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:

• 

  Great SUV!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ben987 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV for anyone looking for comfort, power, and quality. Gas mileage is excellent, and the CR-V is good in the snow.

• 

  Best bang for the buck. - 2003 Honda Civic
  By crazygrrrl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Civic LX sedan for a year now and I love it! Its fairly peppy for a 4 cylinder car but I wish it had more power (my weekend car is a Firebird so Im kind of spoiled by its power). The Civic is reliable and fun to drive. The seats are comfortable and the fuel economy is excellent. I usually get 34-36 mpg with my mostly highway driving. My all time best was 41 mpg for a 230 mile highway trip.

• 

  Uncomfortable Seat - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rich12 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has handles very well, although the ride is stiff. The interior is inspired by more expensive German cars and is very attractive. The acceration is excellent. Unfortunately, it wasnt until 1 day after I bought the car that I realized how unbearably uncomfortable the drivers seat is to sit in. The lower seat cushion isnt wide enough for my 38 inch waist. My rear end is wedged between the two side bulsters, and this creats a pressure point on my upper right thigh. This constant pain is the source of my low ratings for comfort and fun to drive. I will probably sell this car soon.

• 

  Nothing But Love for My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jazzhead - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Had purchased the 2004 Accord Sedan w/ Leather and have owned it for a week. I cannot say enough how much I am impressed w/ the excellent balance of sleek exterior styling (the moonroof visor, splash guards, and rear-spoiler I opted for definitely added to the overall allure), elegant interior aesthetics and comfort, smooth driving experience, and perhaps most impressively the value - what "bang for the buck"! Had considered the Passat, Camry, and Altima, but cant imagine having gone with any other car! The look and feel of this car stand up admirably against higher sedans. But for the price, you just cant ask for more. Kudos Honda!

• 

  Dont just test drive one, Buy One.. - 2018 Honda Accord
  By JAW - October 21 - 12:22 am

  I have owned most makes of cars. I have bought about forty ,(40) New cars in my life. This is my passion, the smell, the feel, the joy a new car can bring is priceless to me. I have owned, 3/ BMW 3s,1/ Jaguar X ,2/ Acuras TL & TSX ,2/ Infinities-I35s, 4/ VW Passat w/modifications, 4/Kia Optima SX &SXLs 2.0Ts, and an assortment of Toyotas, Nissans, Mazdas , Hyundais and Hondas. On Nov. 29 2017, after extensive research I bought a 2018 Honda Accord Touring 1.5, white/white. This is the first car of all I have bought that has every technical feature I have ever wanted. IT rides with a certain alacrity, It stays flat in corners, the seats actually hold me in place without sliding . There is no bounciness over undulations on the road, and the steering is as precise as my BMW 328 ci. The 1.5 turbo has the requisite amount of power for my at my current age and skill level and with the body colored rear spoiler I had the dealer install ,(it has a black strip on top of the white), it is quite attractive. I went to the local Kia dealer to pick up my wife while her 2017 Kia Sorento was being serviced, and every available sales person and manager went out to look at it, and wanted talk to me about it. That has never happened to me with any other car I have owned. In closing you can chastise, promote ,ridicule, or prefer whatever car you want, but until you Buy It, Own It, Drive It, you really dont know...Do You.

• 

  Best SUV Ive owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By iss - October 20 - 11:21 pm

  Well short and sweet, one of the best suvs for the price. I know it will last 250,000 plus no problem can anyone say that about their suv.

• 

  Honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HONDA - October 20 - 10:20 pm

  I had my 2000 Honda for 2 yrs with no problems but a head gasket that had to be replaced (under warranty). It was an excellent vehicle it had all the extras spoiler, mudflaps, wood grain on radio console, sunroof wind deflector which enhances the appearance. Well traded in for a Ford well go figure I recommend this vehicle for any one looking for a nice reliable vehicle

• 

  Wheres the beef? - 2008 Honda Element
  By tricat - October 20 - 9:15 pm

  I bought this vehicle after owning a Nissan Pickup for 6 years. I bought it to be able to haul my bikes inside instead of outside in the bed of the pickup. The interior is functional, perfect for my needs. The performance is terrible, bad hesitation upon acceleration. If you need to accelerate RIGHT now, forget it. The tires squeal on almost any sharp corner, in rain it feels unsteady, like it could hydroplane at any second. Terrible mileage (21 MPH for a 4 cylinder). I honestly think rollover is a problem or will be soon. The sunroof is unusable in that it is in the back and cannot be opened remotely.

• 

  Excelent handling and gas mileage. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By charlie - October 20 - 7:15 pm

  The 94 Accord was a wonderful car. I had it for 10 years. Unfortunately I crashed it last November. It was a great car. When I crashed it it had 230,000 miles on it and still ran fine, we didn’t start it up for 5 months, and when we did it didn’t have a problem. It got terrific gas mileage. Edmunds report 22/28, but that’s ridiculous. I got 28/34, and one time on the free way going out of state I got 42 MPG, hondas are truly amazing with gas mileage. It was my first honda but since then I/my family has bought 5. I dont understand why people buy anything else. They are the best non-luxury car out there.

• 

  Honda Accord and Apple Car-Play make a good match - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Doug Bennett - October 20 - 5:55 pm

  I just love the new feature using my I-phone Apple Apps on my car screen. For someone who drives for a living, it makes sending and receiving phone calls, texts and emails from the driver seat a breeze. It actually speeds up my day because I no longer have to pull over or be in someones parking lot to look over and respond to texts and emails. Besides the normal smoothness and dependability of the Accord, it made the decision that much easier to go with the new 16 model because of the Car-Play. Theres really only one minor downfall of this new and elegant car, theres no little "nook" to drop your change or small nick-knacks into. Besides that minor tid-bit, this cars a winner all the way around and drives like a champ!