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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  Good Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  Truck has been everything I expected and more. Is great in the sand on the beach and was very good in the snow. Trunk is awesome - hold lots of stuff.

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  2007 Honda LX 4dr auto - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jmewb - October 4 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Civic LX 4dr in June of 06. It now has 6000 miles. This vehicle suffers from front wheel spin, a bumpy ride (considering its lack of performance) but gets really good gas mileage. I get between 25-26 mpg in the city and 35-26 hwy. The seats are more comfortable over time. Great paint job. Overall, a good buy & much better for the environment than the Mazda3.

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  2004 Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mdmeyer - October 4 - 3:46 pm

  Dealer claims there is not much mark up in price. Dealer will offer more for trade to off-set price. Also adding fog lights, side steps, and tent package after haggling.

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  Best One Yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fred - October 4 - 12:43 pm

  I only had this car a few days and I am very impressed. This car is the best buy for the money. The Civic handles great and quickly responds when called upon. The interior is comfortable and spacous with lots of trunk space as well. i will never buy anything else but Honda products. Im sold.

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  VIBRATION ON IDLE - 2016 HONDA CR-V! :-( - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By CeeCee - October 4 - 10:48 am

  2016 Honda CR-V Vibration Issue - More than two months ago, I started to notice a slight vibration under my drivers seat when at idle, e.g. sitting at a traffic light. Shortly thereafter, I received a notice from AHMC regarding a software update that needed to be done ASAP on my vehicle. The notice mentioned that, "the software in the PCM causes a low pressure problem in the CVT. This may allow the belt in the CVT to slip. If the belt slips, you may see a surge in RPM when driving at highway speeds. If the belt slips the transmission will be damaged and DTC P1890 (the CVT speed control system) will set." The software update was completed about a month ago and since then, I have experienced a more pronounced vibration under my drivers seat and even into the front passenger seat. The intensity of the vibration varies, but it has not gone away. Now that I have hit the 5K mile mark and had my first service done, I am afraid that the older the transmission gets, the worse this problem might become. The service advisor told me that the software update had nothing to do with the vibration issue, but I am not convinced. Before buying this vehicle, my research indicated that many customers with the 2015 model started to report the vibration issue right around this time (5K miles + or around the first scheduled service) and for most, the problem became worse. I am convinced that these issues are related to the new CVT transmission that was put in the 2015 and 2016 models. I have always been loyal to the Honda brand and I really like my vehicle, but I am starting to regret my purchase!!! :-(

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  Luv R Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tarnett - October 4 - 6:50 am

  This car is one of the best compromises between performance and practicality that exists today. I am getting 27 mpg during break in. Quiet as a lamb when driven normally but roars like a lion when you drive it with performance in mind. Excellent ergonomics, a shifter right out of a race car and the best driving position I can remember in any car Ive owned. Buy one, youll love it too.

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  RIP OFF - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Mary - October 4 - 1:56 am

  My brand new hybrid is not delivering the mileage it promised. Im going through gas like crazy.

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  Some finer points - 2006 Honda Civic
  By krasniak - October 4 - 12:03 am

  Another great pocket rocket! Great balance of driving fun and practicality. Now a few finer points: The Si isnt a very good freeway driver as the suspension is much stiffer than the regular model and you feel the chinks in the concrete - this wears on the driver after ~30min. Short trips are great esp when turns are involved. Light weight makes handling great. The car isnt as "small" as you may think with room for 4 and a big trunk, but you really notice its height when washing it. Steering is tight/precise but one problem with the leather wrapped wheel is the back spoke covers dont fit right on Si models causing a sharp edge to catch fingers w/ enthusiastic driving or just parking it!

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  Great Looking Coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Joe Church - October 3 - 9:47 am

  I was set on leasing a Mazda 6. But one evening I checked out the 2016 Acord Coupe on Edmonds.com. I liked what I saw and what I read. I used the Edmunds online price quoting assistance. The next day, DHC Honda, in Mission Valley made things easy so I left their dealership in a 2016 Black Acord EX-L coupe with the Edmunds no haggel price guarantee. Great car for the money.

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  What a great little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jennifer - October 3 - 4:46 am

  My new civic is the most fun Ive ever had on four wheels! It gets fantastic gas mileage (mid 30s in town and 40 on the highway). I have had it in several inches of Pennsylvania snow and it handles very well, but thats because I replaced the factory tires right away. The seats are comfortable and can easily accomodate my brother who is over 6 tall. Its also loaded with safety features... check out the crash test ratings! Great value for the money, take it out for a test drive!!!