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 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  Truck has been everything I expected and more. Is great in the sand on the beach and was very good in the snow. Trunk is awesome - hold lots of stuff.

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  Best One Yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fred - October 4 - 12:43 pm

  I only had this car a few days and I am very impressed. This car is the best buy for the money. The Civic handles great and quickly responds when called upon. The interior is comfortable and spacous with lots of trunk space as well. i will never buy anything else but Honda products. Im sold.

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  Luv R Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tarnett - October 4 - 6:50 am

  This car is one of the best compromises between performance and practicality that exists today. I am getting 27 mpg during break in. Quiet as a lamb when driven normally but roars like a lion when you drive it with performance in mind. Excellent ergonomics, a shifter right out of a race car and the best driving position I can remember in any car Ive owned. Buy one, youll love it too.

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  Some finer points - 2006 Honda Civic
  By krasniak - October 4 - 12:03 am

  Another great pocket rocket! Great balance of driving fun and practicality. Now a few finer points: The Si isnt a very good freeway driver as the suspension is much stiffer than the regular model and you feel the chinks in the concrete - this wears on the driver after ~30min. Short trips are great esp when turns are involved. Light weight makes handling great. The car isnt as "small" as you may think with room for 4 and a big trunk, but you really notice its height when washing it. Steering is tight/precise but one problem with the leather wrapped wheel is the back spoke covers dont fit right on Si models causing a sharp edge to catch fingers w/ enthusiastic driving or just parking it!

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  Great Looking Coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joe Church - October 3 - 9:47 am

  I was set on leasing a Mazda 6. But one evening I checked out the 2016 Acord Coupe on Edmonds.com. I liked what I saw and what I read. I used the Edmunds online price quoting assistance. The next day, DHC Honda, in Mission Valley made things easy so I left their dealership in a 2016 Black Acord EX-L coupe with the Edmunds no haggel price guarantee. Great car for the money.

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  What a great little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jennifer - October 3 - 4:46 am

  My new civic is the most fun Ive ever had on four wheels! It gets fantastic gas mileage (mid 30s in town and 40 on the highway). I have had it in several inches of Pennsylvania snow and it handles very well, but thats because I replaced the factory tires right away. The seats are comfortable and can easily accomodate my brother who is over 6 tall. Its also loaded with safety features... check out the crash test ratings! Great value for the money, take it out for a test drive!!!

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  LovesHerAccord - 1999 Honda Accord
  By LovesHerAccord - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Accord LX in March with 81k miles. In 7 months, I have added 14k to that and dont regret it one bit. Its been more than reliable. This is my second Honda and Im sure to have a third. Other than changing the oil and gassing it up, theres nothing else that needs to be done. I wish I could have happened on the EX model when I found this one, just for extra bells and whistles, but Im happy with what Ive got. The gas mileage is awesome, too. I did a lot of traveling shortly after purchasing it and it was affordable. Everything has been affordable and theyve got great resale value. The dealer trade-in value is more now than I paid for mine back in March! I love my honda!

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  overall - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By cornman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  handles fine, gas milage 23 mpg with only 900 miles on van. has a slight hum or noise when in 5th gear and just lightly on throttle at 1500 rpm. also sounds like a rattle in under carriage on rough roads, other wise no complaints

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  Wouldnt Let it GO! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Paul Hubert - October 2 - 7:11 pm

  The dealer service reps say the 1992 model Accord is "built like a tank". Ours has less than109k miles and uses NO oil! Visibility is great. Road holding is great. The engines eagerness is also great. Weve just spent $12,800 for body work and complete paint thanks to an other driver at fault minor hit on the rear quarter panel while in a stalled traffic lane. Throwing away a car otherwise in perfect condition would have been senseless and it provided an opportunity to fix every little ding and refresh the paint to factory new! We both think it is SUPERIOR to all the new cars on the road, including Honda Accords after 1993. I never get good gas mileage out of a car. I drive enthusiastically. I LOVE driving. Maintained for 24 years at the same dealership. When my wife bought it she said it was her last car! Hoping for 24 years more! "Value" doesnt address this cars value to us, expressed clearly in our willingness to spend nearly 13 thousand to keep it in the family!

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  I now understand what the fuss is about! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By JBLaney - October 2 - 5:00 pm

  I have only had this car for a few short days, but I am already in love with it. It handles like a dream, and has plenty of power to boot. This car has everything you would want unless a sunroof and 6 disc changer are important to you. With the LX you get the same performance of the EX, but for less money. Not to mention the resale value of a Honda.