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 Value For Ride, Price & Size - 2005 Honda Accord
  By B. Condon - July 1 - 9:36 pm

  Paid $ 17988.00 including destination end of 05 yr. THANK YOU Edmunds for posting the $750.00 roll back to dealer! Gas mileage is kicking in now. Nice drive around town -handles 75mph highway with no problem. Brakes are rated good for disc/drum set/up as well as turns. Road noise does not bother me. All and all this car is almost a #10 for its class.

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.3L - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 2006 Honda Civic Hyb - July 1 - 8:30 pm

  This performs well and has good interior & exterior styling & solid build quality. My wife had to have it and it has been an outstanding purchase. We purchased the 7 year 120,000 extended warranty for $1200 and probably wont need it. Excellent MPG and reliable. I have used Amsoil 0- 20 SYN oil and the mileage has been excellent. Fun to drive and will keep this one for a long time. 23000 miles with no problems.

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  Great features and driving - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kevin Davies - July 1 - 8:05 pm

  The truck has great visibility, features, handling, and comfort. It combines the feel of driving an SUV or crossover, with a bed. If I wanted a semi, Id buy one. So, the people that feel that its not a real truck - whatever, enjoy your 3 mpg and stepladder mounted to the side. You haul the same amount as I do in all likelihood... but yes, I might want something larger if I was towing a yacht or megacamper, or concrete, or something. Then, consider a megatruck.

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  Most Versatile Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nick - July 1 - 12:50 pm

  I love the Fit. It is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, is very stylish and is the most versatile vehicle in its class by far. Having the side curtain airbags standard is another added bonus. I have no major issues with this car and with Honda quality hope to drive it for 200k miles.

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  Love the lude - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By The Forsaken - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I always loved the styling of the 92-96 preludes, I dont care what edmunds says. I bought mine with about 88,000 miles on it. Over 100,000 now with no problems at all. A fast car with an insanely wicked stock growl. oh and its curb weight is 2,866lbs NOT 3,866 as stated in one of the other reviews. Its not a freakin Camaro for crying out loud.

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  Accord LX-E - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Wayne - June 30 - 4:40 pm

  Beautiful car, got one of the first cars at the dealer when they came out. Very happy with the car enjoy the ride and performance. I am having early wear on the brake, shimmy at 60 mph with 20K miles on the car. Possible design issue, dealer reviewing. Mileage is disappointing.

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  Great Commuter vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff in Illinois - June 30 - 3:33 pm

  I commute 120 miles a day in the Chicago area, and have driven everything (cars, small pick-ups, SUVs). I chose to buy an SUV to save gas, but got so much more. These 4 cyclinders have enough pick-up to rival my old Dodge 8 cylinder 4.7 litre, and without the guilt of burning 16 mpgs. In addition, I was rear-ended by someone doing over 45 mph in my new CRV(sad day). The body shop was amazed at how the rear end crumpled exactly how it was advertised. Because of this, there was no actual frame damage, and the cabin remained intact. I stayed intact as well, and am glad I was in such a safe car. When I am not commuting, I now feel much better knowing that my children will be safe in back!

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  Best choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By fujis - June 30 - 2:23 pm

  I did a lot of research on small size and mid size SUV before I bought the Honda Pilot EX. I test drove and compared all the competition ..., finally I chose Pilot EX. Among them, Pilot is the best of size, power, comfort, look and reliability. Fuel economy is good too, I got 21 MPG on first three tanks break-in period, in condition of 60/40% highway/city drive, A/C always on in Houston hot summer weather. The EX has much more feature than LX model for $1200 bucks.

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  PreludeSE - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By JohnL - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car... handling.. acceleration. integrity... well built.. Ill keep this car for a long time. nice leather interior also.

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  BUCK THE SUV/MINIVAN TREND!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By BananasRUS - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This is, by far, the best value vehicle on the market!! It is the most practical, economical, fun-to-drive vehicle built today and it turns heads wherever I go!! It not only gets good gas mileage and has tons of cargo room, but it has umpteen seating configurations and is easy on the wallet. Also, the quality of the workmanship, fit and finish, standard features make for an unbeatable deal for the price!!