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:

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By ProngATO - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th honda. Ive preveously owned a 1985 accord, 1991 civic, 1998 civic, 1998 CR-V and now this 2001 Prelude. This has been the best of all. I am extremely pleased with the performance of this car. The handling is second to none in this price range.

• 

  Everything I Ever Wanted in a Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By kareembin - April 30 - 2:00 am

  All other things considered the vehicle is otherwise awesome. I love how peoples heads turn. Ive just never had such an experience before. Other than that I live in MN and I cant wait for summer. All the camping and mini road trips are going to be better than ever with this thing. I think I may even leave the tent at home this year. And my dreams of owning small things to pull like a small boat, a pop up camper, and a canoe can all come true now. I already spilled pop on the fron passenger seat and it beaded right off there like a champ. The thing is so incredible I know i am going to drive it till its dead, which shouldnt be for a very long time.

• 

  Pilot, Another great Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By guygm - April 30 - 2:00 am

  One month owner, 4th Honda, currently own 99 CRV, 00 Odyssey, both terrific. Pilot, great room, visibility, interior lights. Ride comfort, and handling great

• 

  Learning the hard way - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jewel - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Our transmission died at 26,000 miles. We were also told that we would not be provided a loaner or rental car because that is not HONDA policy. It was over two weeks before we got our van back because transmissions are back ordered. Honda has extended over 1.2 million transmission warranties in the past couple of years. Why dont they just recall the transmissions? Oh yeah, then edmunds would not keep them as an editors choice.

• 

  Wonderful Slick Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dukan - April 30 - 2:00 am

  When driving the Accords competitors including the Camry, I felt indifferent and no excitement. One test drive in the Accord and I grinned like a fool. The Accord is so smooooth in everything it does, great build quality, thoughtful with many nice touches. Manual transmission Accords are harder to find but much more satisfying to drive. Gas mileage is great for a car with this weight and power. Youve got to try the slick shifter, very Miata/MR2-like!!! The exterior is a little peculiar at first but Ive grown to like it! Consumer Report, Car & Driver and Road & Track magazines are right on the money. The Accord is the best!

• 

  Honda do it again! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jampy1977 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, excelent combine of comfort and performance. Excelent reliability as well fit and finish.

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Honda Civic
  By barbcar1 - April 29 - 4:30 pm

  I just traded my Honda 2004 CRV for the Civic Ex 2007, very happy, the car is fun to drive, mileage is so much better than CRV. This is my 4th Honda vehicle. Cant beat a honda for performance. I love this car!!

• 

  2007 Honda CRV -AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 2007 CRV AWD - April 29 - 2:23 pm

  It looks good, performs poorly. The gas mileage is 20-21 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway. CRV has Squeaks & Rattles in car. Vehicle shifts rough from 1st to 2nd from stop, start and go. The dealer says its in electronic program transmission. CRV Pulls hard to right on road at low/high speeds. I have been to a Honda Dealer who says there is a Honda Service Bulletin out Since 01/2007 prior to the car being purchased and requires New Steering column rods/pins to be later installed which are back ordered from Honda so a proper wheel alignment can been done on a new car, what?) I was Never notified by the selling dealer prior to or after purchase, So be alert for that. Noticeable wind noise at 55 mph

• 

  A very thoughtfully built car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By miguelo - April 29 - 12:56 pm

  Car is well-built, very stable, little float on curves. Navigation and back-up camera very helpful. Systems (audio, menu, bluetooth, ipod) all very intuitive. Could use a little more speed on the contact logs, song choices on ipod. Comfort a plus, nice job on the leather. Exterior styling is very clean and functional, good drag coefficient on this model. Overall a 9 out of 10.

• 

  Good, Solid Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rob - April 29 - 11:13 am

  Purchased the car in mid June. 2,185 miles so far. Driven in town gets 20-21 mpg, during a long highway trip 31-32 mpg, doing 65 mph w/cruise on. Car is well-built inside, except for the door handles which feel a bit cheap. Leather seats are comfortable. Very spacious and great visibility all around. There is just a bit of wind noise at 65 mph, which i was looking for after reading the reviews, but its really not that much. Inside ergonomics are great. Handles great, not stiff. A bit under powered if youre a more aggressive driver, but its plenty quick for highway passing. Very convenient with storage space and inside compartments. Outside looks great. Thats just a personal opinion.