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 Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRF - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I was less than impressed by the power of the previous version, but liked the quality and versatility. The new model is a whole level beyond the 2001 model and I feel has been underrated by the "editors" on the Edmunds site. The power is almost V6-like in most applications and the handling is very competent if not exciting. I fault the somewhat low fuel economy and road noise as less than excellent. The door rub guards actually serve a purpose. I found no problem with the cup holders as indicated in the editor review nor tire performance. Quality is first rate as is the "feel" of the vehicle. Solid, fun, and very capable.

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  First Honda - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bwarren - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Japanese vehicle. All others have been GM. So far we are pleased with our purchase decision. The versatility of the vehicle has been out standing. The list of positives is very long and mirrors most other post. The negative are a little petty. Takes a little while to get use to the shift lever position and with a full tank of gas, you can hear the fuel and air pocket bang around in the fuel tank. We are looking forward to the resale value in four years.

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  What a little wonder! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Vince - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! people said it was a bit slow...I dont think so! It easily keeps up with and passes traffic, and yes, on the freeway as well. Nice pull for what it is! slower than an S2000? sure, but definetly no slouch. Nice job Honda!

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  Love this car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By ksm1998 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I have driven and owned many cars and for the money, this car cannot be beat. Even below 6000 rpm the car is quick, but hit 6000 and you FLY. Drives like it is on rails and very comfortable (I am 61").

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  An Average Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By TKhan - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have an EX Model with 130,000 mile. It does not have good acceleration power. Lot of wind noise, and noisy engine. It has weak handling in curves on high speed. Repair costs are very high. Reliable but not very comfortable. I would rate it as an average car. One review mentioned that with a full tank it can cover 500 miles, mine just do 400 miles (highway) at around 26 miles/gal (My car is dealer maintened and regulary serviced) You can buy a newer American Car for the same price of a 1995 Accord.

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  Reliable? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BH - April 23 - 7:30 am

  I bought this car because of Hondas reputation of building a reliable car. Unfortunately, with less than 30K miles on the car, the engine malfunction light came on. I took it to the dealership to find out that all of the valve seals in both heads needed to be replaced. According to the dealership, this is the second vehicle (within a 2 week time span) that they have seen with this problem. From the sounds of it, these are not isolated incidents either. I would not recommend purchasing this vehicle.

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  If Mom is not happy, no one is - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By K Beal - April 23 - 2:37 am

  I owned a 2007 pilot, followed by a 2012 Odyssey, followed by last year we purchased a 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. I love Hondas and really only had one car in mind when it was time to trade in my vehicle. I have two small children so the entertainment system was definitely important. I also drive a lot for work so a clear, easy to use Bluetooth is also a priority. Honda features are great with no concerns. Now the Bluetooth. I have two iPhones 6 devices (one ATT and one Verizon). When I go to make a call, it has to make a voice connection and THEN you have to touch transfer on the screen to get it to switch to Bluetooth. So long for handsfree calling!! I took it to Honda and they said it was a Handsfree Bluetooth issue and that I should contact them. If you google it and look at their compatibility, it only is up to OS 8.3 (the current update was 10.2). It does not even mention an iPhone 7, so good luck if you have that. My second issue is the RES. If you have a child that can work the remote, they can handle it from the back seat. Otherwise, you are screwed and will have kids yelling at you that the movie wont start and it started over every time you got back in the car while running errands. (Once again, Honda says it is the new DVDs that just do not work). If the DVD goes to a start menu, it will not start automatically. Apparently, older DVDs may have an autoplay and those supposedly will work. Either way, there is no control over the movie from the front seat. After paying 48000 for a new Honda, it feels like a kick in the gut, when all of the older models are more sophisticated and operate better than the new 2016.

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  Excellent! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Lilian - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car: reliable, very pretty and the best quality for the money that you can get.

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  Great Ride - 1999 Honda Passport
  By drawsampson - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Passport for eight mos. and have had only one problem with it and that was the ABS controller which was under warrenty so it really was no problem at all. Durint the past Christmas we drove over 3000 miles and the only complaint I have is the lack of cargo. My wife and I really dig this car.

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  No regrets - 1995 Honda Accord
  By rodgerm - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Dependable and economical are an understatemet! Over 7 years and 135,000 miles, not once have I regreted buying this car. Its been used for local driving, coast to coast trips and towed behind a motorhome for about 35,000 miles and still tight and it runs, drives like the day I bought it new. The only times its been in the shop is for routine Honda maintenance items. Parts replaced to date are: tires, battery (last year) wiper blades and one warped brake rotor (under warranty). I plan to keep it for a long time yet. When its replaced, it will most likely be with another Honda product.