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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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Billy - June 30 - 7:46 am

  I have had this car for almost three weeks now and I still love it. I test drove a Camry and Altima, as well. Although the Altima has the Accord beat on styling, the Accord is the better value and will hold its value throughout the years better than the Altima. The Camry seemed a little too much like an old ladys car! I love almost everything about this car other than the fuel economy. I was expecting better than 25 MPG. That was the main reason we traded off our SUV. I hope that it gets better as the car ages.

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  bought the van - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By dave - June 30 - 7:39 am

  Buy it ... Its a Honda!!!

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  Canada SIR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tommy b - June 30 - 1:35 am

  Im from Canada and bought Canada version of si hatch. Bought the car in August of 07, its an 03. Nice car with lots of room had 3 people and snowboards inside. Would definitely recommend. Horn cut out about a month ago along with Cruise control. Brakes are great and so is handling. Stock rims could be bigger/nicer, I got aftermarket rubber and rims. Ground fx package is nice. Drives good in all weather, sunroof is good. Recommend winter tires. This is a great car with sporty handling, keep revs high and car is plenty fast. Great on gas and sound system is great for stock. Dont think I will ever buy anything other then a Honda. Car takes real

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  Fit is It - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Lyle74 - June 29 - 11:15 pm

  Put 600 miles on my Fit, just broken in and have no complaints. The handling is superb for an economy car and puts some sports cars to shame. The interior does not feel cheap, seats are perfectly shaped, fit and finish are typical Honda, and the Magic Seats are an excellent feature. Low road noise levels. Gas mileage has been great, but a bigger tank would help extend range between fill ups. A/C could be stronger especially in 90+ degree heat.

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  Fun, fun, fun! - 2005 Honda Element
  By lroberts - June 29 - 7:20 pm

  My last vehicle was a Honda minivan which was an excellent vehicle also. The Element is much more fun to drive and more kid friendly with its waterproof interior. As with all Honda products the quality of the engine and overall handling are wonderful. Would recommend this vehicle to any age driver!

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  A great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Huisonfirst - June 29 - 2:34 pm

  I cant complain about this car at all. I even wanted to pay for my sales persons rotary fines for him. It is such a great car, especially if you know how to maximize the MPG. My average is about 50. I am ordering a sticker that says "60 MPH = 50 MPG". I am also ordering a sticker that says "Relax: U R in the Carpool Lane" for those who try to go 80 in the Carpool lane. To get better MPG, avoid using your brakes, i.e., dont rush up to that red light and brake! We can all save 10% or more by driving reasonably.

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  4 cyl is plenty - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Mike - June 29 - 2:00 pm

  The 4 cyl has a surprising amount of power. I came from a 6 cyl Jeep and this car still does not seem sluggish. It is much quicker than any other 4 cyl that I have owned. It is not as fast as the Altima, but gets superior fuel economy. The interior quality is great and the stereo and climate controls are easy to use. Sunroof controls are in an odd place (to the left of the steering wheel, and too low) but it leaves room for a sunglasses holder on the ceiling in front of the sunroof. This car is very roomy in front. Not quite as much room in the back as the Altima, but still good. Head room with the sunroof is still adequate for the tall (65") as long as the seat is not raised.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Andy in Indy - June 29 - 11:10 am

  This is my 4th Accord, and the best yet. Just got it on Friday....dark red with gray interior. The extra horses in the V6 compared to the prior model is really noticeable. Great interior features.

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  Better than ever - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Cincy M - June 29 - 10:26 am

  Previous vehicle was a 2003 Honda Accord, and loved it so much was reluctant to trade it in, as I was afraid the new model would not be as good. That thought was gone forever once I drove the 07. It handles great, seems to be quieter, and the ride is luxurious. Very very happy.

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  The Luxury Car with Prius Gas Mileage! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Weedo - June 29 - 7:07 am

  This car is truly way ahead of the game. Looks amazing; and much better in person even. The ride, drive, feel is excellent. Having owned Prius & Camry Hybrid, I can tell you Honda has REALLY upped the game. The Accord Hybrid rides like a mix of the Lexus quiet/smooth with the BMW steering and road feel (a good mix of both anyway...). The tires give up long before the feeling of any lean comes in. AVERAGE MPG: were averaging 51.4mpg with both me and my wife using this car for daily errands and running around. We do mostly city driving. Probably 80% city. Our Camry Hybrid, which, was an excellent car, averaged 38.x with both of us driving the car (I tend to get 2-3mpg better than my wife). Both run 0-60 in the 7s which is plenty quick for the once in a while time you need it. Whats even better is passing. If youre merging onto the freeway, say, at 45-50mph and want to get up to 70, it gets there QUICK! Nothing like instant electric power! Everything about the drivers "area" is great. Very large, comfortable seat, plenty of head and legroom (Im 63" 200lbs), the steering wheel is perfect, gauges are perfect, everything is where it should be, and with a very high quality of fit and finish. We went with black on black as it gives it a very sleek look (I always hated the tan or gray choice in the Camry Hybrid). This is the $30,440 model which we were able to buy for $25,373. An unbelievable $5,000 off MSRP. What other $25,000 car comes even close to the look, size, feel, luxury, quiet, and gas mileage? Currently none. Ive owned more cars than i care to share, and this is at the top of the list of "best cars for the money ive ever driven". Even if you didnt care about the 50mpg average, this is an excellent car!