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:

• 

  Solid But Uninspiring - Accord EX 5-spd - 2002 Honda Accord
  By J. Kent - March 30 - 10:00 am

  My Accord is dead-solid reliable, but the driving experience is plain-vanilla and road noise is a problem. The ride is relatively quiet on smooth pavement, but when the macadam gets coarse, it sets up quite a roar in the passenger compartment. Ive experienced poor road-noise isolation in other Honda products, including a relatives Acura. My Accord also is generating a disappointing number of rattles and squeaks. Fit and finish otherwise are very good, and the quality of the interior materials is superb. If reliability and economical operation are what youre after, this is your car. If youre looking for pulse-quickening performance and silent running, look elsewhere.

• 

  No More Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Zzzooom - March 29 - 3:23 pm

  I hated it, but i had to get rid of my Accord. The drivers seat is so uncomfortable - my back hurt all the time - I was miserable. This is in spite if the fact I have teh EX-L with all power seat adjustments. Additionally, for the second time in 1 year my brakes rotors had to be turned and new brake pads installed. Honda would not replace the rotors so I know that since they have been turned twice, its only a short time until the vibration when braking returns. Beware of Honda Seats.

• 

  Accord is still a very noisy car, even w noise can - 2016 Honda Accord
  By TLC - March 29 - 11:35 am

  Because of the high road and wind noise, it does not feel like a luxury car.

• 

  Looks good but.... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By RC - March 26 - 10:03 pm

  A sharp looking car that turns heads. To be a 4 cylinder, I like the pickup. I drive 180 miles a day to and from work which is all interstate, so keeping up with traffic is no problem. But.. the drivers seat is very uncomfortable, the radio cuts out when using a gps unit plugged into the power port, passenger seat when pushed up to let passenger into back seat does not return to its original setting, always has to be reset, road noise is bad, headlights dim down when compressor kicks in, gas cap will scratch side of car so be sure to put it in the cap rest in the gas door. Ive always been a Pontiac man, and I sure do miss my Bonneville. This is the first and last Honda I will ever own.

• 

  Great Choice for First Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By FrankG - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car I ever bought myself and Ive been VERY happy with it for the past year, racking up almsot 20K miles. The engine is powerful enough for a 60 mile round-trip daily commute on the DC Beltway & I-95, but not so powerful that it gives you poor gas milage (I get 26/27 mpg). There is no need for a V6 with this car, despite what other reviews say. Its a nice size, handles well, and is easy to park -- no problems getting into a space in any lot, garage, or street location. Its a great commuter car and road trip car rolled into one. Safety features are great, and it was certainly worth upgrading to the EX to get them.

• 

  Great Car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By M111 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Had it for six years and about 60,000 mi. Mostly maintenance and few repairs. Car runs perfectly and all components work in and out. Basically like new with 140k miles on it. Have no fear of reliability problems yet. Dont hesitate to buy one if in the used market for a coupe or sedan right now in a low price range. Value, reliability and sheer pleasure are to be had for your $$.

• 

  Mr. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Vinhlong - March 26 - 1:40 am

  Interior design poor, dash board very simple compair to Honda Accord 05. Running noisy, side mirror not flex like Honda Accord 05. No interior temperature control.

• 

  Redesigned Pilot-nice job - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Phil Alexakos - March 25 - 10:46 pm

  Limited inventory available. Trim levels options are very rigid. Ie. The were none of the EX-with sensing which is what I would have preferred to have leased. I have owned Pilots in the past and moved to a CRV last time. This re-design is a great cross between the CRV and Odyssey so it works for the family. The gas mileage is 4-6 MPG than my old Pilot. Please have a hybrid for my next lease!!

• 

  Great SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Elpidia - March 25 - 10:39 pm

  The visibility its great and quite inside. Gasoline consumption is good. Has a good movement. Easy to parks. The only thing is hasnt passenger seat power and hasnt memory driver seat. For the price would be these futures.

• 

  Honda Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tim - March 25 - 6:13 am

  Great car other than it doesnt like to go into reverse. Honda Canada is still "reviewing" whether or not my reverse woes in fact warrant repairs. Pushing it out of parking spots when its two weeks old apparently is acceptable to Honda !