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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  Fun to drive Honda Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By sherrilee - September 6 - 11:24 am

  This car is economical and fun to drive.

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  I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU - 2004 Honda Element
  By guest2011 - September 5 - 8:52 pm

  04 EX was my first SUV, first Honda. I hated the seat discomfort, the cheap-feeling floors, scratches in interior plastic, exterior plastic, worn bushings, rear differential, some other minor things and annoyances. Thats until i bought 2014 CRV LX. I love my Element now!!! I miss it and i want it back!!! My second honda is my last, thats for sure.

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  Love this car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rydog75 - September 4 - 12:07 am

  Two weeks, and 800 miles in, and I love this car. Despite my 60+ mile daily, roundtrip commute, my Prius was driving me crazy. No power, poor handling, and noisy! I wanted something that was going to be just as reliable, addressing all of my complaints about the Prius, still getting reasonably good mileage. I almost got the 4-cyl Accord, but Im so glad I went for the V6. Even though I keep it in eco mode most of the time, there is always plenty of power on tap. At highway speeds, its quiet, but you can still hear the engine growl when pressed. The fuel economy is within claimed range, and getting better with every tank. The infotainment system takes some getting used to.

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  Warped spare tire cover (interior) - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bytor100 - September 1 - 7:01 pm

  Like the car but had to go back to the stealership because the spare tire cover over the iner well is warped after 1 month. It happened in the summer, I think it is the humidity. They gave me a new cover no problem but its the same thing another month later. So, its back to the stealership again.

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  2014 CRV LX AWD - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guest2011 - August 31 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought one today, less than 30 miles, computer reports 21.1mpg mostly highway driving with ECON button on. Maybe needs to be calibrated. I absolutely hate sunroofs and didnt want the more overpriced EX. My previous honda SUV was EX and it had both armrests in the front. This one doesnt have it on passenger side. What bothers me is drivers side armrest. Compared to EX its positioned higher, which makes driving very uncomfortable. The left arm cant reach the door arm rest and the right side is too high. When i tried the EX after i already paid for LX, EX seems to have both the door and right side arm rest at the same lever so i can rest both arms and still hold the steering wheel

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  IMA Battery - 2005 Honda Accord
  By bjuicy - August 31 - 1:59 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used. It was a smooth driving and comfortable vehicle. Good gas mileage and then the IMA Hybrid battery goes out and thats when the problems began. I just want to inform the consumers of the cost the will be out of their pocket if by chance the electric battery goes out. You are looking at about 3500 to 4500 at a dealership to replace the battery. If you look online they are starting at 1600. Also just know these cars are designed to where you can only take it to the dealership to get any service done on them and even then a lot of the technician at the dealership dont even have the knowledge to diagnose or even work on these vehicles to fix the problems.

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  Its all about the VTEC - 2009 Honda Civic
  By engineaddict - August 31 - 10:51 am

  The Civic Si is a fun car to drive. Every time I get in the drivers seat, I smile to myself, even though Im aware that fun doesnt mean winning over all of the other sporty cars on the road to the next signal light (cause it is probably not going to happen). For those of you considering the Si, this is my recommendation: test drive at least 4 Civic Sis (so you know when one of these is dead). And, conduct your test drive in two phases: 1) gentle, "everyday" driving - this also allows the engine to warm up, too. 2) then, rev it out! The red line is 8000. Make it go there. If possible, turn off A/C & roll the windows down for this phase.

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  181k Miles and Counting! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By sunnydriver - August 31 - 8:44 am

  It is a great car! I need an upgrade since I Have 2 kids. I Have a coupe so it is inconvenient to get in and out of. But I love it! Fixing to sell it. I bought it in Dec 2000. No problems yet!

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  Honda Reliability? Dont think so. - 2005 Honda Civic
  By jebedmund - August 30 - 6:19 pm

  After recently dealing with the dreaded "blown head gasket" @ 105k miles, Im stopping by Edmunds to read others experiences. I cant believe how many people have had a blown head gasket on low mileage Civics. This is my second major complaint with the car ... the first being the air fuel sensor giving out a couple of years ago and the $400+ dealer quote on the repair. Honda should have covered both of these problems with recalls. Note to Honda marketing: *We WONT be buying another Honda*.

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  160k and still going strong - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mikroma1 - August 30 - 1:42 am

  My first car that I have ever bought back in April of 2010 with 108,000 miles. Now in August of 2013, I have put 52 k miles on it with very little maintenance. Its becoming an old car, so naturally, it isnt as equipped as new cars with usb/ipod, navigation, lane-watch, etc. That being said, it is hard to find lots of features in this outdated 2001 accord. Back then, I am sure the standard features in this car were up to date and seemed fresh, even for the less expensive lx trim. With its durable engine, you can really push it which makes it fun. Has original clutch and brake rotors which still work like new. All I had to replace was a left front and left rearbushing on the sway bar