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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  I love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By CMBullymont - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Im very picking about cars, and there is a reason Ill only own a Honda. The Si is a great car, awesome to drive, and the shifter is the perfect place. Once you drive this car, youll buy it. I give it two thumbs up all around!

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  For What I Payed Its Great - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Joe d - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I really do love this car

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  EX-L Nav V6 Coupe - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Imezgoin - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 540 BMW for the Accord, and I had to give up a few things; outrageous repairs, unreliable performance, arrogant service, haughty atmosphere and lousy cupholders. For that I got one super-fun to drive car that gets 25 MGP around town and as much as 34 MPG on a long highway trip, all on regular! The Nav works great, the 6 Speed is tighter than the 540s, and yes it has real cupholders. Great job Honda!

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  Whats not to like? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By yobrooklyn - January 10 - 10:00 am

  For $199/month, I cant imagine a better lease deal out there. This car is solid, quiet, roomy, nice to look at, and, as a Honda, will probably still be running in 50 years.

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  My First Automatic Honda - 2018 Honda Accord
  By Derek McDougal - January 10 - 9:47 am

  So far I am very pleased with this car! I have previously owned 2 Accord V6’s with 6-speed manuals and this is my first with an automatic. I’m very pleased with the shifting. It’s an overall seamless experience. The torque of the 2.0 engine is very strong down low and all the way to the redline. I absolutely love the interior appointments in this car. You will feel as if you spent much more money. Honda now offers many more standard features on lower trims and the Sport 2.0T is very well equipped for the price. I would recommend this car for anyone! Way to go Honda!!

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  Great Car - The Accord has Grown Up! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dalmavfan - January 10 - 5:23 am

  I traded in my ultra-reliable 1998 Accord that had 153k miles for the 2008 EX-L 4-cyl. I absolutely love the car! Handles great, awesome fresh interior, lots of cool new features. Ive fueled up once and got about 24 mpg - Not great, but Ive been told it gets better. The engine is a very peppy VTEC - it really kicks in at about 3500 rpms. Very impressed with the 4-cyl. Also, amazing leg space in front AND back seats - the Accord could almost be considered a full size sedan. Honda has done an amazing job with this design. I love it!

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  I am a Hondaholic! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By alvarado4pack - January 10 - 2:09 am

  I bought my CRV new in 2001 and loved it since. I have had no problems with it, I just get the oil changed every 3k miles and do the minor maint like tires, brakes and have fluids checked. I put almost 70k miles on it. It is very reliable. I feel safe in it too. It is a bit heavier than the new models, not as "flimsy". It has alot of space in the back. We travel a lot across country and we can fit all our luggage in the back. We will always have Hondas. I will drive it until it dies!

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  Should have got a Fit instead of the Fiesta 4 year - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Chris Sanchez - January 9 - 6:14 pm

  The newer model of Fit get better gas mileage and looks a little sportier. My only real complaint is the lack of entertainment center options and lack of support for Android Auto and similar products.

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  Civic good be better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By David Ponce - January 9 - 3:36 pm

  I found the styling good, the performance is great, but Im disappointed on the fuel economy. The comfort level is great. The road noise is not quiet. Needs work on that.

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  Radio, Wipers Trans and Brakes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Len - January 9 - 3:11 pm

  Just had the lights go out on the radio, Honda repaired free, good for 105 K miles or 7 years. Also got the wiper recall done. Trans recall was done at 24K. Only repairs were for brake disks which have been replaced 2 times for rear and once for front. Bought ceramic last time, hope they last more than 40K miles. Only other repair was for heated seat relay fixed under warranty. This is my 3rd Accord.