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 - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Marty D. - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I totally loved my car, enjoyed it for over 13 years. The car currently has over 222K transmission is starting to give up.. otherwise, the car never gave me any problems. It was totally reliable, I Maintained it properly. I will miss my car terribly. I have a new car, and was still using my Honda Civic DX Sedan because it was my favorite.

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  Looking to buy another Odyssey next time - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By CHEM MAN - February 28 - 2:00 am

  We have been extremely happy with our Odyssey purchase. We never considered ourselves to be minivan people but the Odyssey just may have changed that. The DVD navigation system is addictive. It has plenty of power in town and out on the highway. It is the most reliable vehicle we have ever owned. This has to be the best minivan on the market.

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  Love It! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mikey Si - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Im lovin my Si! I got her Sept 02 and its been great since. Only thing that was a bit sucky is that I had a bad accident with it about a month after getting it >.< trying to avoid a deer, lost control and hit a guardrail head on! Luckily didnt hit it hard enough to deploy the airbags, but still, a lot of bodywork later, and she looks great!

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  2002 Honda CR-V Satisfaction - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mbhun - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle new, customized to our specs. Vehicle has performed great. Recommend highly.

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  What a cool car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wei xia - February 28 - 2:00 am

  A very solid SUV and supprisingly roomy.

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  SOLD ON HONDA - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Born2crooz - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Traded in our 1999 Subaru Outback Ltd. Wagon. LOVED the Subaru but needed more seating. Test drove Explorer, Mountaineer, Durango and Montero. NO comparison with the ride and resale value. Saved $$$ over the others and got a superior vehicle.

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  Pilot 03 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CharlesAJenkins - February 28 - 2:00 am

  rides very smoothly, almost like a sedan. quite comfortable. still trying to figue out the radio controls.

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  I wouldnt take my decision back - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jillcb14 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I couldnt decide between the Honda, the Corolla, a Saturn, or a VW, but this was the best value and I love it.

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  FROM EXPERIENCE - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Z3R0 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICILE HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD ONE. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, AND THIS IS THE BEST ALL ROUND BUY I HAVE EVER MADE. I THINK THIS CAR IS THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK.

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  very pleased - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Santiago Ilizaliturri - February 26 - 5:59 pm

  Great family vehicle. Perfect car to buy if your looking for fuel economy, family suv ( I have a 5 month old baby), cargo space, comfort and fun to drive experience. No complaints here. Edmunds helped me so much with the shopping experience. If youre looking for a cross over suv the CR-V is the best out there. I never owned one before, but I shopped around and this one won me over.