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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  40 highway - 2006 Honda Civic
  By pete - September 10 - 1:50 am

  fun to drive, just drove 300 miles and refilled the tank with 7.5 gallons that equals 40 mpg all highway going 70 mph (sweet). i get 30 mpg around town.

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  Speed bumps - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cpacomp - September 10 - 12:10 am

  Got a great deal on the Honda Lease Very dissapointed in the ride. Each bump in the road seems like a speed bump. Front end shocks just not making it.

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  Wow !! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By kris turner - September 9 - 3:17 pm

  I have a 2007 Honda Civic. I researched the 2017 Hatchback before purchase. Ive had it for a few days and love it! It feels solid and surprisingly the acceleration has pep! Im not computer savvy but have been able to navigate the computer controls and settings with ease. I got the EX model. Just dont get suckered in at the dealer! Read Edmunds advice on B.S. Fees at the dealer and other new car buying advice. Also dont go over 3% of invoice price! If the dealer doesnt want to negotiate go to another one. Im a female and went in on my own and told them exactly what I would pay and not pay. I was firm and they knew it. I got my new Hatchback with the price I wanted to pay!

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  AWESOME RIDE! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Dont Speed, Fly Low - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for fun, sporty all- time transportation. It drives just as good at 98,000 miles as it did at 150. Its a perfect fit and cups your body on the smooth, lickedy-split fast turns. Rides just as comfortably at 60 mph as 130 mph and I love my manual transmission with the added bonus of the vtech growl.

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  1998 honda civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By re - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The mileage is 52000 driven and 20000 towed behind a motorhome...This unit is fully equipped for RV towing e.g. tow bar... wiring...air brake system extra rear magnetic tow lites...15 cu ft. yakima car top carrier..2 bike racks (1 top 1 rear...

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  Luv my van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Momwith2kids - September 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought my van after my 2nd child was born. I have 2 in child car seats and love that both side doors open wfor easy access for getting them in and out. The 3rd rear seat flips back acting as a great changing table area. Ive also used the floor in front of the 2nd seats to change diapers as there is enough space there too. Lots of cup holders. The rear seat hides in the trunk area giving lots of extra room back there for strollers. The trunk area is HUGE. The DVD player is great for occupying the kids. Leather is must with kids with all their crumbs and spills making it easy clean up. Lots of interior space to move around inside on long trips.

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  2016 Civic EXT - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Frazier - September 8 - 7:27 pm

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  Love my car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By AV - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  I love the car except for the first year model gremlins. Replaced catalytic converter, stereo unit and the imfamous auto tranny recall. I love this car so far even with all these issues.

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  Holy Wind Noise! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Accordian - September 8 - 12:13 pm

  My fiancée just leased this car 1 week ago. The interior is very pleasant and accommodating. The 4 cylinder is not exhilarating, but adequate and smooth on the highway. However, on the highway, the wind noise inside the cabin is ridiculous! I am not exaggerating. I opened and closed the doors several times and open and closed all the windows because I assumed something must not be closed properly. NOPE. It is actually THAT LOUD. Completely unbelievable. My 2001 Hyundai Elantra is 10 times quieter in the cabin. The reliability etc is unmatched but unacceptable that Honda has overlooked thus obvious flaw.

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  Good car few issues with head unit - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Viswanath Somanchi - September 8 - 11:50 am

  This is great comfortable car. Only issue is head unit got turned off and did not start back. Finally one fine day car battery is drained and I need to jump start the vehicle and the head unit is back to life. Head unit is dead for almost a week until car battery is drained and dealership could not diagnose the problem. Everything works well after the above mentioned issue and have driven more than 8500 miles and it is great reliable car. If we can spend some time and get the right seating position which makes you comfortable to drive for long hours we can easily drive 1000 miles a day on this car I have driven 935 miles in a day.