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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  I like it a lot - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jake - November 17 - 9:43 am

  I was actually in the market for a Mazda3, but the Mazda dealerships must think that they have a gold mine because they were not giving me anywhere near my trade-in value that Honda gave me (Almost $3000 more)! I wasnt even considering the Honda until my wife told me how much she enjoyed hers from a few years back so I figured Id take one out for a spin. Boy was I surprised! The car was a lot peppier than the Mazda3 and I liked the feel of the cockpit much better. I actually drove the V6 auto, but I like the 4cyl 5 spd much better. The shifts are smooth and the engine just keeps climbing.All in all, this is a great little car and I am very happy with it!

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  2008 Honda Civic LX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By PS - November 17 - 9:03 am

  I drive carpool on the highway everyday (a little tight inside, but oh well) and not so much city anymore. Ive only gotten below 30 mpg in the city once, and have gotten over 38 on the highway. My usually get around 34-35 combined. I opted not to get a hybrid as it was not going to be as cost efficient for me as the regular Civic. Its not the best accelerator when pulling onto the highway, but then again I traded in my Odyssey (which I loved but could no longer afford to feed) and I smile every time I stop at the gas station.

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  "Brand loyalty" is rewarded - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Virginia Si - November 17 - 7:17 am

  It isnt Prius level fuel efficient, but close enough, with less compromise in style and comfort.

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  Honda Did a Good Job on the New Accord Hybrid - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By rickpoole - November 17 - 3:15 am

  Honda has done a good job on their latest Accord Hybrid. It is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the original HAH. Our other car is a 2013 Camry Hybrid XLE and the new HAH has a slightly better ride (feel and sound level) but looks and feels much more luxurious. The HAH trunk appears to be noticeably smaller than the TCH even though it is stated as only 0.5 CF smaller. The USB audio interface in the EX-L model is totally unusable, to the point we said we wouldnt purchase that model without immediately replacing the head unit. The I/F on the Touring is better but still not up to that in others products. The HAH is much more expensive than its gas counter part than the TCH.

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  No longer a Mini-Van Owner! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sarah Donley - November 16 - 8:42 pm

  Loving my new Pilot. I was worried that moving from a mini-van to an SUV may make me sacrifice space. But the Pilot is very roomy. And definitely more stylish!

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  Great Buy! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dmski - November 16 - 5:01 pm

  I was in the market for an econo car and Edmunds site was a big help. Narrowed down my selection to Jetta TDI, Elantra and Civic. At the end of the day, went with Civic and cant be more pleased. The car is VERY comfortable even for 6ft+ individuals. I cant get over how well this thing rides. Ive owned a TL & MDX in the past and this car is a pleasure to drive! Fuel economy is also great. Im averaging 35+mpg to the tank on mixed driving. I do spend a lot of time in traffic during my daily commute. If youre lookn for a great econo car that drives well, is reliable you will not go wrong with selecting this car. Its not flashy but gets the job done.

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  Good car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Larry U - November 16 - 12:55 pm

  Great car but not much difference in price between Civic and Accord.

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  I love this car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By mjfoley - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My first car, and it is a gem. The only problems I have had so far is so- so gas mileage, but I live in the city, and a touchy battery terminal that resets my programmed radio stations, other than that the car has great pick up and is really fun to drive.

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  rating my car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By birdman7 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  car wears tires quick

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  awesome/dependable car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By losersk8er - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in february after months of searching for it after my 1990 LX was totalled. I love this car even better than the first one i owned. It performs very well, as I have won every race ive ever been in it with. Its also very stylish and i would recommend it to anyone, youll have fun driving it, and theres plenty of stuff out there u can buy to make it a little more fun if you want.