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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  wagon power, custom LOVE IT - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Tabitha - September 10 - 8:13 pm

  Love my car, totally custom, but a daily driver. I bought it almost 10 years ago w/ 63k on it, only major thing was the distributor replaced. Id say this car costs me $200 annually w/ inspection and oil changes, maybe not even. It now has 168k on it and I know it will start, never left me down. Main relay goes often enough to keep a spare one in my glove box, but $2 at a junk yard who cares! LOVE IT, but wish the a/c would work, I guess this is a faulty design, but hey I can live with it.

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  Euro styling & performance - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Parker - September 10 - 2:18 pm

  The Civic Hatch is a great option if you want good fuel economy, power, eye-catching styling, and the versatility of an SUV in a compact package. My EX-L w/nav averages 39 mpg and has plenty of power. My only complaint, after owning several SUVs, is getting in and out of it isnt as easy, but if youre used to a car, it isnt an issue. The interior quality is excellent--great finishes, but I would recommend either getting the leather (EX-L) or getting an after-market kit with leather for the door inserts and the center console; the EX I test drove was already showing smudges on the cloth in those areas. I think the cloth seats would hold up fine, though. The leather package is the same as the CR-V Touring package and looks great. Interior ride is quiet and comfortable. The car handles great and is fun to drive.

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  Mobile Party - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cleve - September 10 - 12:04 pm

  First off, I would have to disagree with the editors on two points. First, the comfort of the backseat. It can fit four 20 year old guys comfortably with no complaints. Also, its offroad capabilities (though not up to rock crawling standards) seem to be vastly better than the Ridge is given credit for. Ive taken my RTS all over Gods green earth, through dirt, mud, snow, creeks and have yet to feel a noticeable slip. Now, moving on. I am absolutely in love with this truck. Its as big as a house inside, it rides as smoothly as a town car, the bed will fit anything from pallets, to tree trunks, to drywall etc. And when I take the time to wash off the filth, its a beautiful design.

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  Great value for money, amazing CUV! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Iyoob - September 10 - 11:16 am

  I was the first few who bought this vehicle (dec 09), when the media was kicking off dust over its styling. Myself and my wife actually fell in love with styling of this car with the first look. Build quality is true to Honda and is very good. Rear visibility felt little compromised in the beginning, but then you will quickly get over that, especially once you start noticing the view below the spoiler. Turning radius is little less compared to accord which I was used to, but its matter of few days time by which you will get over it. Other than these, it is fantastic. Smooth and excellent ride, adequate power, quiet interiors and adequate space. The vehicle gives very sturdy and sporty feel

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  Great and Practical Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Neha - September 10 - 9:03 am

  Overall, I find this car running smooth and well. I went through a lot of dealerships to get this car and dealt with some shady ones that wouldnt honor their written quotes, especially Hayward Honda in CA. Dont go there! They say one thing and mean the other. Exterior and interior are built well and comfortable to sit in. There is plenty of room in the cargo area, easy to take someone to the airport with lots of luggage.

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  91 Honda Accord EX 2Dr - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 10 - 9:01 am

  I bought this car as a daily driver for $2000 in 2005. At first I thought I over paid for this car. I changed my mind. At 160,000 miles it still uses less than 1 Qt oil per oil change. It has some minor rust behind the rear wheels. It is fun to drive, gets 35 MPG. and can pass people if need be.

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  Great little truck! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Will - September 10 - 8:55 am

  I was in the market for a mid-size truck to hand down to my teenage son in a few years. I looked at the Tacoma...looks cool...drives like a tank. Then there was the Colorado/Canyon...nice trucks...dont really care for the looks and the interior is cramped and cheap looking. I didnt even consider the Frontier. Then I test drove a Ridgeline and that was it! Comfortable, quiet, smooth riding and handles great! The more I drive it, the more I like it. I only have a few complaints...as many have stated before, the rear doors do not open wide enough and you do feel a little engine breaking under deceleration. Its faint but I do notice it. The only quality issue Ive experienced so far is one of the sun visor clips is loose. I gonna have to bring it in to get it fixed. Ive added Husky mats front and rear and the cargo net for the bed. My son may have to wait a while for this one.

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  great - 2016 Honda Accord
  By fred waters - September 10 - 6:18 am

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  2 Years, No Complaint ! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Al G - September 10 - 12:14 am

  I had this car for 2 years and have put 20,000 miles on it. It havent had any problem except for 2 very minor issues, such as rear window wiper cable disconnection. Those are easy fix. Best looking and mileage among all sub-compact cars. Honda builds great cars and manages their service shops very well. This is my 3rd post on this car for Edmunds.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PAC - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. Handling is great, you can feel the road, and it is just a beautiful design.