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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  My 2nd Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By georgecat - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After my experience with my 1992 Honda Accord I knew my replacement had to be a new Accord. I have a 2003 Accord EX V6 coupe. It is fun to drive, I have gotten many positive comments from strangers at gas stations about the design of the car. The car is fun, it feels safe, reliable, its a Honda. Average 28mpg average driving, as high as 31mpg all highway driving.

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  Explorer V8 to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By William Patterson - April 1 - 4:16 am

  I had an Explorer V8 and loved it, however, it was always a gas hog. My CRV not only delivers on gas mileage which half the Explorer thirst but give a better ride and great manueverability. My big dislike is the dealer not disclosing the SE version which I could have purchased a couple months later and the excessive wind and road noise. Other than that its been a great vehicle.

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  good but not great - 2003 Honda Accord
  By msp - March 31 - 4:13 am

  Generally, this is a very good car with many good attributes. However, my experience has been a disappointment. For a V6, the car exhibits significant idle shake resulting in an annoying vibration in the steering wheel. Unfortunately, this is not unique to this car. An identical vehicle was tested and had the same symptoms. No known fix is currently available. The outcome is that I will sell the vehicle.

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  Sweet! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By thetrev68 - March 30 - 11:40 am

  The best way to review this car is to compare it my 06 Altima 3.5SL that I traded in. The Altima was faster, had more options, and a better Bose stereo. I still prefer the Accord. Build quality is fantastic. It feels both luxurious and sporty at the same time. Every texture feels upscale. Every button is full of precision and is satisfying to touch. The car steers and drives effortlessly but retains a degree of connectedness to the driving experience. I couldnt be happier with the car.

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  Blue Honda Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Danny Raiwnsky - March 30 - 8:56 am

  The only mechanical problem is the a/c does not cool properly. The car has lots of design defects. The buyer is required to accept options whether they want them or not. I dont want electric mirrors, door locks, or windows. I do not want power steering. There is no leg room for the driver if the seat is moved far enough forward to reach the steering, or if the seat is moved back far enough for good leg room the steering is too far from the drivers arms. I do not want side curtain or any other air bags. I absolutely do not want ABS and I will disconnect it. I would have liked variable speed intermittent wipers. Ride is harsh. Interior black color is hard to keep clean.

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  best purchase ever - 1996 Honda Civic
  By econgenius - March 30 - 2:00 am

  How can you go wrong with one of these? Ive had this car from day 1, and all i have spent money on is preventative maintnance. Its not going to out-pace a corvette, but it is a car you can count on to get you where u need to go. Ive got 141,000 miles and im running it till the wheels fall off.

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  4 Wheel Superbike - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Kevin Ledbetter - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Closest thing to a superbike on 4 wheels. This little vehicle handles like few others. The low polar inertia helps the grippy tires to change directions effortlessly. Four wheel anti-lock disc brakes stop the car as fast as any other street vehicle. Below 6000 rpm the engine is just another 4 cylinder, but when the big cam lobes kick in at 6-grand, youll think a couple of solid rocket boosters went off. silky-smooth 6-speed transmission keeps you in the power range when properly used. Loads of fun to drive. Rock solid Honda quality, through and through.

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  Having Second Thoughts - 2013 Honda Accord
  By aviationguy - March 29 - 1:30 pm

  Ive had my 2013 Accord EX for almost four months. I initially rated it very high, but there have been things happen that are very disappointing. The wind noise has gotten worse and Honda doesnt seem to know how to fix it. The trunk lid doesnt fit properly and the dealership has only made excuses for it (no fix). The CVT has a judder at low speeds that is common with the Accord, but Honda hasn t propsed a fix. The windshield has leaked twice (doesnt always leak, though, when it rains). And now, theres an annoying rattle in the drivers side door.

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  Black Beauty - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Miami Lyfe - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I puchased my 92 Prelude w/ over 160,000 miles on her. This car is has never let me down and drives really smooth. This car has excellent quality in the interior materials but CUPHOLDERS would be nice... The Engine is peppy and quick to deliver you the passing speed you need on the freeway. I consider my car to be a 2seater because those things in the back That Honda calls seats function better as shelves for me. My nine year old brother said it was cramped back there.... This car is EXCELLENT and drips with quality.

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  Honda goes the way of Detroit - 2004 Honda Accord
  By No More Hondas - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Honda I have owned, 91,93,02 and now a 03 EX V6 Accord Sedan. This car is dangerous and should be recalled by the Federal government. Steering wheel vibrations, steering drift and suspension are totally unacceptable. Will dump this car as soon as I can. Reminds me of my 75 Dodge Charger another disaster. Honda warranty a joke. Back to Infinity for me. A Sonta would be a better choice.