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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  Great Vehicle so Far! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By beebow1 - February 5 - 9:23 pm

  This is our first Honda and we couldnt be more pleased. I am an engineer and appreciate what they have done to produce such a versatile vehicle. My wife loves the van and I have to say that I love it also. No problems so far. The ride is excellent and the handling is great. I have a high performance sports car so the comparison is valid. We went with the 08 because of the newer engine technology, options not included on the 07 model. and the new look. Pricing was higher, but we feel it was worth it. I just asked my wife if she had any other comments and she responded "I love it".

• 

  My type of truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bikeblue - February 5 - 3:33 pm

  Ive looked and driven every truck on the market and the Ridgeline was the best vehicle for my needs. It has all the power and comfort of a sedan, but the function of a light duty truck. Plus with a 5 star crash rating, I know my family and I will be safe. All my friends have commented on the great ride and features and the ample room of the cab.

• 

  Love It! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Linda Zarro - February 5 - 2:47 pm

  Working with Edmunds helped us find my perfect car and their prices were spot on.

• 

  As good as it gets. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cgyfireman - February 5 - 11:06 am

  What a nice car. Fun to drive, lots of power, smooth and a great interior. Havent noticed any problem with the vcm as reported by some. Initial gas mileage looks good too. I do find the lumbar on the drivers seat a bit uncomfortable though. Not sure if I will get used to it in time, hope so. So far a great car, looking forward to many years of Honda reliability.

• 

  so far so good - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By k o - February 5 - 10:24 am

  The Edmunds "guarantee" price quote was not honored. It helped to get to a price but no where near their guaranteed price. New to this car but so far so good. Bought it due to the excellent experience with the 2007 Honda Odyssey we owned. Amazed at the upgrades. Loss of storage from the old model particularly under the front passenger seat and in the floor in front of the middle row seating. Ride is smooth and quiet

• 

  The most comfortable car I have owned. - 1996 Honda Accord
  By hondamanjt - February 5 - 9:26 am

  The car has a very sophisticated feel to it when you drive it. The leather seats and 6-way power seat are really a nice addition. It has the feel of a sports car, yet is quiet and extremely economical. When I take road trips I dont want to get out of my car because it makes me so relaxed to drive it.

• 

  Nice car with some reservations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By James Bailey - February 5 - 7:14 am

  I traded a 2015 Honda Fit for my 2017 Sonic Grey Civic hatch. I loved the Fit, it was manual shift and I drove it 25000 miles in just under a year. But I saw the Civic hatch in the Sonic grey and had to have it. In retrospect, I wish Id kept the Fit, and heres why. 1. the seats - the Civic seats just arent as comfortable to me as the Fits were. My wife agrees. 2. Im not old but Im not young anymore, and getting in and out of the Civic is a chore. You sit on the ground, or so it feels. 3. Ive got some rattles in the Civic, driving on our lovely Michigan roads, and I never heard any rattles in the Fit. 4. Wind noise - the Fit had less of it. Heck, even my 1997 Ford Ranger has less wind noise in a good crosswind. 5. slight vibrations - between 55-65mph, not all the time, not every day, but its there. Friend of mine rode in it the other day, asked my why it was shimmying. It concerns me, because Ive heard other stories about Honda CVT trannys doing this. HOWEVER - the good - its not all bad!!! I absolutely love the power delivery with the turbo 1.5 and the CVT transmission. The car accelerates very smoothly (and quickly) and always seems to be in the right gear for the situation. Really works well. Fuel economy is very good, I average 38mpg in mixed driving and I have never turned on the econ setting. Cargo room is fantastic, we brought home a very large powered recliner one day that my wife said itll go in the car but I didnt believe her. It fit in the car no problem! Finally, the car looks great - its why I bought it. I love the Sonic grey color. But to sum up - the Fit I wanted to drive every day, and put 25K on it in a year. The Civic Ive had 6 months, and Ive put 5K on it. I drive my old Ford Ranger more. Cant explain exactly why, but the Civic just doesnt connect with me. I will likely trade it very soon.

• 

  Nice car with some reservations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By James Bailey - February 5 - 7:14 am

  I traded a 2015 Honda Fit for my 2017 Sonic Grey Civic hatch. I loved the Fit, it was manual shift and I drove it 25000 miles in just under a year. But I saw the Civic hatch in the Sonic grey and had to have it. In retrospect, I wish Id kept the Fit, and heres why. 1. the seats - the Civic seats just arent as comfortable to me as the Fits were. My wife agrees. 2. Im not old but Im not young anymore, and getting in and out of the Civic is a chore. You sit on the ground, or so it feels. 3. Ive got some rattles in the Civic, driving on our lovely Michigan roads, and I never heard any rattles in the Fit. 4. Wind noise - the Fit had less of it. Heck, even my 1997 Ford Ranger has less wind noise in a good crosswind. 5. slight vibrations - between 55-65mph, not all the time, not every day, but its there. Friend of mine rode in it the other day, asked my why it was shimmying. It concerns me, because Ive heard other stories about Honda CVT trannys doing this. HOWEVER - the good - its not all bad!!! I absolutely love the power delivery with the turbo 1.5 and the CVT transmission. The car accelerates very smoothly (and quickly) and always seems to be in the right gear for the situation. Really works well. Fuel economy is very good, I average 38mpg in mixed driving and I have never turned on the econ setting. Cargo room is fantastic, we brought home a very large powered recliner one day that my wife said itll go in the car but I didnt believe her. It fit in the car no problem! Finally, the car looks great - its why I bought it. I love the Sonic grey color. But to sum up - the Fit I wanted to drive every day, and put 25K on it in a year. The Civic Ive had 6 months, and Ive put 5K on it. I drive my old Ford Ranger more. Cant explain exactly why, but the Civic just doesnt connect with me. I will likely trade it very soon.

• 

  Nice car with some reservations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By James Bailey - February 5 - 7:14 am

  I traded a 2015 Honda Fit for my 2017 Sonic Grey Civic hatch. I loved the Fit, it was manual shift and I drove it 25000 miles in just under a year. But I saw the Civic hatch in the Sonic grey and had to have it. In retrospect, I wish Id kept the Fit, and heres why. 1. the seats - the Civic seats just arent as comfortable to me as the Fits were. My wife agrees. 2. Im not old but Im not young anymore, and getting in and out of the Civic is a chore. You sit on the ground, or so it feels. 3. Ive got some rattles in the Civic, driving on our lovely Michigan roads, and I never heard any rattles in the Fit. 4. Wind noise - the Fit had less of it. Heck, even my 1997 Ford Ranger has less wind noise in a good crosswind. 5. slight vibrations - between 55-65mph, not all the time, not every day, but its there. Friend of mine rode in it the other day, asked my why it was shimmying. It concerns me, because Ive heard other stories about Honda CVT trannys doing this. HOWEVER - the good - its not all bad!!! I absolutely love the power delivery with the turbo 1.5 and the CVT transmission. The car accelerates very smoothly (and quickly) and always seems to be in the right gear for the situation. Really works well. Fuel economy is very good, I average 38mpg in mixed driving and I have never turned on the econ setting. Cargo room is fantastic, we brought home a very large powered recliner one day that my wife said itll go in the car but I didnt believe her. It fit in the car no problem! Finally, the car looks great - its why I bought it. I love the Sonic grey color. But to sum up - the Fit I wanted to drive every day, and put 25K on it in a year. The Civic Ive had 6 months, and Ive put 5K on it. I drive my old Ford Ranger more. Cant explain exactly why, but the Civic just doesnt connect with me. I will likely trade it very soon.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Anne Benck - February 4 - 10:12 pm

  Loved the look of the car and the way it handled. Responsive steering and plenty of power in the V-6. On the negative side, I think the two screens is distracting while driving and the seats were quite uncomfortable for both me and my son, especially the hard lumbar support. Too bad there wasnt an option to upgrade the seats to ones that were more plush. The front seats in the Honda CR-V were better.