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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  A regretful buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Drew - September 18 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car thinking how great it would be to have a good commuter that was also sporty. I figured I would grow to like the interior/exterior. I could not be more wrong. I plain out despise the power delivery. Normal driving I almost never see vtec, so its just like driving around a civic ex for 90% of the time. The handling is great, but how often do I REALLY need to push it to 9/10s? After reading the reviews of the si vs gti more, I finally get it. The gti is a much better daily car for what its meant for. Every magazine did track test, things almost no drive is really going to see. Both cars are just as fast on the street, except I like power down low over vtec.

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  Soooo fun to drive Honda Rules! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By RangerFan4ever - September 18 - 2:03 am

  I got this 07 accord after turning in my 04 accord coupe. I was looking to just upgrade to a coupe with leather, but after looking at the 4 dr I noticed the nice style. And after I test drove it, I realized it was just as great as a coupe. I only wish the tires were a bit quieter and less wind noise. But one has to remember youre not in a vacuum sealed place, and its not like you are driving a Ferrari or Maybach. Still you cannot beat Hondas quality!

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  Great CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Chester Colvin - September 17 - 7:50 pm

  I really like this car. The more I drive it the more I like it.

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  I would buy another one - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By paulette51 - September 17 - 4:53 pm

  I loved my 2015 Honda. This is why I bought a 2016 Honda. The only thing I didnt want this time was the navigation system. Instead, I bought a $89 Garmin, which out performs the integrated system, and saves a lot of money. Thank you Edmunds for assisting me in my purchase.

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  Going on 100K - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Bingo69 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Car has lasted for a 100K miles with any major problems. I have replace bracks, tires, and battery. The the factor scheduled maintanance can be very pricey.

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  Another Honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By 4th Honda - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I never thought Id own a minivan, but Honda makes the minivan not only tolerable, but dear I say, fun. The 240 HP engine just rocks, yet the interior is quite. Suspension is great. 3rd row seat is not just for kids. Theres plenty of room for 6 full sized adults (7 if you dont mind being shoulder to shoulder). The leather seats are like cow hide heaven. Entertainment sys is top notch. The DVD system keeps the munkins occupied and content. Consider the Honda reputation for quality and reliability and the fact that you can wheel and deal on the price and you have the undisputed champ of the minivan category for `03.

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  Keeps the tradition - 2001 Honda Civic
  By josamars - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Far better finishings and iinternal design than most of the competition. Drives and handles very well, very inexpensive in gas and no a single problem to the date.

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  So Far... A great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By unlstudent - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Accord in Feb -- so far, only one small rattle that the dealership fixed right away. Was looking at the Altama and Camary before I bought the Accord. Tight drive, lots of power. I love this car.

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  Compromises unnecessary - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Golden Eagle - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 4 accords, 2003 is the most tech advanced. Very tight car and great fit and finish. Suspension is very disappointing. It sags under full load of 4 adults and with 2 adults, has more body lean than I like. The steering while positive is numb. The voice system is useless and could have been invested in better supported front seats, steering wheel lights,etc.

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  Shouldve gone with my gut instinct - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Accord lover - September 17 - 2:34 am

  Cant believe theres NOT a trunk release inside the car! If you dont think youll miss it, make yourself not use the one in your existing car and see if you miss it. Had a 1995 that even had it in there! Asked dealer (after I bought it) where it was & they said the only model that has it is the touring model. The back-up system is so generic, compared to Fords. When you back up with theirs, the visual is green (ok), yellow (getting closer) & red (youre right on top); the audio is beep beep (ok), beep, beep, beep (getting closer), & BEEP BEEP BEEP (youre right on top). Honda has no audio and bare bone yellow-no comparison. Im short and although I try not to hit my knee when I get in, Im frequently nailing it on the console below & to the L of the steering column, also hit my head a lot on the top. The radio is horrible! the buttons are SO small (& Ive got little fingers) Im constantly hitting the wrong buttons while driving, which throws the thing into la-la land; no matter how much I practice on it, its a pain & I despise it. Car doesnt do well in high winds for handling. Also sounds like the tires are out of round if it isnt driven every day. The AC and heating system take forever to cool/heat. For a $32K car, I would not buy another. I do, however, like the way the seats lie down in the back...thats what initially attracted me to it plus Ive owned Hondas since 1985; still have my 2005 Honda which I gave to my son for high school graduation as hell be using it to and from college. Feel like giving him the CRV but have payments...if I could do it over, Id buy another Accord. My husband wanted me to buy a SUV since we already had a new Taurus, the Accord and a pick up. Should have listened to my instinct and bought the new Accord!+