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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  Good Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Honda Fan - September 9 - 8:56 am

  This is my 5th Honda, and it is the nicest one I have owned! I really like the fact that we can fit my family in and take it on trips. Quiet, and very easy to drive. A little bit of adjustment from my 2001 Civic LX, but a good adjustment. Ended up with this when my dealer suggested it was a better deal than a 2003 with the new body style.

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  Vibration on window side - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jayk - September 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought this car 3 months ago. I have no problem with handling, mileage, and reliability. However, Im not satisfied with the build quality because there is vibration on the side door which I could not locate the exact place. It really bothers me because you can really hear the vibration.

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  Improved Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Venkat - September 9 - 2:13 am

  I have owned a Honda before and it has been a pleasure to ride these Accords. A good economical family sedan, with stylish interiors and good safety features.

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  06 Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 06FG2 - September 8 - 11:56 pm

  This car is really fun to drive. It has great cornering. 8300k rev. Best looking Civic so far.

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  Follow up review 4 years later - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ElectricalEngineer - September 8 - 9:44 pm

  I reviewed this car in October 2005. Now it is four years later, I still have the same Accord EXV6. Im even happier after this much time has passed. Ive made a lot of improvements to the sound system that resulted in complete disassembly. This is an excellent vehicle to work on. Everything is secured well. Panels can be removed and replaced without squeaking or rattling. It is still a great vehicle and Im always getting compliments when people see the odometer. Do not hesitate to pick this one up!

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  Great car!!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By HARRY - September 8 - 8:29 pm

  This is our third Honda accord LX lease, after 11 yrs with a f-150 truck decided to go back to the Honda. Let me start with fit and finish are second to none interior seems well built. The back up camera is a nice feature, but all view angles out of the windows are easy to see. Instrumentation is very well laid out and easy to use(lot more features than our 07 accord) The CVT transmission is great but a little getting used to, horse power is rated at 185 which perfect for merging into traffic, but still getting great gas mileage. Breaks....what can I say its a Honda, great stopping power and peddle feel. Looked at the Toyota, but they just dont have the fit and finish of the Honda.

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  Perfect - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Tad - September 8 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a 92 300ZX Twin Turbo, which I maintained. And quite honestly this car is just as exciting as the TT if not more. I couldnt ask for more handling in 4 door vehicle, and the thrill of running it to 8k is just... you have to feel it for yourself.

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  Biggest Mistake of my life - 1998 Honda Accord
  By razor225 - September 8 - 3:16 pm

  We must have bought the biggest lemon on the lot. 2wks after purchase spent 1500 on repairs. Should have knew something was up then. Needless to say I think we have spent over 6000 in repairs in 18 months. We just had to replace a ball joint and tie rod and front tire. These were brand new tires...this car is the biggest piece of JUNK ever made.

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  comfort - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By john mouco - September 8 - 3:02 pm

  We own the touring with power pass front seat. Seat does not go up and down and sits too low and is very hard not like the drivers 6 way power seat. Also hard to get in and out of the pass seat. We would not have purchased this vehicle if we had known that the pass seat was not like the drivers seat. We had a 2013 Chevy Equinox with both power front seats and they were great but no pickup in that model. The new ones have a 1.5 liter. turbo engine. We are thinking of trading this in for the Chevy Equinox and the CR-V has only 2600 miles on it.

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  The Knight Rider Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By newsoccordad - September 8 - 5:53 am

  I share many of the same comments as the other reviewers. My wife quickly got over the stigma of SUV vs. Minivan. It was basically between this and the Toyota and it was pretty neck and neck until I test drove the Toyota. It just did not compare to the Honda. The Honda really moves and has great handling. Evidently I got the last one in the NYC area in this color/model for the next several weeks...