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 lifesaver - 2004 Honda Civic
  By melysa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for 7 months...and it is so much fun to drive and i drive alot....the first week i had i drove to virgina from florida and back..and several times to orlando and i have had no problems and the milage is perfect for what i use it for.it was everything i had wanted and more

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  honda accord exv6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By russell bien - April 17 - 2:00 am

  What I expected of the Honda Corporation. Very dependable automobile.

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  More trims wanted - 2004 Honda Accord
  By alphan - April 17 - 2:00 am

  EXV6 should come in cloth seats as well. Couldnt care a bit for XM but want the alloys, sunroof, V6, power seats. Road, wind, etc noise sources eliminated. Tight built is nice. A bit disoriented in city traffic not hearing other cars! Handling could be better, but is OK for 98% driving conds. Good job on gas mileage on a V6.

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  Luxury Car without Luxury Price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By twnygard - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded in our 2001 V6 Accord Coupe for the 2004 V6 Accord Sedan. Loved both cars, but the 2004 feels like a luxury car without the big $ price. Test drove the Acura TL but couldnt justify the extra 8K for 30 HP, heated mirrors and 200 watt sound system. Recently drove in heavy snow in northern Michigan and it handled like a dream. Could not be happier. Navigation upgrade in 2004 was tremendous. Currenly own a 2003 Pilot, and the Navigation upgrade with Voice and larger screen are great. XM radio a great feature, plan on buying it after my 3 month free preview.

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  Happy Purchase - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bashyam T V - April 17 - 1:19 am

  The car impressed right at the first sight - the design, stance and appeal. Being a Honda fan, no other make was even considered. And this car was eons ahead in the mentioned areas. Test drive confirmed my feelings. The trim had to be scaled down from Touring to EX-T due to financial constraints and prudence of not willing to pay $6K for features which would not be used as frequently. Features liked: 1. Keyless Entry & Ignition - This feature would help a lot in the cold months when the car could be started and heated prior to entry 2. Dashboard - Very comprehensive and intuitive 3. Engine - Smooth & Responsive 4. Design & Looks - Very upscale 5. Brake hold - Lets relax on longer waits at signals 6. Parking Brake - Awesome. No more pulling up the hand brake / trying to locate the pedal 7. Drivers Seat - Low seating like in a sports car. Loved it Few of the annoying stuff: 1. Road noise still enters the cabin 2. Climate control does take time to get used to, and the fan noise is so much that the music / call volumes have be cranked up several notches. This is a very big climb down compared to the old Civic 3. Entertainment system again takes time to get used to. It is here that the dealership could spend a few additional minutes educating the buyer 4. Last but not the least, connectivity with Android Auto is a pain. The screen goes blank every now and then. While using AA for navigation and screen going blank, the risk can only be imagined. Ditto is the case when music is streamed. One trip of 2 hours facing the issue, this feature is no longer used Now, coming to the dealership - Honda of Chantilly: Sales Person - Christian B. Very helpful and exuded warmth. Provided right amount of advise to arrive at a quick decision. Appreciate his support through the purchase Sales Supervisor (Christians boss) - Antimo. Again, very understanding and helpful. Very courteous and patient. Would like to deal with him again. Keep it up, both of you! While the sales persons were awesome guys, complete contrast was the Business Manager - too snobbish. The less said the better. Would follow up with this review once the initial run period is completed, and service is "experienced" :-)

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  Best Car EVER! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Vanessa - April 16 - 9:49 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 46,000 miles on it, and I just sent it off to the salvage yard (car accident totaled it) and I already miss it. During the 6 years I owned it I never had a single problem with it, well apart from the multiple break ins and being stolen once (I got it back intact). I always could rely on it starting no matter the weather and never had a problem with it until the accident. Even colliding with a highway wall at 40 miles in a blizzard I was still able to drive it off the road. My next car definitely will be another Honda Accord.

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  2008 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L 4 cyl - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mark ogle - April 16 - 12:00 pm

  Have had my Accord coupe for a week and it gets a thumbs-up thus far! Traded in my 99 Mustang GT convertible as I changed jobs and needed a more practical commuter car. This a good choice if (like me) you need an affordable and comfortable commuting vehicle but hate the idea of a boring boxy sedan. The Accord Coupe is stylish and sporty. Thought about the V6 but the 190-horsepower base engine has plenty of power for normal driving and passing.

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  The car Detroit wishes it could build! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By David - April 16 - 11:46 am

  With a daughter in college, my family needed dependable, economical transportation. I considered the Camry, Mazda6, and the Accord, and chose the Accord. No regrets! It is a much better car than I had anticipated. Excellent economy, good performance, good sound system. Handles well and very comfortable. I knew that Honda made good products, but did not anticipate the Accord being this good.

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  Love IT...but it eats motor oil - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MayK - April 15 - 11:55 pm

  I bought a used 2005 Honda CRV and it drives great. However, the only problem I have is that it slowly eats motor oil...Is this TRUE??? To avoid any complications I just have to change the motor oil on time. Love the size, body, and height!

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  4 Door Si, get one, its worth it! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Frank - April 15 - 6:26 pm

  Great car, fun to drive, good on gas with that same 2 door coupe engine. Turns heads everywhere, plus plenty of room for my teenage sons and they just cant wait to drive it too, but not just yet, I got to have my fun. A 4 door that everyone will love.