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 best Honda yet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Merrill Lindquist - January 21 - 10:33 pm

  My first Honda was a 1991 Accord DX 4 cylinder with no options, not even a radio. Had one put in later. I drove it for 145,000 miles and it still ran better than any other car I have ever had. I am 74 years old so I have had a few cars in my time. My next Honda was a 1991 Accord EX with leather interior and a 6 cylinder engine that only had 66,000 miles on it when I traded it in on my present 2006 Accord EX with the 244 HP 6 cylinder engine. All these Hondas were for the wife to drive but this last one I really love to drive. I am a fairly large person and the previous cars were too small for me to drive 300 to 400 miles in one day. This 2006 Honda, I can drive forever. Keep building them.

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  Good deal - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By KB - January 21 - 10:41 am

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  Great car so far - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ashlynn - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  I have had this car for over a month and have 1500 miles on it. I have nothing but good things to say. At first I had to get used to the automatic transmission because of the Eco mode. You can feel the car downshift and at first its uncomfortable because youre not used to it. Now I dont even notice it. This car is powerful and I have a lot of fun driving it. I actually look forward to my 30 mile commute each day. A lot of people complain about the seats. I think the leather is fine and have driven on a road trip (200 miles) with no problems. The car is beautiful inside and out and I get a lot of compliments on it. It really does look like a Lexus or BMW with all the chrome. I have black on black.

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  Love IT!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By HondaLover - January 20 - 4:16 pm

  This car is great! The 6-spped transmission is really fun to drive. The heated leather seats are great in the winter. XM is a great feature but there really isnt much on all those channels. This car again is great.

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  Extremely happy - 2016 Honda Accord
  By L. R. Nering - January 20 - 12:33 pm

  My wife and I leased this car and are extremely happy. We recently drove to Seattle and I couldnt be happier with my choice. Before leasing the vehicle I test drove the Mercedes, Acura, Lexus, Mustang and BMW. My wife said the ease of all the controls make it a great car and a real looker. She said it reminded her of the BMW 320 she use to own. Additionally, she is happy with the V-6 acceleration since she has to merge onto a state highway from a cross street.

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  cathy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cathy - January 20 - 10:40 am

  Overall, it handles excellent. Turning is very good, with the back window being able to be used now is the best new feature.

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  H2.5 Reality Check - 2003 Honda Element
  By tridelt422 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, family friendly. We have two children and found the backseat to be very accessable. We are both around 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg room in both the front and the backseat. Sealing feels vaulted. Love the sound system-270 watts. The colors and interior are very durable. Keyless entry and floormats are a must have. It would be nice if passenger side armrest were standard as we are planning to have one added. Overall, no major complaints, we love it and it gets tons of looks! Weve only had it for around 2 weeks and have already been stopped several times by people inquring about purchasing one.

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  Honda Rocks - 2003 Honda Accord
  By johninct - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my accord for 3 weeks and have already put almos 1700 miles on it, due to taking a long trip, and car runs great on the highway, but the car feels loose wet surfaces, I was used to an SUV before this and wanted somethin with better gas milage.

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  I LOVE IT MORE - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hiyar - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I am just checking back. I bought it 7 months ago and put 6000 miles on it. Loved it then, love it more now. Some changes since my initial report: Bumpiness got better. Now it feels just right. Not too soft, not too bumpy. MPG improved. I get 35 MPG (75 % HWY). On my last trip with AC on and 80 MPH all the way I got 30 MPG. Pick up is better. It has better pick up on HWY speeds (ex. from 55-80). Very comfortable at highway speeds. Had 1 recall: simple stuff (weak hose clamp). I am considering a second one.

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  thanks for the fond memories - 2000 Honda Civic
  By t4kinase - January 20 - 9:08 am

  The 2000 Si is a wonderful car to own repairs are inexpensive and infrequent, maintenance is a snap, and driving this car is a pure joy. If you want to upgrade and modify, there probably isnt a more versatile car out there. I owned my Si for 6 years, and sadly, it was stolen from me just before Christmas! To whomever did this...Karma is coming, and she wont be kind!