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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  One word, AWESOME! - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Brian Tennis - March 1 - 2:32 am

  Not sure why Edmunds rates this car so low, could it be that that simply did not give something so unique and worthwile a chance? The amazing gas mileage aside, this is a VERY reliable and fun car to drive. My wife and I bought it brand new and have put over 75,000 miles on this vehicle and have had to do only minor repairs. Windshield wipers, oil changes and tires come to mind. This is a great car for us, however it may not be for everyone. You cannot have a lead foot or be an overly large human being with this car. Its small and its not going to do any burn-outs, but it just might make individuals think about their actual driving needs and not some imaginary status symbol. SUVs suck!

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  2006 HCH II - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 06 HCH II - March 1 - 2:13 am

  I drive about 160 miles/day - 5 days/week. I went from 18 mpg in my SUV to low/mid 40 mpg. Not the 50 mpg, but I do drive about 75% on the highway, where I am driving between 75 to 80 mph, so I am very satisfied with the fuel economy. It does drive like a regular car - Plenty of power to pass as well (Ive gotten up to 95 to pass trucks). A little disappointed with the fit on some interior pieces as well as cracking from the front passenger speaker but all that will get taken care of at my first oil change. I dont think at the current prices the Hybrid premium can be cost justified (especially compared to an LX or DX) but I got it at an even trade for my full size pickup (15 mpg).

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  The best car, EVER. - 1997 Honda Accord
  By juanHonda - February 28 - 7:27 pm

  We bought this car in Oct/2001 with 105,000 miles. The car has been prefect so far. The most reliable car we ever had. MINIMUM MAINTENANCE REQUIRED, if you like to stay away from the shops, this is the car for you. These are the only few repairs done to the car so far: CV axles and transmission fluid at 140,000 miles $400.00, front rotors and pads @ 150,000, $250.00,timing belt and serpentine belts replaced at 163,000, $300.00, 2 tune ups and regular synthetic oil changes, aprox, $300.00. Awesome thats $0.02 a mile!

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  Elements damage in accident - 2003 Honda Element
  By Alycen - February 28 - 7:10 pm

  My husband wanted it SO bad! I wanted the Ford Escape. Thank God he convinced me! In the icy snow, we totaled our 03 Element and it saved our lives! Unfortunately, the 20 mph impact into a mountainside and then into a tree did a lot of damage to the front end and rear suspension, but its a tough little truck with a lot of safety features people dont know about! Other then minor bruises from the seatbelts, we WALKED away happy customers and on our way to Honda to buy a 2005!

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  Too Many Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gwmmem - February 28 - 6:48 pm

  While this is an overall well built vehicle, it has had way too many problems for a 2 year old Honda with 20K miles. No major problems and everything has been covered under warranty, but too many days in the shop. The day we picked it up, the driver side pwr window switch malfunctioned. In the first month the front AC adapter ceased working. Recently, the battery and the front right strut/spring assembly had to be replaced. The front strut problem was initialy diagnosed as a brake problem causing an extra day in the shop. All this on top of 3 saftey recalls. This is my 5th Honda and Ive come to expect a more reliable vehicle from them.

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  Best Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By legalaliens - February 28 - 4:23 pm

  Looks great, drives great, what else can I say?

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ethan brown - February 28 - 3:40 pm

  Love this car, cannot beat the features, styling and fun for the money. Love the sound of the rev happy engine, cant seem to keep it below 4-5k rpms!

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  Great ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By GEORGE KOUREBES - February 28 - 3:16 pm

  I previously owed a 2005 CRV. I loved that SUV. The new model is even better in many ways. Other cars I test drove didnt compare.

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  Lowered SUV - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By OdySC - February 28 - 11:33 am

  I was finally able to convince my wife to upgrade our 03 4Runner with an 07 Sienna LE-8 Pkg 4 for the added convenience, space, and comfort. But before heading to the Toyota dealer, we thought to give the Pilot and Odyssey a final look. We ultimately left the Honda dealer a couple hours later in an Ody EX-L w/RES/NAV because of the trim levels standard features and equipment. Aside from the significant gap between actual fuel economy we have experienced over 2K of mixed city/hwy driving versus. EPA ratings, our other main issue is that access to the 3rd row requires folding, or completely removing, the PlusOne seat in the 2nd row when our girls carseats are installed on the outer seats.

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  bad news - 1990 Honda Civic
  By guy - February 28 - 3:08 am

  I bought this car 8 months ago for $1500, and it had 105,000 miles on it. Ever since then, it has broken down every 2 months. First it needed a new ignition coil. $350. Then a new axle. $350. Now the entire clutch assembly needs replacing, a new clutch pedal manifold, and it needs a new distributor (coming to about $2000). Also it has a gigantic hole in the muffler, which is very loud. clutch way too close to the floor, making it far from fun to drive. Loud motor all around, with mediocre-to-less than average pick-up. The driver seat has a big rip in it, exposing foam. Leaks a little oil. This car has been a nightmare. I guess its a lemon, based on the other reviews here being so good