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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  Great little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaboy - May 13 - 4:46 am

  Looked at Rogue, Forester, Rav 4 etc. Theyre all very similar. CRV seemed like best choice. Classic Honda, simple, fun to drive. One minor gripe, I wish the steering wheel would tilt down one more click. AWD was excellent in snow. Overall pleased with purchase.

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  The car that never stops - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Loeters - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 11 years. Never in 11 years has it not started. It just goes and goes! I have 250,000km on it now and it runs as good as the day I bought it. I am convinced it has another 250,000km in it. Incredible.

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  WORTH EVERY PENNY - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By A - May 13 - 2:00 am

  worth every penny. got it brand new. i "drive it like i stole it", and the performance has been outstanding. extremely happy with it.

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  A nice car for the price - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Abdul - May 12 - 7:00 pm

  I bought the car almost one month ago. I have driven through almost all the East Coast from New Hampshire to Florida and made 3700 miles. My first impression is that it is exciting to drive it no matter how long you are driving without a stop. The power&fuel economy balance is excellent in my opinion. Interior design is cheerful and quite ergonomic. I found this car quite comfortable on both highway and city roads except the seats. You slip in a while and need to reposition yourself. Also you need to be careful on blind spots due to unusual windshield design which on the other hand completes the sleek exterior look of the car. Fortunately I have no technical problems so far.

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  Prelude S : Best for the price! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By DjChaz - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car about 2 weeks ago, and it has been awsome so far. Got the car for $7,500 with 65,000 miles (a steal of a price) and so far so good. Car is very fast for a 2.2L 135 HP engine, and has so much potential with a few upgrades. It is still an eye turner (almost everywhere I go people ask about the car) If you want a long term, cheap, reliable sporty car, either get this or an Integra (harder to find at a really good price)

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  Sweet - 1996 Honda Civic
  By bob-o-mac - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car it is build just so perfect. Now i am glad that I own one myself. If you have a chance get this kind of car. it is a nice cheap car i only spent 6,000 on it and it has only 85,000 miles on it. Built just right.

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  Superb little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By donna - May 11 - 11:36 pm

  I previously owned a 2002 Rav4 that was a great experience, but I wasnt quite as impressed with the newer Rav4 models. So I looked extensively at the CR-V as well as a few other small SUV models. The CR-V seemed to be the best buy for the money, 5-star safety, decent fuel economy, great ride, and decent performance and interior space. I read many favorable reviews on edmunds, and thought theres no way this many people could be wrong! I read one review suggesting a moonroof visor with the roof rack to reduce noise...thank you whomever made that recommendation! I did the same thing, and its a perfectly quiet car.

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  Im on Number 5! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Kristian - May 11 - 10:07 am

  After many years of owning Accords I wanted to branch out so I test drove the competitors and went back to the Honda yet again. I ended up purchasing an Obsidian Blue Pearl 2016 Honda Accord EX-L w/ HondaSensing and Navigation along with the V6. My previous Accord was a Gray 2013 Honda Accord Sport. I love the styling on the 2016-17 Accord, but after almost two years of ownership, I still havent come around to the wheels. I find them to be almost a little bit too small and even a little bit tacky. I purchased the Sport 19" wheels as my spring/summer/fall rims and I am using the stock wheels as my winter set. In terms of how well the Accord performs in the snow, I am still disappointed to see FWD only on the Accords but it seems to perform well if you buy a really expensive reputable winter tire set. I find myself loving the performance in the Accord. The one thing I dislike is the steering. Just as numb and weightless as my 2013. The fuel economy is really pretty good for a Mid-Size Family Sedan with a V6. I have been averaging around 25.7 MPG and thats without the use of the ECON button which is really impressive by the way. The keyless entry system works okay but I do wish there was a sensor behind the door handle to make it that much more convenient. The interior is really where I spend most of my work week and I think that it serves it purpose very well. I find all of the Honda vehicles to be very driver centered. The steering wheel is my favorite part about my Accord. I like the thick, 4-spoke design. All of the buttons and IMID Display controls are in the perfect spot and are the perfect size. The seats are very comfortable, as they should be in every Accord. I really love the storage in the Accord. The Dual-Screen Design is something I am not terribly fond of and I am crossing my fingers that they do away with it for the 2018 Accord. Overall, I love my Accord and plan on putting my order in for the Redesigned 2018 Accord in the fall. :)

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  Simply the best in its class - 1997 Honda Civic
  By superBBQ - May 11 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Civic is simply the best car in its class. Super reliable, low maintenance, awesome gas milages and very stylish look. You can do so much to upgrade this baby!

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  Get one if you can - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Crockey - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive been waiting for Honda to come out with a larger SUV for years. They finally came through with a great product as usual. Strong performance, great ride and Hoda reliability - you cant go wrong!