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 my Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CrazieAccord - July 29 - 9:36 am

  So far my Accord has held up wonderfully. I love the fact that I can fit two adults in the back and they arent cramped. Fuel mileage is a big plus, I usually average 26 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving (mostly highway). The only issue I have is the rear window needs a wiper, water seems to just sit on the back window and makes it kind of annoying to look out of. I would (and do) recommend the 7th generation (03+) accord to anyone.

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  Love it - 2016 Honda Civic
  By laura hauser - July 29 - 6:19 am

  Great value, sporty look, my son loves his vehicle! !!

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  My 09 Honda Accord is a Pain in my Neck - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Stacey Parker - July 28 - 7:20 pm

  In an effort to simplify my life, I traded in my Lexus SUV for a 2009 Honda Accord EXL. Take that Chevron and Mobil! I loved the look and feel of the car. The woodgrain interior and upgraded stereo were luxurious options. It was a good fit for me. And, I was feeling pretty good about my decision - the first 39 minutes of my drive home. That’s when I noticed the tinge of pain surging from my neck down through my back. I was in excruciating pain!!! I looked back quickly and realized that the Active Headrestraints would be the bane of my existence. A good idea gone wrong.

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  Consumer Beware - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Deb - July 28 - 2:22 pm

  I bought this car for the long haul. What Honda fails to tell anyone is they installed a faulty rear differential and rear suspension and that is why the tires wear out by 20,000 miles. Dealerships and main office refuse to fix this problem and your complaints fall on deaf ears. Im sorry to say the problem still exists in the newer models as well! Im dumping this car asap and will NEVER own another Honda again.

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  Best car Ive had yet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rafael - July 28 - 11:38 am

  Very clean inside and out cheap to maintain. I was going to get a brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra and Im happy I didnt this Honda is %100 better, I bought about 1 month ago with 128,000 miles and its still like New. Ive driven a lot of cars and this one is my all time favorite and cant wait to have for years to come. Ill write more when I get close to 200,000 miles. Happy Honda Guy guesswho100k

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  My experiences over five years - 2003 Honda Element
  By JoeB - July 28 - 9:19 am

  I have a 2003 AWD Element, bought new in 03. In my rural real estate practice, I go absolutely everywhere, and in all kind of conditions. (The Pittsburgh end of Pennsylvania is very hilly!). I have taken it through farmer fields in knee-to-waist-high grass and weeds in showing land. I also have five years experience in all kinds of winter weather, often driving on ice and up to ten inches or so of snow. (The experiences I could tell you!). I usually use an aggressive tread all- weather tire in the winter, or sometimes a mud & snow. I dont particularly overload my Element with heavy "stuff" in the rear, although I do keep lots of real estate stuff back there (for fixing "for sale" signs).

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  the new lexus - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andi - July 28 - 6:20 am

  I traded in my 2004 CRV for the new updated model. I love the new design of the outside and inside of the car. The only two things I do not like is the rear visibility (for short people) and the missing cup holder in the dash, otherwise it handles much more like a luxury car, quiet, responsive, much more power and the look and feel of a much more expensive car.

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  Great people and cargo hauler - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Alex - July 28 - 12:23 am

  After 3 years and 25k miles, I havent had to change a thing, not even the windshield wiper rubber! It lives up to the Honda reputation. Ample room and flexible seat arrangements allows you to carry big or long items, saving the cost of buying a truck. Its headroom is larger than most SUV and midsize cars.

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  Hated it! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By Sandy R. - July 28 - 12:12 am

  I owned this Civic for 3 years and hated driving it every day. It was slow to accelerate and there was no great fuel savings. The econo mode made it even more sluggish. The headlights were extremely dim and not well focused. The slanting up windshield and sloping down front made visibility poor. The blind spot in the side mirrors was a significant minus. The cloth seats were wearing thin on the drivers side in just 3 years. The trunk was very small and could not hold much else once I put my mothers small walker in there. It was very difficult for an older person with hip or knee problems to get in and out of. The upholstery was treated by the dealer to prevent stains, however, it did not make it any easier to clean. I owned a 1996 Honda Civic 5 speed and loved it. I was extremely disappointed with this car. I traded it off to a Toyota dealer and I would not say the trade in was very significant. This said, it was a pleasure to be rid of this car.

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  I like it - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gt - July 27 - 11:19 pm

  Bought 2nd hand with 15k miles for a second auto... Surprised me.. Now my regular car... Fun to drive... Totally reliable.. Very quick... Great handling.. Ave gas mileage 22 city 29 hwy with ac and I do push it a bit... Hated the velour seats.. Always covered with dog hair so I put in leather.. Huge help.. I consider this to be an underrated really excellent auto ... Get one.