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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  Outstanding Dealer - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Doug Nofzinger - April 9 - 8:46 pm

  Absolutely the best dealer experience ever! Job done right, vehicle cleaned, very timely on the repairs/service for routine maintenance, very friendly from the guy who drives it to wash the car, to the service managers, to the salesman. Id buy another in a heart-beat!

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  Almost returned this lease, but.... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Eb - April 9 - 2:37 pm

  I leased this vehicle after my 12 Accord was in a severe accident. Totally​ different cars, but either are good vehicles in their own rights. I will say the sport is nice to look at but scary to drive in the snow. That being said it hits all the points with ease. Nice car to drive, nice size inside and out. Easy to own. I went to get out of it because I wanted an AWD CR-V, I was priced out, but I realized that this car is a no brainier.

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  Almost returned this lease, but.... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Eb - April 9 - 1:39 pm

  I leased this vehicle after my 12 Accord was in a severe accident. Totally​ different cars, but either are good vehicles in their own rights. I will say the sport is nice to look at but scary to drive in the snow. That being said it hits all the points with ease. Nice car to drive, nice size inside and out. Easy to own. I went to get out of it because I wanted an AWD CR-V, I was priced out, but I realized that this car is a no brainier.

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  Best Owned Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Allen - April 8 - 8:06 pm

  Ive owned a Toyota, two VWs, and now two Civics, and this is by far the best car Ive owned. From its superb gas mileage, to its non-dated styling, this car takes the cake any day. Requires 87 octane and is certainly not a sports car, but the gas mileage is absolutely fabulous. Somehow, I cant stray from 34-36 mpg regardless of how i drive.

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  fun car - 2005 Honda Element
  By ralph - April 8 - 7:26 pm

  had the element now for over 2 years and i can say its been nothing but fun and the reliability has been great

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  Terrible suspension - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By J. Linch - April 8 - 7:16 pm

  I have had Nissan, Toyota before. Honda seemed to be the worst so far. After about 25K, the tires wore to 3/8 and needs to be changed. No Honda dealer honored any tire waranty. They dont want to pay for it. Their electric system may have some problems too. I am talking about hundreds or thousands of dollars from year two and on. Go buy Toyota or Nissan

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  Cant go wrong with edmunds and Livermore Honda! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Marc Espiritu - April 8 - 5:14 pm

  Edmunds provided a price that most dealerships in the Bay Area wouldnt match EXCEPT Honda of Livermore! Thank you edmunds and Livermore Honda for making it an easy process! Now I get to enjoy my car for an unbeatable price! Thanks again!

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  Just bought 2006 Honda Accord EX V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By PaulBNKY - April 8 - 12:43 pm

  This car is fantastic! It is sporty, classy and dare I say practical. Got the hard to find Carbon Bronze Pearl with the Ivory interior. The car has first rate build quality and is stunning to look at in the daylight. Got my car for 27,000+ tax title and insurance. I would highly recommend it.

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  Best of the rest - 2004 Honda Element
  By sir paul - April 8 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE !Great view of the road, handling is precise without oversteer,power is more than adequate,braking is superb. It is easy and quick to reconfiguire the interior .A REAL HEAD TURNER as well.We frequently get people asking us about it out of the blue

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  Funky take on the SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lance Funston - April 8 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a deceptive car: Its small on the outside, yet enormous on the inside. It can fit in an SF parking space, but carry huge amounts of gear especially with rear seats folded up or removed .In many ways its the ultimate answer to the mega- SUV (except it shoud probably do better than its average 20mpg fuel economy...esp from Honda). The split open "suicide doors" make loading cargo easy but can be tough for disembaking rear passengers. Driving position is high and commanding. Handling is tight with significant body roll. on curves. 4CL VTEC engine is just a bit underpowered and delivers meiocre mileage as well and has to rev for power.