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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  Edmunds is Awesome! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Connie Hernandez - March 20 - 6:18 am

  Thanks for Edmunds offer I was able to get a good deal on the car I wanted!

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  Edmunds is Awesome! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Connie Hernandez - March 20 - 6:18 am

  Thanks for Edmunds offer I was able to get a good deal on the car I wanted!

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  Edmunds is Awesome! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Connie Hernandez - March 20 - 6:18 am

  Thanks for Edmunds offer I was able to get a good deal on the car I wanted!

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  Fun Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By tango - March 19 - 10:09 pm

  This is a very fun car to drive. It ran rough when I bought it through ebay with135K, but since a full tuneup, it has run very nicely. I have had to replace an electric fuel injection part, and much of the A/C. Along with routine stuff (brakes, belts, tires, etc.) it has been a great daily driver for nearly a year. It will need some exhaust work soon.

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  So very glad I bought this car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JenMc - March 19 - 9:46 pm

  Luckily my son totaled my 4-month-old Jeep Patriot (23 mpg - Yuck!). I was fortunate to find this hybrid on a local dealer lot and have been very happy thus far! I drive approximately 60 miles per day and this is just exactly the car I need. I have gotten 45.25 mpg and normally around 42 mpg with every tank. The extremely hot weather has drug it down a couple of mpg, but who can even complain with 40 mpg?!? (The onboard MPG gauge is always a couple of mpg less than if calculated manually.) I would DEFINITELY recommend a hybrid if youre a high-mileage driver like me! (Looked at the Prius, but the Civic looks much better and is around $5,000 cheaper!)

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  Best little car Ive ever owned - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Joyce in Ohio - March 19 - 8:23 pm

  My Honda has 288,000+ on the odometer and is still going strong. The steering on this car is phenomenal. I have NEVER lost control, even in snow ice, on crowded highways and ducking clueless motorists. What astounds me is that I continue to get between 40 and 45 mpg, even at 11 years later and the engine does not seem to burn oil. It has never let me down and has only failed to start when I left the headlights on. Normal maintenance for this car has been really minimal (i.e., I ignored it).

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  2016 Accord Sport with CVT: very fun - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Noah G, IN - March 19 - 12:11 pm

  Ill start and end this review with the same thought: pricepoint. I did my research and suspected this car to be a great value, with the dealer discounts and great service. I drove it once. The second time I drove it (after driving other, similar mid-sized sedans, Mazda, Toyota, Ford), I drove it home. Why? While it may not be #1 in any category by which I or anyone else values vehicles, it hit the top 2 or 3 in just about every category I was looking for in an affordable, efficient car. It holds value, gets good mileage, and is reliable. The Honda service is excellent (look it up). Great cargo space, comfortable (and biggest of all comparable cars, I felt) interior, great safety features. Great re-sale value in 3 years..... I like that. A lot. The CVT was a mystery to me. I broke the car in, then started testing the transmission. It is an entirely different driving experience from any car I have ever owned. In short: fun! I could drive a CVT car without paddle shifters, but I think I would miss the fun of engine braking and challenging myself to nail a good rpm setting. I can see why Honda offered this package with a Sport label. With the CVT, the forced paddle downshifts are smoother than downshifts on the other transmissions. Paddle-downshifting this car into a sharp turn is a breeze. Highway on-ramps? Drop it into S" and manually (yet more smoothly and more quickly than manual or automatic) upshift until you are at highway speed, then bring it back to "D", set the cruise. and let the CVT get you 35 mpg. The electronics are basic, but very functional. I dont care about navigation in my vehicles, as I have a cell phone with GPS. So does everyone else I know. Bluetooth and USB are easy to use and nearly fully controlled on the steering wheel. Climate control is adequate. The trunk is impressive, and the seats split 60/40. These features are worth noting for those on the fence between a sedan and a crossover or full-fledged SUV. This car handles very well, with smooth steering and manipulative suspension. By that, I mean one can still drop that nose into a corner, like the Accords of old. Some out there will know what I mean. For the price, I cannot recommend a vehicle with more value, reliability efficiency, and ... the "F-factor" ... fun. "Value"... so subjective. Consider bang-for-the-buck, resale, maintenance, technology, mileage, performance, safety, service, insurance, cargo space, interior space... Taken altogether, the Accord Sport is a diamond in the rough at this price point. It outshines more expensive vehicles in every category aforementioned, yet it can be had for <$23,000 out the door. The money the buyer saves on maintenance and fuel , coupled with the performance, should push any "used luxury" buyer (you know who you are, I am you) toward the 2016 Accord. One just has to drive it.

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  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - March 19 - 9:13 am

  Its been a very dependable vehicle. Engine is great, biggest expense are the struts. I love this vehiclw

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  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - March 19 - 9:13 am

  Its been a very dependable vehicle. Engine is great, biggest expense are the struts. I love this vehiclw

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  My first Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By shooter - March 19 - 1:00 am

  After very bad experiences with two VW Passats I decided to try the Honda as it was supposedly the most reliable in the market. Both acceleration and handling are better than the Passat though the brakes need to be changed. Interior design is less than that of the Passat but still very nice. My engine is pinging even with mid range gas, HondaÂ’s reply is to put premium in, though their brochures and website recommend regular. Though gas mileage is good premium price eliminates savings. Dual climate control does not work that well. Lastly, it is just not as fun to drive as the Passat, I can however sacrifice a little fun for the huge savings over the VW. Overall I enjoy it.