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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  no bmw but 10K less - 2006 Honda Accord
  By yachtracer - September 2 - 12:36 pm

  This is actually my first Honda. When I bought it I was amazed at the trim level for the price. This has all the bells and whistles. Having researched it mostly on edmunds.com, there were no surprises, except for a little for torque steer than expected. It is extremely fun to drive, fit and finish is fantastic, the oversteer could easily be corrected, at the price, it has no peer and is 10k less then a comparable BMW

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  Better than expected - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ad - September 1 - 12:50 am

  This is my 1st accord. The fit and finish is great, best Ive seen. The engine is quiet, smooth and very powerful. I had previously driven a 4 cyl and was worried about the road noise, but the v-6 seems much quieter (dont know why). The stereo and XM are awesome much better than expected. And the gas mileage seems to be about 25 mpg combined. We drove a 390 mile trip this past week and is was ultra smooth, low road noise and it was extremely composed in the snow and ice we had to drive through, the traction contol really helped. And the seats are good, you just have to get them set correctly, passengers is powered also, is a nice touch. Back seat is cavernous.

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  I Love My Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By kazdaj - August 31 - 9:20 pm

  I have the EX model - leather seats, moon roof, etc. I love this car.

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  Functionality At Its Best! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Sam - August 31 - 12:00 pm

  I received a job that required me to drive 80 miles a day. My wife and I decided to trade in my 2006 Audi A3 (fast car) to purchase a car with better gas mileage due to the increase in travel distance. Initially, I test drove the Civic EX in A/T and felt it was slightly unresponsive. I later test drove the car in manual and what a difference! You are able to squeeze every ounce of power out of this 1.8 Liter engine. I loved the sound of the engine when I revved to the upper RPM ranges. I have to say, for an economy car with great gas mileage, this is pretty peppy and Im a horsepower nut. The handling is quite good as well. The cars design lends itself to a low center of gravity.

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  Cant Get The Smile Off My Face - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dpmeersman - August 31 - 4:03 am

  I considered many vehicles; test drove a few and "settled" on the Accord EX-L V6. Is it a pure drivers or enthusiast car? No, its not. Instead it just offers a very solid feel, more then competent acceleration, tons of very comfortable space, great sounding audio, decent fuel economy and handles more Germanic then Japanese. It brings a smile when I look at it parked, and the smile only widens as I move down the road. Visually appealing, great tactile feel from all that you touch in the cabin, and if your right foot develops an attitude, youll find both whatÂ’s under the hood and all the chassis components more then up to the task of keeping that smile in place.

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  You dont have to pay to play! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kflannery1 - August 31 - 12:10 am

  After Government rebate this car cost me $19,500. In return I received a car that is safe, comfortable, with very good handling and easy on the eye. I drive this car approx. 70% highway & 30% city and average 55 miles per gallon ( 50 in winter / 60 in spring & summer ). To get this mileage you MUST drive conservatively (Coast downhill, accelerate slowly and use the instant mileage feedback gauge provided in your display.) Ive completely changed my driving habits from aggressive to granny overnight. As I watch all the SUVs pass me on the road I just think of my last fill up (61.5 mph). I drive 40 miles to work & back each day & save 1200.00 dollars a year compared to my previous car.LOVE IT!

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  Nice car for the price - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jorge - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  My 2 door Accord coupe v-6 looks and rides great. The 268 horses work just fine. The VCM works perfectly and has not given me any problems. The brakes could be better in order to stop after hard acceleration. I love the way the automatic shifts and down shifts as you are coming to a stop. If you are looking for a nice 2 door coupe this is it. My old solara was a truck next to the Accord

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  Perfect Car for me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By GatorTom - August 30 - 9:10 am

  Got my 2009 base Fit in September 2008, so have now driven it for nearly 9 months. It does everything I had hoped from great gas mileage--35 mpg in 90% suburban driving--to cargo carrying. (I have hauled an extra large size electric range, and my bike will fit in the back with both wheels still on). Mileage dropped to 32 mpg in the 20 degree temperatures of December and January but is back near 36 mpg in May. It is really fun to drive as well as cute and functional. Im heading on a 1500-mile road trip to south Florida from Asheville next week so will report on highway mileage and trip comfort after that but everything so far is really great.

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  Buy one. Now. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JMB - August 28 - 8:23 pm

  My review probably wont be as extensive as the others Ive ready, however I do want to make one thing clear: this car is almost unbelievable. The amount of swag that Honda packed into this thing for such an affordable price is unprecedented. If youre looking for an everyday commuter that wont drive you crazy in rush-hour traffic, the Si trim may not be for you. This car wants to go fast and is very insistent about it. My only complaint is a "rattle" from the lower portion of the passenger seat. The service folk have at least been helpful in trying to get it fixed, though.

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  06 Honda Love It - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By swami - August 28 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle after researching and test driving everything from a Titan to an F150 and found this vehicle to be exactly what I need. Mileage is very good for a truck and the ride is the best the market has to offer. Havent used the AWD yet, so no comment. I would highly recommend this truck for anyone needing a light duty truck, but needing the carrying capability of a car.