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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  Honda Accord "An excellent vehicle" - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - January 19 - 8:00 pm

  I researched the Accord, Camry, and Altima and the Galant and selected the Accord. The Accord is very competent, refined and nimble. Its fun to drive. It feels very sporty.

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  Odyssey not meeting expectations - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDABMWOWNR - January 19 - 7:29 pm

  While this is often rated the best minivan, I have found some critiques that are real. First, the pulley on the crankshaft cracked at 22k miles. We also have been having funny shifting patterns at 1500rpm and 35-45mph that the dealer claims is normal Grade-Logic - nevertheless it sure is not smooth despite 2 attempts for them to evaluate. Too bad since I waited to buy this 2007 model when Honda secretly changed the transmission without telling customers (since the older one was failing also). The ride is noisier on the highway than we hoped. Wish mileage was better than the 17-18 we average. Its big and you can feel it twist and hear rattles in the doors over bumps. I expected more.

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  Love my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By jasonswifey - January 19 - 7:01 pm

  Ive had a lot of cars and I always get sick of them quick! But I am in love with my Element and when it comes time for me to get a new car it will be a newer version! The back seat is awesome! Very spacious for long road trips and comfortable enough for 3 people without feeling crowded! I love how the back seat can either be folded up or taken out with little to no effort! And the vinyl instead makes muddy shoes and drink spills no big deal! I keep windex and paper towels in the back and when I end up with a mess its gone quick! The front seat is also very comfortable and has lots of neat features!

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  Not what I thought either - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob - January 19 - 1:40 pm

  When youre researching a car, its easy just to go off of the reviews without actually asking yourself what you want. I research for months before buying this car, after a while I got HONDAITIS, a condition where you start to believe that HONDAs are holier than thou. I pictured myself happily driving it for 10 years. Once I owned it, I knew that it would be a boring 10 years. After a month I got tired of the bland grey interior. The transmission shifted great, but the engine was weak. Remember an I-VTEC Honda 4-cyl is still only a 4-cyl. I bought a 2000 Grand Am V-6 for a work car a few months after the Accord. My wife started driving it and made me drive the Honda, that says it all.

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  Kents Excelent CRV adventure - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By aktobias - January 19 - 10:00 am

  WOW! I love this thing!!!! Its cool looking, fun to drive and rides and drives like a bigger and more expensive psuedo SUV. After having owned a Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser and an assortment of other 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive cars including a 1991 black Accord EX 4 door with a 5 speed (loved it). Great Interior space for a 6 footer, but lacks more comfortable (adjustable) seats, better bolstering and it lacks a real Dead Peddle

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  Buy An Accord!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dfellores - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Hey if your looking for a great, reliable car that has a resale value that wont leave you feeling horable when you trade it in, get an Accord. It is one of the best car that I have ever driven. Smooth, zippy, and fun to drive.

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  Accord EX - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jarule - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice family vehicle. It yields good gas mileage. We have had some issues with some of the rubber sealings around the windows but warranty coverage has taken care of the problems. We have added a spoiler on the trunk and it seems to be too heavy - the trunk may fall on your head while open. Overall not a too bad vehicle.

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  Great little car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Traveliter - January 19 - 10:00 am

  We missed purchasing the car during the initial shipment in our area, but after contacting over 40 dealers in our state, we lucked out and found a dealer who still had one in their showroom. We drove 400 miles to buy this car, and we couldnt be more pleased. It didnt even take a whole tank of gas to drive it home! The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable, the vehicle is attractive both inside and out, and I take delightful glee in seeing the "average mpg" display gauge, which at this time is showing 46.7mpg (we drive on hills). Were just tickled!

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  I am disappointed - 2002 Honda Accord
  By cvw4100 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The car idles rough and they said these idle rough and that other people have complained, the engine is very loud on take off after sitting for several hours and they said that is the way these are and other people have complained they are saying it is a valve noise. It rides very bumpy over even smooth roads. Steering at 65 is awful it seems like you are constantly fighting to keep the car straight I don! t know if it is the aerodynamics or what. I have always heard what great cars these are and I am trying to figure out why everybody is so satisfied with these.

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  Lemon - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Kasey - January 19 - 9:33 am

  Numerous electrical problems. On slippery and snowy conditions, the AWD does not engage, and got stuck. The shifter also gets stuck frequently, and is awkward to operate. After spending more time in the shop than on the road, my battle with this thing finally came to an end during a snow storm. While doing only about 20 mph, the back end kicked out (again, AWD didnt engage) I lost control and went off the road into a tree. Thanks to the unibody frame and poor impact zones, I came out with a cracked head and some broken ribs. The only saving grace of the ordeal is that the stupid car was totalled.