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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  Great Car for young people - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Cinnie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1998, and it has been wonderful. I never had any real problems with it, just upkeep, and gas. Although when I had a baby in 2001, it became very apparent that it wasnt a family vehicle. No room in the back for her now that she is 2, her feet have to rest on the seats, and I have to pull my seat up closer to the steering wheel, so I cant drive comfortably. If you are single, with no children, this is a great car!!!!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda Civic
  By MaeMcDonald - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car, and a great value. I havent had a SINGLE problem with this car. Granted, I am very good at keeping the regular maintenance schedule.

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  It Continues to Evolve - 2017 Honda Accord
  By T Deakins - September 21 - 2:37 pm

  The car itself is great albeit a little more still than I like and road noisy. Many of the driving aids are little more than half-steps, e.g.; blind spot detection is only in one side, why not both? … the adaptive cruise will not stop the car … the lane departure system constantly challenges the driver over whos going to steer the car. The nav and radio requires paging multiple screens to get to what you want … this can quite a distraction.

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  No regrets - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Lunt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Oddy from an independent dealer. We were reluctant because of its low price, since they hold their value so well. After 2 test drives, a carfax report and lots of homework, we decided to let our guard down and purchase the van. It drives a little heavier than other vans we tested but the power and handling made up for that. The original owner added a luggage rack and a 6-disk in-dash CD player, which made its appeal very similar to the EX model. Front brake pads and tires were worn so the dealer replaced them. We also had to get new keyfobs for the keyless entry/anti theft system. Seems like a lot to go through but it was worth it.

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  Civic to Accord - 2015 Honda Accord
  By DML, Sr - September 19 - 11:40 pm

  Road Noise is only a bit better than the Civic

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  Noisy, weak initially - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Hitesh Parekh - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last month from a private owner. When started, the car makes a lot of noise (is it normal??) Runs quitely till you reach about 60mph. Drags initially but after about 30mph, runs very smoothly. High road/ wind noise. Excellent braking & manueverability at high speed. Leather seats are firm but doesnot provide a good lumbar support. Too early to comment about reliabilty. Overall, great peace of mind.

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  Well Balanced - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - September 18 - 9:16 pm

  Balanced between sufficient power (190hp) and fuel economy, between cabin space and sportiness, and excellent suspension tuning. The torque may seem delayed, but the power is there when the Vtech kicks in. The engine noise is noticeable, but it sounds nice. Its not straining to move the car. Its a lot of car for the money. Maybe not the best at anything, but really good at everything. Its a big car, make no mistake about it. Coming out of a Civic its huge. But I wanted a big car. Maybe not "fun" to drive, but very easy to drive.

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  Gas Hog! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  This is our 2nd Honda Accord. We traded in a BMW 325i as it was rear wheel drive and not a good car to drive in the snow. Previously we owned a 98 V6 Accord, it was a great car and so we figured that we couldnt go wrong with the new accord, we loved the body style. The car is fabulous, except for one thing, it is a GAS HOG! For a 4 cylinder honda engine we expected to get better than 23 mpg, especially since my wife drives about 90% freeway miles at 65. The sticker said to expect up to 31, boy was that a lie! Our 6 cylinder BMW averaged 26 mpg on the same drive!

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  06 Odyssey w.Nav and DVD - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By VolFan - September 16 - 12:06 pm

  Our van is a work of art and is a pleasure to drive. We have had it for a month and put over 2000 miles on it. Disappointed that we are getting 22 mpg. It was advertised as 29 to 30 with the computer controlled shutdown of three cylinders.

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  OK Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By 99 user - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 20k miles. it now has 95k miles and I am still happy with the car. Outside of normal maintenance and replacement of normal wear and tear items, things have been ok.