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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  Best car on the planet for the money!.... - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Remo William - May 14 - 5:40 pm

  Ive only had one issue with this car (besides the cheapo stock tires, which are noisy, and needing replacement @20,000 miles). That ONE ISSUE is, the car will decide to UNLOCK itself HOURS after I have locked it. Probably the idiot EPROM in the key....WHY does EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE COMPUTERIZED NOW? I will test and see if manually locking the car with the key makes any dif. And the accelerating is poor, but you already knew that. Phenomenal in city mileage-an honest 36-37mpg around town. The Taketa airbag was replaced efficiently by the dealer....let us HOPE they can do the same with the locking issue!

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  The Whole Family Loves My Odyssey!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Bridgette - May 14 - 12:46 pm

  I love everything about this minivan: its sporty looks, great safety features, easy to understand controls, power doors, easy to drive, its abundance of storage, and its comfortable roomy interior.

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  Sporty SUV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Diana Nieva - May 14 - 10:43 am

  We purchased our Honda CRV based on positive consumer reviews that we found on Edmunds. Our new SUV is so easy and safe to drive. You will not be disappointed with this vehicle. The only negative that we have found so far is the fuel economy. Honda lists 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, but we have been getting only 26 mpg combined city/highway.

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  GREAT - 2004 Honda Element
  By ROLAND - May 14 - 10:00 am

  GREAT, GREAT TRACK, I LOVE IT. :-)

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  In Love with my Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By elegantandblonde - May 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning countless automobiles,I am back on track with a Honda. I have owned an Acura Integra in the past and loved it. I prefer a small vehicle,but this one is sporty and fun...stylish especially in Rallye red. I highly recommend this vehicle,its outside demeanor doesnt do it justice. It is fun to drive,has lots of pep,is reliable and fills the bill.

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  Accord, Sweet Looking Performance Car? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Southern Yankee - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Who would have ever believed that Honda would make a sweet looking V6, 6 speed manual, Accord Coupe which comes very close to out performing so called performance cars costing tens of thousands more. The V6 coupled with the 6 speed manual shift is an absolute blast to drive. The engine pulls very strong and smooth all the way to red line with awesome acceleration for a "grocery getter". The factory handling set up and the stock tires dont seem adequate for the cars looks and drivetrain. However, with some reasonably priced aftermarket improvements this can be a sweet looking performance car at a bargain price!

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  Ugly rear - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Himanshu - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The EX V6 with Navigation has everything I look for in a car. It has all the high tech features I need. However, Honda has still left it perhaps intentionally a step behind the Acura TL.

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  Best civic yet - 2008 Honda Civic
  By doug - May 14 - 8:40 am

  This is my fourth civic in 15 years, all of which were 300k mile plus cars and never a major repair. It is hard to believe the workmanship and performance of this generation civic for the price. I drive an average of 250 miles a day and get 40 mpg highway at 65mph. This is the same mpg as my 98 civic dx but with 35 extra hp. My LX handling is better than ever, even compared to older Si models.

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  From Hyundai to Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Odyman - May 14 - 1:13 am

  This is my first Honda, and WOW! Traded in my elantra at 33 MPG but with the VCM in my new Coupe, I am getting 28.4 MPG on last fill up. Love the interior and the power and speed, but not hard to beat after what I had. Drove an Altima (3.5 V-6 coupe) and the accord was a major step up and less a price.

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  Not like the past three new hondas - 2004 Honda Accord
  By A. Wagner - May 13 - 11:46 pm

  Fuel economy way below promised. Vibrates from the gas pedal up through the steering wheel but technicians cannot seem to find the problem. Strong sulfur smell from exhaust when window is open. Vibrates while at a stop in gear.