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:

• 

  Best of the Best - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By apexshot - January 13 - 2:53 pm

  Our second one because a life time warrenty offered by our Dealership that makes it a no brainer. Last one had 66,000 miles a 2008 and the 2012 has 40 miles on it. Being retired and saving it it will last a long time. If our weekend is towing our race car or the boat what a dependable ride. The only problem we had was a cracked oil pan not done by us, it was a defect in metal. When I went in to pick it up they had another Ridgeline with the same problem. So owners check or have it checked.

• 

  Great mileage - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By foole - January 12 - 10:47 pm

  Got mine from Honda of Ocala. They wanted $35000 for a LX. Going elsewhere next time. Thats the Honda location that Edmunds shows available models for on the sidebar automatically. Just finished a trip with my LX and I got 32 mpg using cruise control and econ where as my wife got 35 mpg with econ and without cruise control. Go figure. Its nice being higher up than a sedan. Comfortable trip. 13 hours each way.

• 

  Money pit - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ttemp - January 12 - 6:29 pm

  I got the car 3 years ago with 115K on the odometer. Instantly invested 2000$ and replaced almost all suspension, motor mounts, power steering pump, timing belt, water pump. At 120K the transmission suddenly died. I replaced it. Now car has 180K. Water pump replaced, wheel studs replaced on 3 wheels. Having electric problems now. This car has good MPG, but requires constant repair.

• 

  Im a Honda Convert - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By rudismom523 - January 12 - 11:15 am

  After listening to my mechanic husband constantly moan and complain abt working on my Jeep Grand Cherokee and seeing both my kids drive their used Hondas for well over 100,000 miles with little or no problems, I gave in and bought the Honda CRV. I have to admit..I love it !!! I test drove many other vehicles in the same class and no one comes close to Honda for standard options, reliability and price for what you get. I got mine in the Urban Titanium Metallic and black leather interior and it is VERY sharp looking. I get many compliments on the color. The thing I appreciate the most is the handling, very tight steering, the ride is smooth, big open windshield, gas mileage is great !!

• 

  Very Please With My Honda Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By joyloveshonda - January 12 - 10:25 am

  My car just hit 81,000 miles no problems I drive her daily and my teen drives her also. Only maintenance have needed to do is oil changes and air filters. The gas mileage is excellent. Tires replaced every 2 years. Never have had an issue. She handles great, takes corners tight.Very pleased no complaints I have owned 9 different types of cars before purchasing my Honda I will never buy another brand of car again. For a car in this purchase price area your not going to receive all the bells and whistles. For the money I do believe it is the best car in its class. Yes the a/c tweaks with the speed The inside cabin does have noise You can feel anything you run over The radio is not the best

• 

  Lots of Room for a 2-Seater! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By heatherfeath - January 11 - 10:53 am

  First off, I love my CRZ. We were on a waiting list to get one when they first came out. Test drove it, and it was instant love. Having had the car for about two years now, we still love it. Part of me wishes they would come out with a 4 seater version, but then I guess it would loose some of its appeal? There is a WHOLE lot of room in this tiny car. I kid you not, we bought a queen sized bed frame, mattress, etc (From Ikea of course -.-) and we fit it in the car?! Amazing. It also fits multiple full sized bikes, without taking off the wheels. I dont recommend it.. you might mark your interior plastics.. Its really fun to drive and great on gas. We easily average about 40mpg

• 

  Dependable Friend in the Garage - 2002 Honda Civic
  By herman_wiegman - January 9 - 9:18 pm

  The Honda Civic is one of the best expressions of the economy sedan. The basic concept of offering as much room as possible to the passengers, while also providing fuel economy and nimbleness is well served by the Honda Civic.

• 

  Cheap Air Conditioner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By anthonysch - January 9 - 4:49 pm

  I bought my Pilot in 04 and it has been mechanically reliable and comfortable with the exception of the AC. After 45k the compressor went out and I was quoted 1500 dollars for the repair. I also had another Honda with the same problem. The dealership was willing to give me a small break on the repair, no doubt because they are fully aware of the problem. I have 200k on my Camry and the air works great. Honda, please upgrade your cheap ACs.

• 

  Pretty pleased except for .... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By peter_peter - January 9 - 2:00 pm

  I am very pleased with this car, except for as many consumers have already posted is the tire wear and the road noise. I do experience some transmission shaking when I am driving from a complete stop. This happens right around 15-22 mph. But if you step on the gas it isnt noticeable. The MPG is great, I drive rather mello to max out my MPGs and I am getting low 30s consistently (30-34). The sun visor seems to break right at the hinge (2x), but over all this car has been good to me.

• 

  Excellent vehicle, 195k and still going stong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By greenewpm3 - January 7 - 7:44 am

  Since we bought our Odyssey in 1999, its done nothing but impress. We test drove all the Odysseys competitors, ranging from the Toyota Sienna to the Ford Windstar, and none could touch the Honda when it came to build quality and driving dynamics. The engine is wonderful, with plenty of power and low-end grunt. Transmission problems aside (See "Improvements") weve had to make only ONE unexpected repair, a single $40 coil pack, in the 195k miles weve driven! And we havent exactly babied our Odyssey either... For 5 summers in a row we towed our 3000lb boat back and forth through the Adirondack mountains, and the van never flinched!