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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  Exceptional vehicle - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Aaron - February 8 - 4:26 pm

  I have been very pleased with the quality and performance. I average about 35 mpg in a normal weeks driving on the interstate and in town. I do tend to drive a little faster than most people. I have got up to 41mpg while driving an average speed of 73 mph for over 500 miles but I was heading towards the midwest from the rocky mountains. A lot of compliments on the cars outside looks and inside looks. Everyone loves the navigation and I would not purchase another car without it. I am 63"215lbs and find plenty of room in this car. I dont think that I would be much bigger and drive this car though. I do not like the ipod hookup becuase it does not display song title or does not play all songs

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  Excellent Car, Great Value - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RMHonda - February 8 - 1:13 pm

  Bought new and has been a great value and still fun to drive. Efficient yet powerful enough to daily commute. Ive tracked every tank of gas for this car... averages 33 MPG with a 5 speed manual transmission. Replaced front brakes and original tires at about 72,000 miles. Still original rear brakes. Only two problems - catalytic converter and O2 sensor. No other problems. Overall, a great driving experience.

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  swiss army pocket knife of suvs - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chuck1 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a fun and practical vehicle. The high point is versitality. It can be many things and the interior is very roomy compared to others in its class. The vehicle is whisper quiet at idle and accellerates very well. My age group is 55 and it works good for shopping or for the grandkids on some day adventure. Very easy to clean out and tons of backseat leg room. This is an ideal family suv. it is often referred to as the hummer 3 or h3 by its admirers. buy one, youll love it.

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  My Baby - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Frank Tupka - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I wish all if the choices here went to 1000 so i could give the car 1000 in everything! This is the best car we have ever had. Anyone looking for a car, stay away from General Motors and Ford. Hondas are the best. This is to the ceo of Honda: DONT EVER STOP BUILDING CIVICS!

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  Different to Drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kicara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I decided to buy the CR- V after our second car died. We began searching the web for top cars of the year and Honda CR-V reappeared over and over again. Apparently I was living under a rock and had no clue that Honda is such a good car. Finally we got the CR-V and its a cool car to drive. I am obesed by the fact that the 2003 CR-V is bigger than the CR-Vs of the past. Honestly Edmunds customer reviews helped us decide to make the final purchase and we are glad we did. My husband and all my friends say I look really cute driving it because "its just my size." On

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  Best Ever - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Vick - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to get better gas mileage, I traded in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is my first car and I am impressed. It had everything I wanted at a really good price. I would reccomend this car to anyone.

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  my first honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By pat lippy - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first Honda last week after looking at Ford Expeditions for months. Went to dealership just to drive one for the heck of it and fell in love with the 2003 EX with Leather (V-6). I wanted top of the line and I believe I have found it. Honda believes in its product and now I see why. I have been busy accesorizing with gold trim, tinted windows, etc, but it is an awesome car. I was just blown away by the difference in the 2002 to the 2003. Not the same car.

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  Excellent - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve - February 8 - 8:20 am

  It is a great car for the money and is really the only car that makes Toyota improve the Camry year after year.

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  Nice ride - 2003 Honda Accord
  By nellie - February 8 - 5:51 am

  Bought my used accord in 07 w/ 58,000. This car looks nice, rides nice, but w a 13.5 gal tank my trip is only reading 320 miles til empty. Whats that about 25mpg- (city/highway) I am little disappointed in the gas mileage, I got better in my 97 Saturn (28mpg). but over all I would buy another Honda because its been two years and no problems, nada!!!

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  Wish I had leased another Sienna - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - February 8 - 12:05 am

  Lease was up on my 05 Sienna, so I leased an 08 Odyssey, due to the better lease rate and better exterior styling. Wow do I miss my Sienna after 4 months. The Honda feels so cheap in every way. Fit and finish is TERRIBLE. Several paint flaws, poor fit of exterior trim, horrible fit of interior trim and interior surfaces which feel cheap and scratch ridiculously easily. Brakes are downright scary, they are so soft. Stereo is the worst I have heard since the AM in my old 66 VW. Rough ride, excessive wind noise and an amazing number of rattles round out the package. Hopefully this thing at least turns out to be reliable.