheduled maintenance. It has performed flawlessly. It is fun to drive, economical, and very reliable. I have been recommending Hondas to others for years.

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  Car for Life - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Probe8 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Very good family car! Excellent reliability. Good gas mileage. Smooth and quiet handling. Financing was almost perfect and can hardly beat the rate. If you plan on having 2 to 3 kids in your family, this will be the perfect fit. One of the safest four door car Ive ever thought. If you think of selling it, this will be one of the highest resale value you can find with its class.