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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  Headrest from hell! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tj99 - June 22 - 10:29 pm

  Ive had this card for just over two years. So far, the car has been fine mechanically. Had to fix a noise coming from the console, that took a while to resolve. But the absolute biggest complaint I have is the headrest. It pushes your head forward. During a recent vacation, I developed an aggravating pain in my neck and upper shoulders because of the way this headrest is designed. I was told it was required by law to prevent whip lash. Well, how about the problem it causes someone during everyday driving? I have this car on lease, and because of this, I will lease or buy another vehicle that has a headrest that pushes my head forward.

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  Great buy - 2007 Honda Accord
  By sgrossm1 - June 22 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my car in Summer of 2010. It was a used car with just over 28,000 miles on it. The very next day I took the car on a five week cross-country road trip. I was impressed with how zippy the car is and how comfortable it is on the highway. Road noise can be loud, but around town or with the radio on it is a very quiet place to be. With the car fully loaded (trunk and back seat) and with A/C on low, I was able to get 32 mpg the entire trip (using cruise control). I have also been able to get 35+ mpg on other non-loaded trips with cruise control. The car is cheap to run and with the stick can be a hoot in 2 or 3 gear. Very practical car. I recommend it highly.

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  air conditioning problems? - 2011 Honda Fit
  By jerdude73 - June 21 - 1:08 pm

  is it me or is mine the only one that the air conditioner compressor goes on and off while the a/c is on. you notice a huge difference in the temperature. the dealer said that this is normal after checking out my car. they tried getting the moisture out of the unit but it still does this. is this normal? and gas mileage is actually running about 28mpg combined. not as good as i expected

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  33 month check-in - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite888 - June 20 - 1:18 pm

  I have approximately 31,000 miles on the car. The car has not given me any problems other than a loud squeak when coming to a full stop. I took this into the dealer and I think there was a TSB or something else on it...had to do with the exhaust or something. Other than this, i am satisfied with the ride. Fuel economy is around 25 highway going 70+ mph, around 18-19 in stop and go city.

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  really love my 2011 pilot LX - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By barleybrewer55 - June 20 - 1:15 pm

  Very pleased with my 2011 pilot LX. I traded in my 2004 Honda Element for the new pilot. The element seated 4 people the pilot 8 people. The element had a 4 banger that got 25 mpg, the pilot has a 250 hp v-6, is getting 24 mpg on long trips. The pilot is smooth, tracks well, and spacious. The pilot tows my 3000 pound boat well. I like everything about the purchase. Sticker was 31,000, paid 27,000.

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  I love my CR-V so far! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By britbug - June 17 - 5:29 pm

  I bought my CR-V just 5 months ago, so I will not address longevity. It had 22,000 miles, now it has 28,000. I have experienced no mechanical problems. I now drive on average 70 miles a day, and the drivers seat is fine for a long drive. I have a 75lb dog who can sit, stand, walk, lay down, look out the window, and stretch in the back with the seats folded up. All of that space and I still get 25-27 mpg with only a third of my driving being on the highway. Ive had no complaints from passengers in a full car on comfort. The value of this vehicle is unbelievable, I wish I had bought it as my first car rather than my second, I love it!

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  Not as great as I had hoped - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By slosoosie - June 16 - 10:27 pm

  I have had my CRV nearly a year. I am disappointed with the gas mileage and the lack of acceleration (mushy). I read the other Edmunds reviews and dont see really any other complaints on this - but I dont think that its right. I mentioned to dealer and they couldnt find a problem. Anyway. I like this vehicle. My other Honda is a 91 Accord coupe and frankly I think the 91 is better made and certainly gets better milage with 180 K on it. When I bought the CRV I thought it would last too, but I am not so sure. It is pretty but it just doesnt perform as expected on the highway. Maybe I will trade in for a different model.

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  Uses Oil - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondasucks4 - June 16 - 5:14 pm

  I bought a V6 Accord about a year ago. After a couple oil changes notice car was low of oil after only 5000 miles. Long story short car uses 1 qrt every 1500 miles and honda is doing nothin. Please google Accord oil consumtion before you buy. This is a very bad problem that Honda will not fix for me are many other accord owners. It anyone has questions email me [violative content deleted].

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  Better than expected - 2011 Honda Accord
  By rich_c4 - June 16 - 4:42 pm

  I have driven this car nearly 7k miles so far and it has been great! very stable on the highway and easy to get around town. Long road trips are easy and the interior is just the right amount of form and funtion.

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  3rd Review: Life is Good after 14K miles - 2010 Honda Accord
  By shaymasdaddy06 - June 16 - 3:06 pm

  This is car is rock solid fun. Aside for a rattle that was fixed right after delivery, it has been a blast to drive. My kids are 10 and 6 and still have no issues being in the back seat. I had a chance to compare it against my fathers 2011 CTS Coupe AWD and it is a worth competitor. The CTS has a smoother ride but have great handling. The Accord Coupe wins the seat comfort contest...CTS Coupe seats are hard and not very comfortable (the kids echoed the same for the back seat). For looks, the CTS gets the nod, but the Accord Coupe still looks good. For everyday, the Accord Coupe is the better buy if you can deal with a slightly rougher ride. Thanks Honda for this good lookin coupe!!