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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  2016 Odyssey SE - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ilan Freiner - June 4 - 11:19 am

  This is a great car.

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  Nice Car With Minor Flaws - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike - June 4 - 10:50 am

  I purchased my 2008 Accord LX-S 2Door in January of 2008. The car is very sharp looking and has some nice size to it for a 2 door. There is an abundance of headroom without the sunroof, which I love. The 190-hp 2.4 is semi-quick, and good for daily driving. I have have had some problems fixed under warranty: 1. Trunk was misaligned from factory (fixed under warranty), 2. Tail lights were rubbing where they meet rear quarter panels causing paint chipping (fixed under warranty) 3. Trunk lid sometimes "clunks" when opening the car (not fixed yet). Gas mileage is OK, averaging about 23-24 city - 31 highway normal driving, I dont drive fast, but I dont drive slow either.

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  2008 Honda Accord LX 4dr Sedan - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Trey - June 4 - 9:43 am

  I bought my Honday last May. Overall the 08 Accord is a solid vehicle with some minor annoying flaws. This car is very comfortable car to drive. It handles well and I dont fell any vibration when the car shifts gear. The LX Accord car is a very powerful car especially to be a low model Accord. This car have a easy time drive up hills and does not struggle like my previous car. The most annoying problem I have with the Accord is the noise problem. While driving on the interstate you can hear every time the engine revs up or shifts gears. While driving on the interstate with the window down, the wind makes an annoying sound as it bounce against the interior of the car.

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  Best Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TD - June 4 - 7:56 am

  I have driven all of the hybrids and the civic is by far the best on overall performance, comfort, style and overall combination. I am planning on buying another one for my wife when we trade hers in.

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  My Very First Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By HBdude - June 4 - 4:36 am

  Being 15 1/2 I have been looking for a car that would suit my needs...Ok anything would have been fine I mean driving=freedom but I really wanted something that would be large enough for me not to be cramped in and luxuroius. The Honda Accord EX-L fits my needs, the 160 HP is plenty power for my driving, I took it for a drive down the coast and it handled well in the hilly areas. The quailty of the ride is good from the drives seat but In not expecting it to handle my friends BMWs or Mercedes. The brakes are a bit weak but I adjusted and Im fine with it. The interior is amazing and is roomy for everyone, this car is extremly safe which makes it a great family sedan, or a teen car.

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  Save Thousands! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. Frey - June 4 - 3:23 am

  Internet online purchase is the best way to buy any 2017 Honda Pilot!

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  Honda Crv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By lemanuel - June 4 - 2:00 am

  A good used car that has held its value and will continue to do so as I own it and hopefully i will be able to trade it in and again have equity

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  Keeps on ticking - 1997 Honda Civic
  By moz52 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used, with about 30,000 miles on it, and now it has over 120,000. I have done nothing but regular tune ups, new tires, and oil changes. Although I would love to have something a little more sporty, I will most likely purchase a new Civic sometime this year. You just cant beat the reliability.

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  Recent Convert - 2009 Honda Civic
  By okhondadrvr - June 3 - 11:30 pm

  My chief priority in my purchase this time was fuel economy. I was a little nervous going from my large sedan (Ford 500) to a smaller economy type car. After driving several makes and models, I decided to go with the Civic. I am not disappointed at all. I went with the LX-S because I liked the black interior and some of the extras it came with. The car handles great and the 4 cylinder has surprising power. The fuel economy is better than expected. 4 fill ups and I have been getting 30 + mpg with over 70% being city driving. The interior is very roomy even for my 63 frame. The car feels very solid and just a lot better quality then all the competition I looked at. New Honda convert.

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  2012 Honda Civic, Best yet!!! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By cargirl511 - June 3 - 7:45 pm

  First a review correction for Edmunds! The new 2012 Honda Civic gets 39 mpg highway!!!! your review stated incorrectly the following: "The front-wheel-drive 2012 Honda Civic is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and an available five-speed automatic (HF and EX models get the automatic as standard equipment). This combination returns EPA fuel economy estimates ranging from a low of 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway" The additional info on HP and Torque are otherwise correct. Best Civic yet! Highly reccomended.