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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  LOTS OF ROOM - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ROCHELLE BABERS - December 18 - 3:40 am

  I purchased my Honda from Tustin DCH Acura. I have had my vehicle for one month but only had the pleasure of driving it for two and a half weeks because this dealership had my vehicle for over 10 days after purchasing it for repairs. They are not very good at returning calls and still arent. They are very nice people but they dont return calls especially after you purchase. When I was trying to purchase the truck they return every call but after I gave them my $19,500 cashiers check I cant get them to return my calls without going through management. I will update my review if I can after driving for a while to tell if gas mileage is good and other things about the vehicle. EDMUNDS IS AWESOME, VERY HELPFUL AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. THANK YOU SYDNEY WIGGLESWORTH AND LARRY PATTERSON. YOU TWO WERE VERY HELFUL, NICE, POLITE, AND RETUENED MY CALLS/EMAILS. I WILL USE EDMUNDS AGAIN. AND HAVE TOLD MANY ABOUT YOU. THANK YOU. R. BABERS

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  2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger in PA - December 17 - 7:45 am

  Replaced a 7-year-old Sienna (118K miles). Very happy with the Odyssey so far (6 weeks). Roomy, comfortable, good ergonomics. Passed up DVD and Navi due to out-of-line pricing--given how these have plummeted in price as aftermarket add-ons.

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  Above Average - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ronnie - December 16 - 2:10 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic LX 4 door sedan (5 speed manual). Overall, it appears to be a great car. It seems to be a notch or so down from my first Civic (1993 bought new). I traded in my 2003 4 door Tacoma P/U due to a wreck and rising fuel costs so I have had a bit of an adjustment. Fit-and-finish is good as typical from Honda. For the price I paid minus my trade in, it was a good trade off.

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  V6 Fun! Ok Mileage, Crappy Bluetooth Support - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Li.F - December 16 - 12:03 pm

  Bought a pre-owned 2014 Honda Accord V6 EX-L last week. The good part: The car looks very stylish with LED elements, and the exterior design is timeless and future proof. The V6 acceleration is a lot of fun in a family sedan. Hwy MPG is quite impressive for a v6 at above 30mpg. The perforated leather seats are comfortable and the passenger space is very roomy. There is a lot of soft touch materials used at the right place. The active noise canceling works well for when engine speed is between 1000-3000rpm. | Now onto the quirks: Compared to 8th Gen honda accord which I owned, the storage area on the center console (below AC control), as well as under the arm rest has reduced significantly. The bluetooth works half the time, and when it stops working, you have to turn the car off to restore the BT functionality (it would not take calls or play music after it freezes). Gas mileage in city is always less than 20mpg. The automatic transmission also feels kinda jerky when accelerator is fully pressed. The power doesnt fully kick-in till 2-3 seconds later (after a couple jerks from down-shifting). Overall, I think its a very fun family sedan to drive around with, but I just wish it can be refined better and iron out those software quirks.

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  High price- Medium Value - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By qk2mile - December 16 - 11:10 am

  You would think that the flagship minivan would have higher value. I bought this Honda because the critics said it was the best value and all that other jazz. So far too many problems. Brakes squeal when stopping from high speeds and now most recent my front tires are nearly bald to the wear bars. Honda and the tire dealer are offering no assistance. They want me to fork out more money. Also had the A/C replaced after "road debris" cracked my condenser. Highly recommend investing in a BRA that covers the front air dam with mesh or something else. 75% satisfied with the vehicle. After all it is a Honda and is very comfortable and semi good value.

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  Honda Odyssey, not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David Elliot - December 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good mini, my third mini van after Chrysler and Ford. The inside is great, especially I love folding in the third seat to the floor. The gas mileage is fair, with a very small gas tank. Ride and handling are good. air conditioning is good. Very quiet inside. When applying brakes sometimes there is a very annoying click, dealer said was standard. Desperately want a hybrid mini van, will corner the market. The best mini vans by far are Honda, and the brand new Toyota and Nissan, but far too few and prices are too high. Make a hybrid mini van in huge quantities and corner the market.

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  I got stuck with a dawg! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nollaig - December 15 - 12:13 am

  This is a sad story! My heart is broken. Having just turned 50 without the resources to buy an Aston Martin, I traded in my Â’02 Civic Sedan for a Â’06 Coupe LX. It was love at first sight but destined for disaster. Within 2 weeks the airbag sensor failed. They fixed it. About the same time I started to experience a vibration from the front end. They diagnosed this as a torque converter problem that currently has no fix. And thereÂ’s more! The car is currently in the shop undergoing major surgery to repair an oil leak. All of this with less than 7000 miles. Apart from all that, this is a really fun car to drive and I only wish that HondaÂ’s customer support were a little more responsive.

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  Should have cross-shopped the RAV4 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Peter L - December 14 - 10:53 am

  I was in love with the previous CR-V, but waited for this one. The ride is very comfortable and handling is decent. The armrest for the front seats are poorly designed. They are fixed and should be adjustable for people who like the seat more reclined. Vanity mirrors are not illuminated even though there are plastic cutouts where they should be. Storage openings are poorly designed, none are covered besides the glove box and center console. Things fly out very easily. Nothing is standard, no roof rack, no fog lights, no running boards, not even a cargo net, and this is the top of the line EX-L with nav. Plan to drop an extra grand for those. I should have test drove a RAV-4

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  Good vehicle with some issues - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Phil - December 12 - 11:37 pm

  Drives well but sometimes your head bounces on the headrest. Interior layout is well thought out. Check gas cap light came on once but I could not find anything wrong. Glob of sealant on rear door rubbed the finish off the hinge. Averaging 24.5 mpg.

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  Decent Value - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By SevenBizzos - December 12 - 11:37 am

  I may have overpaid a bit for a mint, garage kept Si, but I definitely feel it was worth it. Even with the mileage in the 150k range, the maintenance for me has been minimal. For my daily vehicle, the power is adequate for passing and accelerating out of sight from annoying drivers. The handling is excellent. Car is light and easily maneuverable. MPG (with 10% ethanol fuel) have been from 26 with "spirited driving" to > 30 when gas was $4.50/gal and I was trying to drive efficiently.