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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  Disappointment - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By beube - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This auto is a disappointment in view of the repair bills on a low mileage auto. It is not solid and has a noisy effect on the road. The gas cap sensitivity with "check engine" lights is infuriating. I will switch to another and better quality vehicle at the next trade. I have owned this car for 4.5 years purchased from dealer.

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  disappointed - 1999 Honda Accord
  By aposak - August 12 - 2:00 am

  A previous Accord owner, I am highly disappointed by this car. The interior is thoughtfully laid out and very nice. The styling is alright. The performance does not meet my expectations at all. I expected better than 20 mpg (my previous 4-cyl Accord averaged 31). The transmission is terrible! Previous owner had it replaced, but still doesnt shift well at all. This is my first Honda automatic, and my last for sure. Ill either go with a manual 4- cyl or look at a different brand.

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  more than numbers - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By qbrozen - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its too bad the Edmunds ratings scale doesnt ask how Id rate the value of the vehicle because it would certainly be a 10. Asking if a "utility" vehicle is fun to drive is just plain silly, so Im forced to give it a 7, which drags down the average score. So one just needs to look past the numbers to see how this vehicle stacks up against the competition. If you want 3 rows of seats, AWD, power to spare, and 20 mpg, all for less than $30K, theres nothing better than this one.

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  Car feels great - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Owner - August 11 - 8:10 pm

  Everything you need, nothing you dont, and for a very good price for the list of safety features, including lots of air bags, vehicle stability assist. Excellent interior space and utility. The 4 cylinder feels just adequate for the size of vehicle while maintaining good gas mileage. 5 speed transmission that is very smooth.

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  Love this car - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Cathy Terrill - August 11 - 8:11 am

  Great car big enough to carry my dogs in and very comfortable. I got a V6 and love the power.

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  Great Car!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Steve - August 11 - 6:36 am

  Great Car!! We drove our Hybrid from Texas to Vancouver Canada and Back. We averaged 40 mpg. The milage thing is a little tricky, At times I could have the cruise control on 79 mph at around 3200 rpms and would get around 50 mpg. I had fun playing with the average and actually got it up to 70 mpg for a brief amount of time. From Arlington Washington to Eugene Oregon we got 47 mpg. It all depends on the terrain you are driving on. I think the rain or humidity may affect mileage as well. The car has plenty of passing power but struggled a little in the mountains. Great for big city commuting, comfortable for long trips.

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  Really Enjoy my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By NotASoccerMom - August 11 - 3:56 am

  I had a 97 CR-V and really like the changes they have made to the 07 (except loosing the picnic table). I drive 120 miles a day to work. I traded in my Civic Hybrid and was concerned about loosing the mileage. I am getting 29 on the highway and 26 in the city, I do expect this to improve. I have lost some mileage but love the extra space. It is so much easier getting my daughter in and out of the car and feel safer with a little bit larger car. I feel like the extra safety features the car provides. It drives great and is very comfortable. I would recommend to a friend.

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  My Dream Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Ecks - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Honda and I love it, I have wanted an Accord for a while now and everything I was hoping it would be it is. The only complants are the rough shift from 1st to 2nd, slow power windows, and the seams on my leather seats are coming apart, but I suspect it was the previous owners lack of leather conditioning and care.

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  Best sportscar for the price - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jinx007 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Its quick,a gas saver,and fun to drive. I traded my nissan maxima for a smaller car.I found my car after months of research.I love the attention it gets at stop lights and other places and I havent even added the mods yets.

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  Damn good car for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By David - August 10 - 6:32 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car. Smooth to drive, good in all weather, and just keeps on going. I have experienced a little oil burn issue and do need to change the oil every 4,000 miles. However, other than that I have only had to do regular maintenance. I drive a lot of miles every year and will most likely buy another accord. The only other issue is that at 64", sliding in and out at age 60 might become a problem for me. Love this car, and looking forward to the new Tech upgrades a new car will bring.