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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  You wouldnt know it was a minivan! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack W - October 19 - 7:43 am

  Incredible automobile. The ride and drivability is like a european sedan...not a minivan. The fit and finish is extremely fine. By far and away..the grooviest and hippest minivan on the planet. We drove them all before we purchased. Hands down...the best.

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  Good commuter car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tango - October 19 - 7:30 am

  Very good if have a commuter drive open driving with a few stops but not interstate. Doesnt like 60 MPH+ but 55 and lower does well and gets great gas mileage as long as you drive conservatively. If you try and drive like it was the performance car you traded in you will be disappointed in mileage.

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  Very Nice Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Marlinman - October 18 - 9:33 pm

  I just purchased my EX 4 days ago and all I can say is it is a gorgeous car. I did my homework and test drove many cars including the Nissan Altima 2.5S and Toyota Camry SE and LE. First off the paint finish on the silver Accord was by far the best. The interior design was much nicer. The Altima had the best transmission and extras like intelligent key but the dashboard was ugly and the paint seemed thin and had bigger blind spots. The Camry was a close second but I really liked the Accords look better I got the Accord for $600 under invoice with the help of edmunds.com. The Accord has a distinct tightness when driving and a solid resale value. A+++++

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  Love the 6 speed manual transmission - 2016 Honda Civic
  By HMM68 - October 18 - 9:26 pm

  Im 48 years old and this is the my favorite car I have ever owned. I get 41 mpg combined city and highway. The car is fun to drive. I have the LX, so I like that it is less technical than the other models. It has manual dials for volume and temperature controls and I havent had any problem with the Bluetooth.

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  Great car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By KW - October 18 - 6:27 pm

  We leased this car to replace our Camry with 196000 miles on it. Weve had accords before but this one great. Very high quality interior. Solid well built. The CVT transmission took some getting used to but now its great. Smooth and quiet. It just goes. The folks at Keeler Honda were superb. We worked with Adam Dorn and the experience couldnt have been better.

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  Love my Cr-v - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Terri - October 18 - 5:32 pm

  I loved my cr-v very much. Good on gas, reliability is a plus. I was surprised with the picnic table, thought that was thought of Honda including it. Only thing I didnt like about the cr-v is highway uphills driving. There is a loud noise when you drive 70 mph or more. I hate that it cant handle curves and mountains. Other than that, I love my cr-v. I will be buying a 2006 next time. Hopefully honda has improve the cr-v.

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  first car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By jrm - October 18 - 3:11 pm

  This was my first car, got it in high school (DX hatch, 5-spd). Not problem-free but I drove it hard, and it was a blast to drive (I now have an LS1 Camaro which is infinitely faster and more powerful but this Civic was so light it was just a lot of fun). Unfortunately this car was totaled by my sister about 7 years ago. Sometimes I wish I still had it. Gas mileage was an honest 27 city / 32 highway - real numbers not EPA.

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  Smart blast of a car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By adrian - October 18 - 8:56 am

  This car is a rocket. It is very close to luxery as well. Love the navigation system and it gets great mileage. Love it...

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  Follow up on my 08 Touring - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock1 - October 18 - 7:58 am

  After driving a nice van in most regards except a rattle trap, finally got it to an Illinois dealer who cured the rattle problems by applying a Honda grease (Part# 08798-9013) to all the door gaskets. Wow, now totally rattle free. Just over 21,000 and love it more all the time. In Daytona Beach area where I live, they added ethanol now and gas mileage dropped to 21 around town and 24 on the road but ALL vehicles suffer with Ethanol.

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  Great car for the money - 2016 Honda Accord
  By D monaco - October 18 - 4:27 am