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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  Good Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Satisfied Customer - October 22 - 1:56 am

  Plenty of zip for small engine w/auto transmission. Fuel economy is great at interstate speeds.

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  Typical Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hsw1186 - October 21 - 10:07 pm

  My first car was a 1996 Accord EX-L. I got this one 4 years ago after a horrendous experience with a Trailblazer. It has been a blast. Good handling and acceleration. Ride is neither too harsh nor too soft. Excellent fit and finish. In typical Honda fashion, all controls are well laid out and easy to use. Leather is of excellent quality. Navigation system is excellent and easy to use. Voice command is also great. Fuel economy is excellent. I average about 24.5 mpg in mixed driving. The best I have gotten on the highway is 34. That is great for a 240hp V6. XM is great for long drives. Road noise is a bit pronounced but definitely not too intrusive.

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  Overrated by thousands of people - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AcuraT - October 21 - 4:49 pm

  This car has been okay but not nearly as great as many claim it to be. City mpg is about 14 with the V-6 engine with light throttle, 28 to 30 highway. Car has had transmission problems, electrical issues, and generally not that reliable. I also owned a 2001 Acura TL that nearly stranded me at 61,000 miles due to a faulty transmission. This will be my last Honda since the dealer is not sympathetic even with the extended warranty ("that is normal"). I do not recommend Madison Honda in Madison, NJ to fix any Honda - do not buy the extended warranty there.

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  Good performance midsize car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dr Who - October 21 - 4:21 pm

  Bought the EX V6 new in Jan. 03 and been happy with the car 30K later. I had several recalls work, most serious was the tranny. However, it started every time and have never broken down once in 5.6 years. Its fairly fast and hold it own against the BMW, Audi but at a much lower cost. Very good car for the money as compared to the Maxima or Camry. It certainly is not as luxurious as the Germans or Japanese high end but is a decent ride. Road holding is not great due to the tires. Mileage (23 MPG) is actually worse than my 1993 Maxima (25 MPG) mainly because of the 5 speed auto held back at 4th gear in city traffic.

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  Great Car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Will Corni - October 21 - 2:08 pm

  I bought this car for all the safety features, and Im not disappointed. I feel this car could quite save my life in certain situations.

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  Comfort and Convenience are Tops - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By DCARR - October 21 - 11:59 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for about 1 year and have put about 15K miles on it without any issues. We kept our 2001 Mazda MPV and I use it as a work vehicle. There is no comparison between the two, how we survived for 6 years in the MPV is unknown. There is now way we could go back. The Odyssey is stylish and a joy to ride in. Its bit clumsy to drive at times, but for a vehicle of this size and weight its no bad. Im amazed at the complaints about gas mileage. How anyone could get 12-13 MPG on the highway must something mechanically incorrect that needs to be evaluated. We have experienced MPG as high as 27.5 on the highway and as low as 16 in the city...21 overall and I track every tank

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  Good Ol Honda! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Koz - October 21 - 11:44 am

  Ive had my V6 EX-L coupe for 2 years now (3 yr. lease). This is a great car, as reliable as it gets. Maybe a little boring, but arent all Hondas? Very quick for a Honda. Looks great, but no "wow" factor. No worries driving this thing around.

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  No Thrills but No Chills Either - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DCARR - October 21 - 11:43 am

  Ive owned my Accord EX-L for almost 5 years now and its truly amazing. If youre looking for a car to wow you with performance and handling look elsewhere. But if you want a vehicle that looks classy, rides well, gets great MPG and does just about anything with ease get an Accord. Ive taken it on long trips and even though its 5 years old with 40K miles I still prefer it over a rental car any day when I have the option for a business trip. Taught both my teenagers to drive in it and everybody survived! Easily the best all around car I have ever owned...I hope to keep it for many many years to come.

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  The Best minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By pbordeleau - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Honda minivan exL 2003

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  My first three months - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Chuck E. - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 3 months, 7600 miles. It replaced a Ford F150 ex.cab 4X4 & a Focus. I drive a lot and use it as a truck for trade shows. It fills all my needs and I enjoy the performance. I thought I would miss the roominess of the F150. This vehicle has plenty of room and feels much more nimble than the F150. A very pleasant replacement for my daily comute (Focus) too. I added factory keyless entry. I have a couple of minor lingering issues. As received, the right front sill plate(threshold) was loose. It was "repaired" and is now loose again. Dealer installed accent pin striping has chipped twice. I also have a very slight hesitation.