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:

• 

  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.

• 

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

• 

  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!

• 

  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."

• 

  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.

• 

  Good but some. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By First Honda - February 17 - 2:43 am

  2000 miles. 4 cyl avg 20 miles. 50/50 freeway/local. No doubt that it is one of best- selling car in us. Interms of riding, handling and power good. But "whistling noise" on acceleration (turbo charged sound kind of) too annoying. I am worry about vacuum leak. So went to dealer 3 times but no one found out its problem. Really loud outside noise compare to Camry. And sm trunk. Overall it is ok. Its previous generation was great looking and mpg.

• 

  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.

• 

  My 2006 Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Espelin - February 16 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased my Honda Ridgeline March 19, 2005. I saw it advertised on TV and went down the next day to see it. Test drove and bought it the next day. I puchased the Floor Model which had the Running Board, Mudguards and Bed Extender. I have since added Foglights, Read Sensors, Roof Rack, Window and Hood Shields, Side Protective Modlings and the Tonneau Cover. I never get tired of driving this vehicle and/or talking about it. Many people approach me and I take them though the entire Vehicle. Im willing to say that I believe I have convinced people to go look at them. It is the most fantastic Vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned many. The ride, comfort and security are the best.

• 

  Quality discomfort - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Dave - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  This car was a big disappointment after driving it for a couple of weeks. The engine, build quality, fuel economy, and fun to drive factor were all there. However, the seating position and lack of a dead pedal left me feeling very uncomfortable. The gas pedal is too close to the driver, which resulted in constantly lifting ones foot off the accelerator in order to properly control the throttle. Move the seat back too far and you cant reach the clutch and steering wheel. Also the lack of a dead pedal (or even a flat spot), leaves ones foot on a round bump. This was such a shame because the car really zips around and is fun to drive.The new FIT is out this fall & I advise to wait.

• 

  2016 Honda Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By gerald dorna - February 16 - 11:14 am

  Love the car and everything about it. I just dont like the color I bought which is my mistake. Im a white car guy.