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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  Happy with my Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Happy - November 19 - 5:46 am

  This is a great car for the size and price. It does not feel like you are in a small car while driving it. There is ample space in the front seat area. We are tall and have no problem. I love the mpg monitor even though it does run 2-3 mpg higher than calculated mpg. Most of my driving is stop and go and mpg have been ~29. USB input is great. The controls on the dash are large and easy to operate, very user friendly. The car heats up quickly in the cold. I did add the arm rest center console and it is nice. The engine does get loud when I hit the gas too hard. Overall this car is fun to drive and I am so happy I have it.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Kim - November 19 - 5:16 am

  I tested several cars...Accord, Camry, Altima. I tried to test a Impala and G6, but the salesmen were not very helpful. The 07 Accord was my first test drive, and the Salesman said I would be back. And I was. best decision I mad. Ive had the car over a week now, and have driven ~800 miles. Its great on gas, comfortable, and the style is classic (with some sporty type features...mud flaps, window deflectors, and rear spoiler).

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  I love this car! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By kfohoro - November 18 - 8:25 am

  I rarely write reviews of anything I buy so for me to write this review really says something. I have had my Accord Hybrid EXL for 6 weeks and so far I love it. I commute 50 miles round trip per day in stop and go traffic. I absolutely hated driving but now I (almost) look forward to it! The leather interior looks great and is very comfortable. The bluetooth feature and is my favorite. The cars exterior design is very cool and sleek. The ride is extremely quiet and the gas mileage is great. I am actually surprised from other reviews that others are averaging less than advertised. From my calculations I am getting 48-49 mpg, but I do drive less aggressively than I used to and keep it on the ECO setting all of the time, so that could make a difference for some people. Before I bought this car, I did a great deal of research. Based on my needs, it is the perfect car for me. I cant say enough good things about it. If you are in the market for a hybrid I highly recommend this car.

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  Everything I wanted - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Titu - November 18 - 4:54 am

  I was looking for a car compact enough to fit in my garage with modern safety technologies like adaptive cruise control (coming to a complete stop) and lane keep assist. Went for the EX-T with the sensing package. Wanted the extra oomph, so got the turbo. The higher fuel economy is a plus. The overall buying experience was great. I got an internet quote from Walnut Creek Honda. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. * Likes: Great balance of ride and handling. Looks great on the outside and inside. Sensing package. Roomy front, rear seats, and trunk. Great road and wind noise isolation. Good fuel economy. Android auto. * Dislikes: CVT not good for spirited driving but great for fuel economy. Noisy under acceleration, engine sound in the cabin is not pleasant to hear. Front seats can be more comfortable. Miss the volume knob. The thin cloth fabric looks cheap. Sometimes, I need to plug in the phone twice for Android auto, I think it is because it routes the phone via Bluetooth and audio via the cable. Overall great job, Honda. Thanks for listening to customers and come up with such a nice car for the price.

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  2017 Honda Hybrid Touring WOW! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Nicolas A. DiDio - November 18 - 3:02 am

  This is by far the best hybrid on the market today. Its a money saver without giving up all the bells and whistles in any luxury car including safety, style, and power. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned with every convenience found in much higher end more expensive vehicles Ive owned in the past 20 years.

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  Its Elementary, my dear! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Pat - November 17 - 6:03 pm

  It is so ugly its cute! I wanted one from the first time I saw it & would buy it again in a heart beat. It is my trendy granny van. I am way past the minivan stage but missed the all- purpose function of one. I am always hauling people and things. The Element is a socially fun car and practical for most of those needs. I love the versatile clam shell doors until I have back seat passengers who need to exit while in a parking space between two other cars. You have to maneuver doors strategically to make it work or you end up trapped or square dancing... My gas mileage is a disappointing 19.9, under the suggested 22 mpg, but an improvement over most SUVs.

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  Works for me - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - November 17 - 5:09 pm

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

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  Best minivan out there - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jad0110 - November 17 - 10:09 am

  We bought our Ody new in 5/2004 and have put 38k on it since. Unless you plan to tow or offroad, this van is an excellent choice. It is like a good leatherman tool - it does everything you ask of it. The seats are superbly comfy, even the 3rd row is useable (an Im 67"). Plus, the driving dynamics are very good for a 2+ ton minivan. Steering is nicely weighted and precise. Handling is very good. Power is pretty awesome, especially when you feel (and hear) the VTEC system kick in at around 4600 rpm. Gas mileage is respectable for such a vehicle of its weight and power. And it runs happily on Regular, unlike the Toyota Sienna in 04 - that was a big selling point.

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  Great experience!! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Julio - November 17 - 12:22 am

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  Makes commuting almost fun - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Tom - November 16 - 8:34 pm

  My commute in the D.C. area would be depressing if it wasnt for this car. Instead, I smile and look forward to driving every morning and evening. Bought an expensive snow tire/wheel set to commute and drove through light snow with no problems. The hardtop is great in the winter and enhances the rear view. There is much written about not taking this car on long trips, but we much prefer this car over our other more comfortable cars because it is so much more fun! We took long trips to Canada, Connecticut, and Georgia. We are in our late 50s but may not be entirely average as we are used to touring on motorcycles. As my wife said, this is so much more comfortable.