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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  Excellent car! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By cruncherblock - November 10 - 6:27 pm

  Honda has become what Volvo used to be. A solid dependable, long lasting car. The Edmunds review is totally off base when it says that the Altima is more fun to drive. I had a 2008 prior to this and it handled awefully. The dash board looked like a used tire, and it felt like you were sitting in the bottom of an aluminum boat. There was nothing sporty about the way the car performed other than acceleration (just dont try to drive it in the rain, no traction due to the CVT transaxle) This car might not be stocked with options like the Hyundais and Kias, but what it lacks in options, it makes up in a ride and driving experience that the knock-off Kia and Hyundai cars will never know.

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  Nice SUV - smooth drive - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By ma75 - November 9 - 10:02 pm

  First ever SUV, Best SUV in this price range

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  SUCH A GREAT CAR!!!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By 01robbie - November 6 - 10:47 pm

  this car is seriously the best car i have ever owned. it just turned over 240,000 miles and only ever needed its routine maintenance done and a new clutch. i have owned this car since it was new and it still drives like it did when it was straight out of the dealership! these cars had issues with the automatics so i would stick with the 5 speed. its much funner anyways. oh and this has been driven down back roads and dirt roads all its life, just had the allignment checked and it was totally perfect to spec! that is awsome!!!

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  I love my Odyssey - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By michard85 - November 6 - 9:21 am

  At first I did not want to get a minivan, but with 2 kids and my wife watching my nephew, the decision to buy one made perfect sense. The Odyssey is so smooth, easy to drive, and turns on a dime. My wife loves to drive it and I dont mind driving it myself. Its quiet but dont let that fool you. If you need to, just punch it and it will surprise you on the amount of power it has. The automatic doors are a life saver, especially at Walmart.

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  Fun Car - Buy Accord not Camry - 1996 Honda Accord
  By ernie_8000 - November 5 - 4:23 pm

  1996 Accord LX (no VTEC) with over 235,000 miles. The car has been to Lake Tahoe, to LA and long distance trips (over 300 miles). car still runs really well (except engine is a bit louder than it was when new - which is understandable). Great chassis, ample seating for 5 (cars nowadays are too large). When driving highways, gets around 32 mpg. When primarily city, gets around 23 mpg.

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  Civic - better than ever! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By winkr22 - November 3 - 12:34 am

  We bought the car a few months back with overall value in mind. Overall value, for our purposes, was defined as a combination of reliability, gas mileage, safety, long term cost of ownership, and comfort. I would say in that order -- but really all of them were high on the order list. We were not looking for the type of car to modify or look thuggish, and we did not want the type of car that gets stolen for that purpose like some of the older Japanese models like Civics did. As a VALUE oriented car, this vehicle is spectacular and exactly what we wanted. We have stopped subscribing to CR as their quality of reviews over the last couple of years has gone more the way of sensationalism

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  Great Little Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - November 2 - 11:01 pm

  I am in sales and I can drive as much as 300 miles in one day. Probably an average of 130 or so. The Civic runs great, and gets 41mpg! They say these VXs can get as much as 50mpg... I dont know why I dont get that, but Im not complaining... It could be that its a 95 with 180k on it and its just not going to get 50mpg. I think its funny that these hybrids today get the same mpg as my little cheapo honda. Its pretty slow and could definitely use some more hp.. espically with the AC on. If performance is important, dont go with a VX.. get an SI. Also, make sure you change the timing belts and water pump every 90k mi.

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  Honda is the Best - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hondaisbest3 - November 2 - 9:50 am

  I have been told million times how good Hondas are. I have experienced it myself now. I purchased 2003 Honda Civic in 2004, It has been 7 years now with 172,000 mileage and this CAR still runs like brand new. Civics just dont break. I have been driving this car ALOT but still its really good. NO serious/Major Problems. After driving Honda Civic, I will never ever think of buying anything but Honda. All my friends who purchased Fords had too many engine & transmission problems with their cars. Honda is the Best.

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  08 V6 Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carlos_zuniga1 - November 1 - 2:04 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles this car now has 62,500 miles. Its been a pleasure to drive. Reliability is incredible I have spent $0 dollars on repairs besides regular maintains (oil changes). I love the sound system. The power is decent but a bit under power for its size in my opinion a 300HP engine would be ideal. The ride is smooth but not as a Toyota. The car handles awesome for being a sedan. The navigation gets the job done. Center counsel is good but has too many buttons. The car sits 5 bodies (including driver) comfortably the leg room is huge. Tech package comes handy. I average 22mpg mixed driving 18 city and 28 highway. Over all i am satisfied with the car.

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  excellent, reliable car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jm52716 - October 29 - 10:20 am

  I have had this car for over 1 year now, and am very satisfied. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and gets excellent gas mileage (about 38 mpg highway). I have had no problems with it. Wouldnt mind power seats, but wouldnt expect that at this price range. I also looked at the VW Golf, Mazda 3, and Impreza. I thought this car handled better than all but the Golf, and in the Golf the seats were too narrow.