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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  Cool Crossover! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NHusain - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. I understand a lot of people like bold styling than bland. But its really not ugly, just bland. You will notice its overall solid feel. I like the fact that its based on MDX and Odyssey. Hopefully, it should enjoy a great resale value as well.

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  CR-V is the way to go. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By detroit_nilu - August 30 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda. Love the ride, handling, and engine performance. (instr book asks to not step on the gas or brakes for the first 600 miles, so havent pushed it). Love the roomy, well laid out interior (my previous car was an ergonomic nightmare: a 1994 Saturn SC2). Road and wind noise are well insulated, but there is noticeable steering wheel vibration at idle. Im concerned this may worsen as rubber mounts age. 2nd row seat didnt tumble forward delivery day- and the tech took 20min to fix. Love the dash-mounted shifter. The radio knobs seem too far to me & I lean over to reach them.

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  Fold flat cheat - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By dodgeboy - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is too overrated!! There is nothing reliable about a car that has a severe mechanical problem during the FIRST 5,000 MILES!! Guess what, Edmunds: looks like the Dodge is much more reliable than this crappy import. In the lonely part of Colorado, this van broke down and left my wife, kids, and myself stranded at night. Luckily we could get rid of it, buy a brand new Dodge, and have an end to problems. Our Dodge, which now has 17,000 miles, hasnt had ONE PROBLEMS. So Edmunds, looks like youre very wrong, so take that comment of your sight before misleading more people.

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  Best Minivan on the Market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Clark Griswald - August 30 - 10:00 am

  We love our Odessy. We searched for a minivan for three months. At first, we wanted the Town and Country. The dealer told us that the Oddessy was overpriced. However, once you upgrade the T&C to power doors, larger engine, larger tires, etc etc etc.... The Odessy price is way better than the T&C. The T&C with the options mentioned above is well over 30K. We got our Odessy with all the options at 26K. DONT LET THE AMERICAN DEALERS FOOL YOU! THE ODESSY IS MORE FOR THE MONEY!

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  2000 Honda Accord LX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By NEW320 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I traditionally purchase Mercedes. This car has much of the quality, road manners, and performance at a lower cost. A great value.

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  happy hybrid driver - 2003 Honda Civic
  By luna - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall Ive been pleased with the Hybrid. Initially, I was disappointed with the MPG, but that improved after about 1000 miles and when I became more aware of my driving habits. How you accelerate and drive makes a big difference. I went from barely getting 40 mpg to getting 42/43 in the streets and 47 on the highway. I paid just under $20,000 for mine.

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  2000 Honda Prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Steven Dowling - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Great acceleration, great handling for such a large car. 200 hp VTEC engine is extremely pronounced when VTEC hits.

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  Best Yet - 1993 Honda Civic
  By CivicRacer - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is both an amazing everyday driving car for the working person with great gas mileage or if you want to hook it up. Its Japanese snap on models at their best. They are very easy to work on yourself because every piecce on the car just snaps off. They are very fast stock and easy to modify. A fun car to drive and just the name Honda tells you that it will run forever. I bought this car and i found that it had absolutly no oil in the engine what soever. Most any other car would have seized by then but Honda engines just keep rolling. Theres just no better

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  Prelude Review - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Davew - August 30 - 2:00 am

  excellent car. interior and exterior looks are appealing. Icing on the cake would be, of course, optional v6 manual transmission.

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  Great choice for my first car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Littlemiss7075 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car almost four years ago with approximately 26,000 mileage on it and I dont regret my choice. This is my first car and I have to admit I had reservations about buying a used car....with all those "lemons" out there, but my honda has made my experience of owning my first car a good one so far. Hasnt let me down especially in the winter when I really need it.My next "new" car will definately be another honda.