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:

• 

  Lots of bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ALB SNWBRDR - October 23 - 7:33 am

  The Civic SI has grown up, and so have I (....sort of). I recently purchased (3/08) a 2007 left over Civic SI sedan . I sold my 2005 Civic SI Hatchback. It was a great car. the 2007 has improved all of the features that I didnt like in the 2005 such as: less aggressive racing seats, adding a 6th gear, larger rims, and an armrest (front & rear). The 2007 is fast & can still can zig-zag through corners like a cars twice its price. The exhaust has a nice throaty sound.

• 

  Great truck, horrible gas mileage - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By EA - October 22 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased the Ridgeline in May 07. PROS: In-bed locking trunk, good handling and great turn radius for a truck, extremely comfortable and roomy interior with extra roomy center console, decent power from V6. CONS: Horrrible gas mileage (under suggested sticker), terrible blind spots making it very hard to see to your left, right, or rear, base stereo system lacks any mids (I have heard better quality from a ham radio), seems like you have to gas it to accelerate at a decent pace. All in all, its a very good vehicle if you dont mind forking out loads of cash for gas or backup or change lanes often. Those two issues are enough to have me trading it in this week.

• 

  Nice car, but... - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Jim Kay - October 22 - 5:13 pm

  Reading another Edmunds reviewer comments about their Accord wandering on the highway I have to agree, my Accord does the same thing when reaching speeds of 50 MPH or more. Should have taken on the highway during the test drive but this dealer was surrounded by roads with traffic and residential streets. I did get a great deal so I went for it. With that being said things I like - looks, comfort, CVT is really cool, dual temp controls as well as heated seats will come in handy when driving with my wife, auto head & tail lights setting so they come on when dark, fog lights included, dash and instrument panel looks great, lots of interior room. Im 62" and can sit comfortably with lots of head room and people can sit behind me with plenty of leg room. Back up camera helpful, bluetooth works fine, and for about $800 more you get the red thread stitched black leather seats with front buckets heated, worth it. Trunk is huge for a mid size. Car drives around town great. Dont likes - car wanders with speeds over 50 MPH. Wheel alignment checked and is fine. (?) So make sure you test on a highway before you commit. Radio sound Is just OK. Cup holders have retractable, square, kinda chinsy plastic pegs designed to firmly hold different width cups in place but rattled when I placed a paper coffee cup in it. Floor mats are kinda thin.

• 

  92 Accord - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Brent - October 22 - 3:58 pm

  I have been very happy with this car since I purchased it new. Outside of normal maintainence, no problems with it mechanically. Some of the interior pieces havent held up but overall very happy with the car.

• 

  To Be Decided - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JK - October 22 - 12:20 pm

  We took delivery of our 07 Odyssey only to be greeted by a dead battery the next day. The battery was found to be defective and the battery was replaced. The van is currently back at the dealership for replacement of the rear brake discs with 300 miles on the vehicle. THe service advisor defined this situation as "lot rot." I will presume that these are just issues that need to be worked out with delivery but so far this is the least reliable initial quality for any vegicle I have ever experienced. This is our first Honda but we have previously purchased new 3 Fords, 1 Saturn, 1 Chevrolet and 1 Saab and have never had any delivery issues like we have experienced with this vehicle.

• 

  I love this car!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ecurn0502 - October 22 - 2:48 am

  I love my CR-V. I did a great deal of research before buying this car and it paid off!! The CR-V drives very good and gets excellent gas mileage. Its roomy on the inside and is very comfortable. I actually find myself making excuses to go out just so I can drive. The XM radio is wonderful and the sound system is great. This SUV has pick up and go with a smooth ride to boot. I really love my CR-V.

• 

  simply awesome - 2003 Honda Accord
  By j_dub - October 21 - 11:10 pm

  This car is damn near perfect. Fast, Luxurious, reliable and efficient. The exterior styling is unique and appealing (a set of nice 18s really sets it off). The interior is ergonomic with very intuitive controls. The gearbox is very clean and precise, the clutch is silky smooth.

• 

  I love this car!! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By mgnabors - October 21 - 10:32 pm

  Bought this car to get around after postgraduate study abroad and looking for jobs. Great mileage (24 city/34 highway). Looks like new except for a few chips and dings. Have driven all over with no complaints or problems. Will definitely buy another Accord Coupe once the job situation improves. Lifetime Honda devotee!

• 

  Fun Car to Drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Happy owner - October 21 - 8:53 pm

  This car is a joy to drive. I have enjoyed the fact that it is quieter than previous Accords and gives a smoother ride. It has great pick-up and cruises extremely well on the open road.This has gotten excellent gas mileage. I get about 25 to 27 on all around driving and 31 to 34 on open road driving. The Navigation system has been helpful at times. However, it would be nice if it could yield routes other than the interstate. Seats are very comfortable- love the seat warmers. This car has been a pure pleasure to own and drive!

• 

  great value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeem - October 21 - 6:00 pm

  Great car, good on gas, needed struts after only 40000 mi. Had brake shake in the front and grinding in the rear. Three year/36000 warranty isnt very good.