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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  As Nice As Can Be - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tucsonraymo - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Acura TL, Lexus ES300, & M-B C320 (not BMW cuz my 99 328i just came off lease & wanted a change)- the Accord was a better car with more features, more power and nicer interior for less money. Its very comfortable - Im 61" & 260 lbs - its roomy and quite powerful. Handles decent and the interior is top rate, even if wood is fake. Love the nav system. It really helped on a recent trip to So. Cal. Also the guages are electro-luminescent, nothing else in the class offers that.

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  2003 Honda Accord Rules - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mcdekim - March 17 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive! Alot of car for the money. A powerfull car, but great on fuel.

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  Best car ever!!! - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Fernando - March 17 - 6:39 am

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  Great Deal - 2006 Honda Accord
  By plrae12 - March 17 - 12:30 am

  I got the 2006 Accord EX V6. Its actually my second accord and im very impressed with it. My 1994 accord has 115,000 miles in it and still running. The 2006 accord is very comfortable and roomy to drive. I was disappointed to find out that the automatic starter is not a standard. I dont actually have a problem with the breaks, since its still new, it is very sensitive. Otherwise the ride is very smooth, you can barely hear the engine when its on.

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  This is a Honda? - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ashleysandsamsmom - March 16 - 7:09 pm

  I just bought the car, I have had it a week and there is a vibrating noise in the front end when taking off or going up a hill. The dome light is bad and the fuel gauge is not working properly, the sensor is being replaced in a few days. The breaks are making a scrubbing noise. All of this has been brought up to the dealership they say all is normal but the fuel sensor and dome light! So to have this car for only a week and all these things to be wrong, thats not good. I thought Hondas were reliable and wonderful cars! It didnt come with a CD player and the windows you have to manually roll them up, I am lazy.

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  A very nice Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tlh4tung - March 16 - 5:36 am

  This is my first ever Honda and I love it a lot. Nice styling and good build quality. I own a black one and took it to tint window and install HID headlight now the car looks as nice as a BMW. The performance of the car is excellent but need some practice for the cluch before get used to it. Havent try to push the car hard but you can feel a lot of power above 3000rpm. A very comfortable, fast and fun to drive car for everyday use.

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  Best car ever - 1993 Honda Accord
  By BPolston - March 16 - 1:55 am

  Bought it in 97 with 40000 miles on it. It now has 271000 and still is going strong. No oil burning just keep up on the maintenance. Four starters, has original alternator and struts. Rear brake shoes have not been replaced yet.

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  With a little help from its friends... - 2008 Honda Fit
  By wdb - March 15 - 10:54 pm

  ...it gets a whole lot better. This is a very inexpensive car for a Honda, so I am not averse to fixing what I dont like. Odd driving position! I splay my knees out to the sides and use the cruise control as much as possible. I still grumble though. No dead pedal! Zeta dead pedal, HIGHLY recommended. No center armrest! I bought a pricey JDM Honda center console inexpensive console/armrest addons are available. 22K miles so far and the car is still a pure hoot to drive, which is a big deal for me boring cars stink. I get close to 40MPG without trying too hard. And its still cute as a bug. Im keeping mine!

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  Most reliable car I have ever owned - 2004 Honda Accord
  By philly - March 15 - 9:53 pm

  I presently have 59,000 miles on this car and it has never broke down once. The only thing that it has had is a new set of brake pads which you could expect at 50 to 60 thousand miles. Honda only requires its oil to be changed every 10,000 miles. It gets great gas mileage for a 4 banger, about 28 mpg on the average. I have never owned such a reliable car as this one. I hope to keep it for a long time to come. It has a comfortable ride, handles well, and takes care of my pocketbook. Glad I bought this car instead of another Mopar.

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  Great car! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By henry harlan - March 15 - 9:25 pm

  great family car. dependable...would suggest adding leather/tint to the sport model.