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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  Last one - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie Kesler - November 8 - 8:35 am

  I have only had my new 2016 Honda CRV for about 1 month and enjoying it so much. The visibility all around while driving is amazing. This is the first vehicle I have owned that I feel like I can see in any direction with no problem. I love that it has an eco feature that helps me learn how to get the most mileage out of driving.

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  THE Class Act CUV with Value! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 04a.muse - November 7 - 1:13 pm

  After a couple hundred miles, we concur: safe, secure, quiet, economical, comfortable, refined and roomy. Everything youd want in a (S)CUV. We test drove the CR-V during a ferocious wind and rain storm, through standing puddles that would have sent our old Subaru Outback sideways. It didnt even notice them. The AWD was completely transparent, and the brakes felt great. Honda should be congratulated for resisting direct competition with the RAV4/V6 w/third seat. Anything more powerful with additional seats is a Pilot. Save fuel and do less harm to the environment with a CR-V, you wont want more. Just dont let anyone try to convince you that this is a truck.

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  Engine Temperature problem/Faulty Radiators - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Venkatesan Ramadass - November 6 - 9:13 pm

  Hi All, I have brought this vehicle in Mar 2016 and not event completed 3-months. I had the following problems with vehicle. 1. After stopping while going forward- clunk or sound of something loses- weard sound. 2. My office commute is 5-miles/day- within 5-miles yesterday i got this alert Engine temperature hot 3. Acceleration raise automatically when you are stopping in signal. I called Honda care and going to the Dealer today and will update. Update from Honda Customer Care: I complaint on Friday 10 Jun 2016, however i havent received any response from them and their turn around time in 2-days. I got call on 14 Jun 2016 and its disconnected within 2-rings. I tried called daily 4-5 times and left voice messages no message/call back from them. I got a call on today 20 Jun 2016 after getting my car. Service Update: There was a faulty radiator fixed in my Car by the Honda company and this made mixing of coolant/transmission fluid. Now they told that replaced the radiator and some hoses in my car. I dont expect this after spending 50k in my car from the Honda Company. I hope this review will help you. Thanks,

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  So happy I went with the Civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JLC - November 6 - 11:23 am

  After much research, I decided to test drive the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic. There was no comparison at all after driving! The Civic was quick and responsive and the drivers seat comfortable. (The Corollas driving position was horrible, I never could get comfortable behind the wheel.) I have had my car three weeks now and I love it! Ive gotten lots of complements on its looks, both interior and exterior and am very happy with the gas mileage I am getting. I will for sure be buying more Hondas in my future!

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  excellent - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By satisfied customer - November 6 - 8:50 am

  Great in the snow. Seats eight people. Good sound system. Nice dashboard. Nice ride

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  2005 Odyssey Underperforms in Quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By PCsr - November 5 - 9:56 pm

  Own 6 months. Taking it back to the dealer for the third time for grinding brakes (also replaced antenna, rear view mirror) Gas mileage is way below the sticker - 17 combing around town/highway and 22-23 highway. Dealer says car is performing OK - I disagree We find the road noise to be very loud and there is a low vibration noise coming from the engine. I cannot believe this is right, but the dealer says it is OK. Front and rear bumpers appear to be discolored (Silver), have not spoke to dealer about this yet Interior is nice,lots of room. Kid friendly car, nice DVD. I find the drivers seat to be on the hard side not comfortable Overall, very unsatisfied with purchase.

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  All the bells and whistles! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Karl Schroeder - November 5 - 6:20 pm

  I upgraded from my 2008 Ridgeline to the 2017 Black Edition Ridgeline. It looks sharp, has all the bells and whistles, comfortable and quiet. I has everything I wanted in the new Ridgeline.

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  Anticipation of 2017 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sig Baumer - November 5 - 5:20 pm

  The 2016 Civic LX manual is very nice but I have decided to wait for the 2017 release as more Civic models are slated to be available with the manual transmission.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda Civic
  By timbo - November 5 - 11:36 am

  I traded a 15 year-old Saturn with manual steering and only 37,000 miles so this car is a real treat. I did a lot of new car research and frankly dont understand some of the negatives expressed on Edmunds. The Honda is comfortable, the two-tier digital speedometer is no problem, the emergency brake handle is not a problem. Stereo/CD player sounds great, cant really tell about fuel economy yet, had to warm it up a lot this winter. Variably intermittent windshield wipers would be nice, but not a big issue. Took me 3 months before I had 600 miles to finally get to use the cruise control and its fine. Some want a remote trunk opener on the key? Oh please, I mean opening a trunk is difficult?

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  A sure thing. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Dean - November 5 - 9:40 am

  Everything just works flawlessly. The car is not cheaply made with squeaky plastic. Everything feels solid and smooth. Road noise/wind noise/engine hum is never noticed. Perfect size for comfortable driving with four people. Plenty of storage space in trunk. Four cylinder has plenty of power yet still has good gas efficiency. Lines are distinctive and classy with great curb appeal.