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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  My 2004 Honda LX - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Leahcim - November 27 - 1:56 pm

  Honda lives up to its reputation in that this car gets great gas mileage as well as good reliability. No major problems with my car which currently has 58000 miles on it.

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  Great fun car- No issues - 2000 Honda S2000
  By ksixbey - November 27 - 11:15 am

  I will by a new one if I can give up this soon to be classic.

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  Glad I leased it - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By NicknMadison - November 27 - 8:15 am

  All in all this isnt a bad vehicle, just doesnt have a few of the things vehicles in this price range should have. Solid and great visibility but the kids much prefer the new Odyssey. We have given up on any American designed vehicle and the Big Three and are definately on our Never Buy list but Honda needs to step it up a bit for this vehicle. Basic items like auto door locks, auto headlights...and hey, where is the ipod jack? I leased this vehicle and will be glad to look at the redesigned in 2010.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By stratcat99 - November 27 - 7:53 am

  The best part is the mileage. You just cant beat it. It has a sleeker feel than older civics that I have driven. Seats are very comfortable, and I fit well in it. I am 6 5" so that was surprising. I love the look of the new dash. I got the manual trans, and I like the feel of the shifter. The car surprised me with the amount of power it had off the line, but the power noticably diminishes the faster you go. I am getting about 35 MPG, so I am very happy with that. I also like the Aux input for the stereo. The system sounds good, too. I highly recomend it.

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  Wow...what a car...the Honda 2018 CR-V ! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Jake - November 27 - 12:17 am

  We just purchased a Honda 2018 CR-V......perfect in every way, especially safety and a proven, excellent track record over the years, as reflected in Edmunds reviews!

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  Wonderful car, but... - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Durer - November 26 - 11:50 am

  The Honda Civic EX Special Edition Coupe is a really terrific sporty little car, but its missing just one thing... oomph! I mean, it zips around just fine, vroom, vroom, and all that, but when you put your foot down, and I mean really put your foot down, it just doesnt respond like you want it to. I, personally, think a little sport coupe like this should throw you back in your seat and take off like a bat out of hell when you punch it, but the Civic just doesnt. Other than that, though, its a totally terrific vehicle, thumbs up and 4-stars all the way

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  The Perfect Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - November 26 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I drove several different vans and had it narrowed down to the Sienna XLE and the Odyssey EX-L. I decided that I wanted to drive the Odyssey Touring to see if there was much of a difference. I couldnt believe how much nicer of a drive the Touring model was. I love it. There are a ton of features that are all useful. This is one nice van.

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  I Love this car!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Felix Mendi - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I havent been so happy with a car in years. If you have kinds and hate the idea of a minivan. You owe to yourself to check out the Pilot. The third seat is perfect for kids. I just cant say enough about this car.

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  What a great SUV to own - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By a proud driver - November 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car without much research. We drove pass the dealership and went in for a test drive. We fall in love with this car immediately. It is very easy to drive, has all the necessary function. And, about all, the price is great!

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  Awesome! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By magic2121 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I really love this vehicle. It is the family car and definitely my favorite. The Toyota RAV4 can not even be compared to this exceptional Honda CR- V. I would recommend this car to anyone wishing for a roomy, five- passenger car.