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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  Just got it, but a great car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rpd197 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I scrutinized the Toyota Camary LE and SE, the Nissan Altima 2.5S, and the Honda Accord LX and EX, and what I came up with was for the money, the Honda Accord beat all of the above mentioned vehicles, hands down.

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  Accords have alignment problems - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Solidplace - January 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are considering buying an Accord, be very careful about the alignment. Upon the test drive of my Accord, I noticed bad alignment pulling the car to the right. I was assured that an alignment could be done to correct it, but after 3 alignment it still is noticably off alignment. It still pulls to the right, and now the steering wheel is several degrees off when the car is going straight. It is a tremendously negative feeling to have purchased a brand new car and to have the dealer tell you that the car cannot be perfectly aligned. So make sure you can accept the alignment of your Accord before you buy it.

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  first time Accord buyer - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Happy Accord Owner - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Only had my 2003 Accord for 3 weeks. I do not put many miles on a car, but needed something reliable. Did my homework and bought the LX. Much thanks to those who participated in the Edmunds reviews... helped me make my decision. The 2.9% financing is wonderful!! My dealership experience was fair.

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  Kool Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Another No Name - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car in performance! It is very zippy with that 240HP; love the V6!!!! The handling is not as good as I thought, but it is good. Very nice interior design. The exterior design could be better.

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  Get what you pay for - 2007 Honda Fit
  By louie - January 2 - 8:08 am

  After owning this car for 7000+ miles. Heres my review. Gas mileage is great. However ive owned alot of other hondas. The interior is functional, however made of cheap componets (all plastic) and its easily dammaged. Road noise is excessive above 70mph (due to no sound reducing materials to save weight). The car is functional as a daily driver. I love it. The 2 biggest gripes i have, are the paint is cheap! And auto car washes will destroy your car. And the wipers, well used them before you buy. Not as functional as they planned, smearing and passanger wiper arm is huge and flutters in the rain. I give the car a 7 outta 10, after owning 5+ Hondas.

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  The Si isnt as good as I expected. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By amchev - January 2 - 4:03 am

  When I bought the car I loved it. It was much better than the 1991 Si it replaced. Sadly my Si was plagued by many rattles and the dealer never could seem to duplicate them. Rattles seem to be a common problem with the 06 Civics. The car handles great, and makes good power from 6 - 8k. You have to work the 6 speed transmission when youre in traffic to keep the car in its power band. The 7 speaker stereo is the best Ive seen in a stock car. The Si is a good compromise between performance and economy.

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  One of the best cars for the money. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Robert Weir - January 1 - 5:25 pm

  The Honda Accord Sedan is a near perfect bang for your buck. Great looks and Honda quality. Ive gotten several compliments on the car and surprised statements of "Thats a Honda". That being said I feel there are some minor tweaks that would make this the perfect car. Id like to see the same power of my former Acura TL but not at the expense of the improved mpg. The entertainment interface is a bit glitchy, particularly the Apple CarPlay. Sometimes it will not connect and it seems that the technologies "compete" with one another. Im hoping there will be an upgrade to the entertainment software that will resolve these minor but annoying issues. The front seats and not the most comfortable for long trips.

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  Nice weekend warrior vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rich - January 1 - 4:18 pm

  I have not owned this vehicle long and I love it. The first day I drove it was during a snow storm and it handled very well. The interior is well done, steering feels tight and I now have plenty of room in the back to haul my ATV. If you are looking for a truck, but dont want to suffer with the gas mileage a full size truck gets, then this makes for a nice alternative.

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  Fun/practical the perfect mix - 2009 Honda Civic
  By DAB - January 1 - 2:53 pm

  Ive had my Si sedan for only a week, but I can tell you that this a special car. The suspension is both compliant and firm, brakes are excellent, steering is quick and precise, clutch and drive-train are easy and smooth in stop and go traffic or in spirited driving. Mid-RPM range power delivery is good and it keeps getting better as you pass 5000 rpm. The engine is marvelous.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jim Fawcett - January 1 - 8:38 am

  Ive owned my Honda Civic VP for 2 1/2 years and have to say it is great on gas, comfortable (Im 275) and needs nothing...ever. I get around 450 miles before I fill up and it takes about 12.5 gallons each time, so gas is brilliant. The seats are wide enough for my back and shoulders when almost nothing this size seems to be. I think the car drives as good as the day I bought it and could easily do 200,000 miles. I bought it for $13,400 and its worth #10,500 2 1/2 years later? Unbelievable resale value. I just wish I bought the four door not the two door, but the manual is zippy not like the automatic.