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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  Loved this car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Christina Charlot - April 6 - 3:18 pm

  I got this car brand new with 2 miles on it in April 2003. I traded it in last night after 13.5 years and 196k miles. Awesome car! Only issue was temp gauge that no matter what was replaced, kept acting up. Thats reason why I got a new car. But other than that it was an amazing car, reliable.

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  best car ever - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Iggy - April 6 - 9:53 am

  I had civic before this accord and this is the best car ever. Its fun to drive, fast, comfortable, looks very luxury.

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  Ive owned Touring for almost a week - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By yatesd - April 5 - 7:33 pm

  I really like the concept behind VCM and the gas mileage/horsepower that can be achieved on regular fuel. The Toyota Sienna recommends premium fuel. I also like the automatic climate control for the rear passenger compartment. My dogs like it set about 10 degrees cooler than I do. It is nice to have all of the safety features available at any trim level.

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  Simply Superb - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ankith - April 5 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third Honda and its just superb. With a V6 and nearly 270hp on the engine, its ready to race with any other on the road. VCM works out nice for better mileage. Awesome interior with great comfort.great accelaration. Great interior features. It puts out power no sooner you stomp on the accelerator unlike a few other other cars which think for a while before responding. No regret in buying this beautiful car.

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  Is this really a Civic? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By chill5466 - April 5 - 10:30 am

  Wow! What a car!! Has the feel and look of a sports car and the price tag of an economy car. I am 63 and have plenty of room (head and leg) and could not fit in the Mazda 3. The car handles well and has plenty of pick up for its size. Navigation and XM are great. Fuel economy speaks for itself. This car is a blast to drive. I tested many and still cant believe this is a Civic!! This car turns heads with its new styling and people have commented that it doesnt look like a Honda. I dumped a Nissan Pathfinder for this and have no regrets.

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  I love my 2016 Honda Accord EX-L - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Brenda S. - April 4 - 8:14 am

  This is best car I have ever owned. I have owned over 10 different cars over the years, and this 2016 Accord is the best car for the money, I compared it to a Volvo S80, and a Subaru Legacy it is far superior. The ride, handling, comfort, features they are the best.

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  Loving it! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kirk - April 3 - 7:35 pm

  This car has got to be the best car I have every had. I bought it used and have only had to get the oil change in it. It rides smooth gets up speed fast and quite. Its now 4 years old and it still turns heads when i go places. If you are looking for a gas saver, fun to drive car this is the one.

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  First Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Collin - April 3 - 5:41 pm

  I purchased this as my first car and its fantastic. The 5-speed was one of its major selling points for me but the excellent quality and safety record were important to my parents. I have had no problems with this car thus far, even with 85k miles on it. The car isnt blazingly fast but the 5-speed makes it fun to drive anyway. I agree that it needs more power though, if the engine is under 3500 rpm, good luck moving with any ounce of agility. The only other downfall is the goofy auto-window switch placement. Its right on the dash hard to get used to. Overall the car is excellent and very roomy, even for my 65" body and my equally large friends. Kudos to Honda for the large backseat.

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  Bob - 2005 Honda Accord
  By R. Gillespie - April 3 - 3:13 pm

  Have had no problems. I had one recall on the driver side airbag which was replaced. It is my second Honda Accord. The first one (a 98) gave me no problems also.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda S2000
  By jeff geiman - April 3 - 11:58 am

  After drooling for 5 years and thinking how impractical the car is, I went ahead and bought one. Driving has been fun ever since, my commute became my race track, specially the ramps getting on the interstate. The ride is hard, but its a sportscar what did you expect. My only criticism is low rpm power, Id like to get out of the hole quicker, not burn rubber, but have more of a gas pedal response as soon as I apply foot power to the gas pedal, top end it really revs, Id just like more guts at the lower end. Its a bit noisy when traveling the freeway, radio is a bit hard to hear, but these are small sacrifices for styling and handling.