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 on Gas AND Fun to Drive! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jeff - February 20 - 4:26 am

  When I drive Highway @ 55-60 mph, I average 35 miles/gallon. Fun to drive and very dependable Its a Honda!

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  Great Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JC - February 19 - 8:20 pm

  First off, its an ugly car but its a great car. Function over form is how this car was built. It gets good gas mileage. For those who complain about bad gas mileage, you need to learn how to maximize your mileage. Learning when and how to press the gas and brakes is the difference between 20 mpg and 25 mpg from my experience. Lots of features for the money. Nice interior design. Handling is good, but this causes the ride to be stiffer than normal cars. As a consequence the car stays planted and doesnt float. This is not a car for people who like a sofa ride.

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  Love My First Four-Door - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BeornBear - February 19 - 12:46 pm

  I actually became interested in the car after seeing a friends Acura TL. I was very impressed with the voice activated navigation and integrated XM stereo. I did some research and realized that I could have 9/10 of that car in a much lower priced package with the Accord V-6. Ive been extremely impressed with the interior quality and abundant features. This car has plenty of power and decent handling. I think my cars looks have been enhanced simply by adding a rear lip spoiler and fog lights. Judging by my short time with the car so far, Id buy another in a heartbeat. Pretty good dealership experience as well.

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  2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Frank DAngelo - February 19 - 1:55 am

  Excellent vehicle. Great ride, handling and performance which are the most important criteria to us. It also has allot of cargo space and the third row seats are comfortable and useful vs other minivans and SUVs. I do wish Honda had kept the right side camera to show you the right lane when changing lanes. Honda does not have a sensor on each side, but it will not go on till there is a vehicle very close. I feel they should have both: the sensor and the camera to make sure there is room and you are not cutting someone off. The GPS should also be able to order your saved destinations alphabetically, vs only by distance. Apple Car Play is excellent.

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  Great MPG - 2007 Honda Accord
  By hadleyt - February 18 - 12:13 pm

  70 MPH on Hwy gets me 33 mpg and conservative city driving gets me 29 mpg You lead foots are still getting decent mileage. I understand your desire, its fun to drive.

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  2016 Honda CR-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ar te - February 18 - 8:33 am

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  From an Accord to a CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Ace - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Got a 2002 5 speed EX, traded in a 97 Accord. I wanted something bigger, higher, sportier & more flexible than my Accord. The CRV has the power and size to be a step up from my boring old Accord; the 2001 CRV was lacking. I am happy with everything. The 5 speed is fun (also eliminates any complaints about the dash shifter), plenty of perk & all the gadgets exceed my expecations. I paid sticker & waited 3 weeks. A lot of truck/car for $22,000!

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  Jack of All Trades - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By XPLR - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle seems to do it all. It has the cargo room of a larger SUV, but drives and feels like a car--really! After 2 weeks with the CR-V, this mini-ute truly exudes a solid, well crafted feel. The quality of the materials and parts are evident as well as the excellent engineering. There is a reason why Honda does not have to advertise their superb quality...everyone knows it after driving any Honda. Like Edmunds.com states, "Drive it, youll like it."

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  Still the best car Ive had in 30 years. - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Rasimov - February 17 - 2:13 pm

  4 year review: No repair bills yet. No noises from engine, tranny, dash. Still fun to drive & can drive all day & not feel like it.

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  Great car..not overly impressed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By James Ross - February 17 - 2:06 am

  Overall a well enginered and built car that is fun to drive and safe. I only ask that they tune up the suspension a bit so the driver doesnt feel like he is driving a model T. Also give accurate fuel data as this car and my new Pilot are about 25% below numbers on sticker.