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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  Exactly what I needed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 17 - 7:36 am

  My needs were simple; I am in a household where we typically need a second car from time to time. I wanted a car that delivered good MPG and was safe and reliable that I could pass on to my teenager in a few years. I looked at the compact and subcompacts from Chevrolet, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Saturn, Pontiac, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mazda, Hyundai and Kia. The best compliment I can give the car is that I wouldve still bought for myself even if I didnt have a child approaching driving age. I really love driving it on my work commute. It really is a great car that is a much better value than the ones I listed above. Plus, it will be a dependable and safe "starter" car for my kid in a few years.

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  Purchased 4 months ago, Follow-up Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jay - January 16 - 9:33 pm

  Ive owned the car for 4 months (4K miles) (See "This car has it all" review posted in March). Im very happy with my purchase so far. Im getting about 27 mpg, mostly highway and some city). Im glad I purchased the 4 cy. to save in gas. However, it doesnt handle like the 6cy. I recently drove a 4 Dr 4cy 2006 Accord and it corners a little better than my coupe. Acceleration is better than the 4dr and for the size of engine especially with Super in the tank. The interior design is the best part of the car. The car also handles very well on the highway and isnt bumpy The exterior design gets a lot of compliments. Havent had one issue with this car. Oil changes every 5k miles

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  My first new car is a honda :) - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Adrienne - January 16 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought this vehicle about a month ago. Coming from a 03 Chevy Silverado, this is much more comfortable and fun to drive. The gas mileage is amazing also. I used to have to fill up my Chevy twice a week. I fill up once a week just out of choice. I only use half the tank a week. UNBELIEVEABLE. This is a great buy, especially for soon-to-be moms. I bought the honda because I read about how safe they were and how efficient they were. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone.

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  First Accord Hybrid in Canada - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Barbara Fullerton - January 16 - 12:43 pm

  Dealer says I bought the 1st of this model in Canada. My purchase was for ethical reasons - concern for the environment. It gets about 9 km per 100 litres for city driving and about 6.5 km per litre on highway: about 850 km per tank. Promo said potential is 1000 km per tank. Empty tank takes ~ 54 litres (tho specs indicate it is larger.) Dashboard indicators help me drive in a way that conserves fuel. But, when I need power, it is THERE - LOVE it! (When I do not drive in the "eco" zone, my gas mileage goes up, of course.) My primary critique is that this technology was put only into a luxury model. I do not normally purchase leather, seat warmers, 6-CD changer, etc.

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  Great Car in a Mini Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Sachit - January 16 - 11:40 am

  Its been just under 2 months since we had this 2005 OdysseyEX w L & Navi and have done about 2000 miles in driving. We drove from Philadelphia to Toronto and back with two toddlers, who were well entertained in the back seat and had very few complaints. The Navigation system helped find our way around in Ontario to which we were new. The Odyssey feels like driving an luxury SUV with its power and smooth ride. The only con is the fuel economy on long drives. I got 22 mpg as agint 25 to 28 which is listed in the specs.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mummy1859 - January 16 - 8:53 am

  I love my new civic. I had a 1997 civic, so the redesign was a fantastic improvement. It truly feels like a luxury vehicle, at half the price. The gas mileage is terrific, too. Be warned about buying one, the three dealerships I went to in the Orlando area printed out the Edmunds TMV info from this webpage, and would NOT go below that price. Its too popular to haggle, apparently.

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  Choosing The Honda CRV-AWD Is A No Brainer! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael J. - January 15 - 8:25 pm

  The Honda CRV-AWD is an excellent choice for your next car, It is a great car on all road surfaces. I wish it had a bit more storage room, up front, in the drivers compartment. The rear of the vehicle is loaded with storage areas; I love the pull down seats for big hauls! I am getting 28 mpg overall. My previous car was a hybrid, so I am spoiled. Make sure you drive the car in ECO; there is only a slight drop in power, and you do pick up almost 2 mpg highway and just over 1 mpg city. The ride is a bit stiff and bumpy, but by no means uncomfortable. The layout and engineering on this vehicle is magnificent. I am very pleased with my purchase of the Honda CRV-AWD SUV!

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  New CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Tim thompson - January 15 - 10:56 am

  Great car, dealer gave me a great deal on it.

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  Gets lots of second looks. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Early Adopter - January 14 - 5:49 pm

  Well-designed, fun to drive. Wish Id waited for the Touring Hatchback next year.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Scott - January 13 - 1:43 pm

  Bought the Civic a week ago and it is better than I ever expected. MPG has ranged from 34 to 39.5 and it is very comfortable to drive. Ive put just over 1,300 miles on the vehicle in the first week and so far Im very impressed. I have plenty of headroom even with the sunroof.