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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  Ripped off from Honda Dealer - 2008 Honda Element
  By bproctor - January 3 - 11:11 pm

  Im sorry to say that I didnt do my homework with this car! So, shame on me. However, I was told by the Honda Service Dept that all Honda Heaters dont and wont shoot heat down on to your feet when you point the heater control to feet and defroster! Also, the brakes stick and that seems to be the norm! Anybody else have these issues! Thank you. Major blind spot because of the doors! I would love to return the car!

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  Mileage Drop After Tire Change - 2008 Honda Civic
  By pamski - January 3 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Civic. Now at 37,000 miles I had the tires replaced. Im sure these were not the original tires, but I bought it from a dealer that does that sort of thing. Anyway, the day the tires were replaced my mileage went from 40 on the Hwy to barely 30 on the Hwy. Why is this? Not cheap tires, and they were to proper size according to the Civic Manual. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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  Love this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By metakizerman - January 2 - 11:20 pm

  Love my accord. some people that leave reviews have no idea what they are talking about. They complain about the seat not comfy, well if you weigh 300+ lbs then no seat is comfy. I am 170 and the seats hug me sooo nice. I feel like Im in sports car. This thing is safe, reliable, family and fun to drive.

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  read the long term reliability reviews!! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - January 2 - 4:10 pm

  Dont make the same mistake I did and read the long term reliability consumer reports. The car is GREAT for the first few months (2-3k) and then problems start... I can only speak for my dealer (Sam Swope Honda World) which treated me like I was crazy for reporting a shimmy wheel issue and they werent able to resolve the problem but if you read the Edmunds online forums youll see many similar issues with Accords. I wish Id read all these before deciding to purchase this car.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jrachels - January 2 - 12:11 pm

  We had this car 5 years no - bought it new. No major issues, but the battery sucks. I had to replace it after a year. Also, It will drain if the light are left on for a few hours. Which the fact that the lights will even stay on when the car is off and locked boogles my mind. Esp for a car built to hold small kids. Bumper is really just for looks as its plastic attached to plastic by plastic. When the passenger window is down, and the driver up, there is an annoying and distracting whomp, whomp, whomp sound. Also, in general a lot of road noise. It served a function when the kids were very small, but I am counting down the days to when I can replace it.

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  Excellent Value For the Money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mrevan63 - December 31 - 8:38 pm

  I researched this vehicle quite a bit before buying, honestly not my favorite looking SUV, but when comparing to its competion, it is lower priced than the Toyota RAV-4. The write up by Edmunds in regards to highway performance, or the lack of, is false! If your comparing it to something with a V-8, then yes, it does not pass a car as well. But its not using a V-8! Ive driven many V-8s, and V-6s, this little SUV gets along great! Im getting 24 mpg combined, and 28-30 highway.

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  Delighted Honda Owner! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By luckyresorts - December 30 - 7:32 pm

  I bought this dream machine 2 days ago and am in love with it! The VP has a numerous amount of features. I paid $15K with only 15,000 super low miles! Driving this car is like being on a cloud. The handling is very good, no road noise, which some owners said is common in this year Accord. When I drove it the first night on my way home, the suspension seemed a bit firm and rough, then a day or so later felt much more soft and comfortable. Im disappointed the car has no VP logo on the trunk. Very strange. Plenty of power and very smooth shifting. The ride is so quiet, its unbelievable. Im so happy with my car and recommended it to anyone looking to find forever reliability!!!

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  Good reliable commuting car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By truthful4 - December 29 - 9:49 pm

  I bought this car new and have driven it 1900 miles . The gas mileage is great! I have got up to 42 mpg on a good hwy. The average mpg in and out of town is 32. The car has an excellent audio system.The drive is comfortable for a small car. The noise level is not much different than any other small economical car . I am impressed with the fold down back seats for storage. I miss the middle arm console between the two front seats. I also noticed the cars acceleration is somewhat sluggish and loud going up hills and inclines. I miss an outside temp. gauge and would like to see an a.c. outlet added . Word of warning ..Four large adults is pushing it. So far a good little car

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  My Honda saved my life!! Thank you Honda! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By mbw5 - December 29 - 9:08 pm

  I was in a horrible accident last night - an ambulance slammed into me while I was sitting at an exit ramp from the highway. I must have been hit about 70 miles an hour and there was nowhere for me to go. My CRV is totaled and my face hit something -- Im guessing the steering wheel -- and I broke my nose. And that was it. I went to see the car at the impound lot today and I truly believe Honda saved my life. The car accordioned in everywhere but stopped before any damage could occur to the back row of seats or the front row of seats. The seating area is completely intact!! I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this cars safety.

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  Just bought - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ajmorin - December 29 - 12:25 pm

  Just bought this car. Found it fun to drive, comfortable (I am 5 9" x 210lbs). Gave it a 3 on reliability because not experienced. Read some things about funky dash design. Spoke with a friend that said it took 2-3 days to get comfort with it. Took me 1 day. Not a distraction .. rather an advantage by placing it in sight. Found you do not tend to leave directionals on as you can see as you drive w/o looking for them. Bought at local Silko Honda, Raynham, MA dealership (last place I thought of shopping for a car at) with the ONLY Lifetime Powertrain Warranty for the purchaser. This vehicle was also certified.