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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  FROM EXPERIENCE - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Z3R0 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICILE HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD ONE. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, AND THIS IS THE BEST ALL ROUND BUY I HAVE EVER MADE. I THINK THIS CAR IS THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK.

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  very pleased - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Santiago Ilizaliturri - February 26 - 5:59 pm

  Great family vehicle. Perfect car to buy if your looking for fuel economy, family suv ( I have a 5 month old baby), cargo space, comfort and fun to drive experience. No complaints here. Edmunds helped me so much with the shopping experience. If youre looking for a cross over suv the CR-V is the best out there. I never owned one before, but I shopped around and this one won me over.

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  Enjoying my new CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By KCD - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  I finally traded in my 2005 CRV for a 2016 SE AWD model. Overall, I am very satisfied with having decided to by another CRV. The ride is much more smooth and quiet. It feels like it handles much better. The interior is a step up in quality and feels more roomy. Its getting better gas mileage by about 4 mpg. And I finally have blue tooth and a backup camera. I chose the SE model because I wanted the larger, nicer looking wheels. Although the EX has some very nice features, I didnt feel like they were critical for me. While, I couldnt be happier with my choice, there are a few points about the vehicle that I am a little disappointed with. First of all, there seems to be less visibility behind me when I am backing up than I had in my 2005 CRV. I know there is a backup camera, but its new to me and still hard to judge what it picks up and where it has blind spots. There is less window area in the back, and I am still trying to get used to the driver side mirror that is split. Secondly, there is less room to stash my stuff up front. Theres a center console with two drink holders, some shallow storage spaces, and a covered deeper storage space that doubles as an armrest. My old CRV had a fold-down tray in place of the console and gave me plenty of room for my purse, other bags or books I might be carrying, etc. The acceleration can be a little sluggish when I want to get out of a tight spot, but that has been typical with all of the Hondas that I have owned.

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  Great Vehilce - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jason Parker - February 26 - 1:43 pm

  Love the Car!!!!!!!!!!! It has great acceleration and is very fun to drive. This car will easly last you ten years. It is a great family car.

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  Crappy Little Car - 2000 Honda Passport
  By RVT40 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Dont waste your money on this car. It rattles and squeeks constantly. It feels like it has no shocks or suspension on any kind on bumpy roads. It doesnt "feel"safe at all.

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  225,000 miles & tearing up the highway - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Lumberjack98 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I run my cars hard with no mercy and this car is awesome like all the Hondas Ive owned! 225,000 miles and still tickin. Itll still cruise at 80 mph for hours without worry.

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  Lack of power - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Max Shao - February 26 - 2:00 am

  You feel least power driving a CIVIC comparing with other similar size cars with similar horse power, for example, TOYOTA Corolla, Saturn, GEO prizm. Slow in acceleration could be dangerous e.g., when you try to change lane. Fuel economy is not as good as you may expect for a low power engine. 22-26 mile/gallon with combination of local and freeway driving.

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  Honda S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Ray07 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car, rides a little rough because of the suspension. Fun to drive and quick

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  The Bigger Honda Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Terri - February 25 - 11:30 am

  I upgraded from a 1999 V6 Accord. The bigger body style does not fit my frame. The window starts too high for you to rest your arm, there is little room for your fingers when you adjust the rear view mirror, console too far right, seat not all that comfortable, too long of a reach to the steering wheel (my shoulders get tired when driving long distances). The sporty feel of driving the car is gone. It handles great, performs great but the inside now feels like a grandpa car. I didnt test drive it enough to notice it at first. I miss the feel of the old car. Bummer. And, they limit how loud the stereo will go! That amazed me.

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  Honda Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By nbk89k7 - February 25 - 10:46 am

  This Honda truck is smooth, quiet, has lots of power and the interior is roomy & comfortable. Rides like a car, turns on a dime - I miss the keypad entry system my Ford had, but the Honda is worth every penny! It is fun & sporty, the sound system is awesome (inlcudes XM radio), & the navigation system comes in handy. It seems to have the typical Honda quality and construction.