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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  2005 Honda Civic LX-Special Edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Armen Hopar - December 14 - 12:03 pm

  Fun to drive, pick up is really good, good on gas, nice stereo inside, nice looking, and good in every ways.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim - December 14 - 9:10 am

  My wife has an 2007 RTS and complained that I was always taking her Ridgeline whenever I left the house. Told me to get my own, so I did. I couldnt be more pleased. Love driving the Ridgeline. Getting much better mileage than advertised. My first trip got 22.2 mpg and several tanks later, the worst I have gotten is 19.6 mpg. Love all the storage compartments.My Ridgeline handles like a car. I have driven all the trucks and this is by far my favorite.

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  Great car with some problems - 2000 Honda Accord
  By healnghanz - December 14 - 8:18 am

  Transmission was recalled. Honda replaced it but the new tranny leaks. The factory radio stinks. No spacial imaging and weak power. Eats 1 qt oil every three weeks and the dealer says its normal. I think the engine was a lemon but the dealer just snowed us. However, aside from these problems, the car is wonderful. Interior comfortable leather. Just a pleasure to ride. The Hallmark of this car is its visibility. Its a pre raked non wedge design that lets you have total visibility. Perfect in that regard.

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  My Old Honda - 1995 Honda Accord
  By healnghanz - December 14 - 8:06 am

  Originally, leased by my wife in 1995, then sold to me in 2000, quite a reliable car with some minor and some not so minor problems. The disc brakes warp so easily on a very regular basis. But this last time I had the dealer do it and they are much better. Anti lock brakes died 50K ago. Rust over rear wheels, passenger window slow to rise or not at all sometimes. Tranny rough in winter. AC drain once got plugged and water kept going all over the interior, and ruined computer board. Overdue for timing belt/water pump . Speedometer/odometer stopped working at 164,000. 4 years later I have 165,000 or 200k plus. The engine just works great, w 25 mpg maybe more over the years. Heater ducts rotted.

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  Great car & price; thanks to Edmunds Price Promise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tony Palmer - December 14 - 1:10 am

  Edmunds Price Promise and the dealers confirmation of this price via email and call. There was no quibble with the dealership. A very satisfying experience. Thanks very much for the Edmunds Price Promise -- I highly recommend it!

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  Love My CR-V EX-L - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chinhua Wang - December 13 - 9:02 pm

  CR-V is my first SUV. We loved the concept of SUV but were worried about the handling and gas consumption. We selected CR-V for its roomy interior, high mileage and its standard configurations. Honda is simpler and EX-L had all the features we wanted and none we didnt care about. It was a great decision. The handling is so smooth that it feels like a car. The mileage is very close to sedan. We love all the luxury features come with it.

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  Should have kept my BMW - 2008 Honda Accord
  By kris95 - December 13 - 5:50 pm

  I traded my M3 and purchase a Honda Accord EX-L 4 cyl for reliability reason. But I was did not work-out the way I had expected. first set of brakes replaced at 23k miles ($451 dollars) and at 39,400 I need another one. Honda dealers and Honda are not very helpful. I rather purchase a Ford next time.

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  All the Acura you could want for 12K less! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jpitrello - December 13 - 4:05 pm

  this has to be one of the absolute best values in new cars today! with all the luxury of a higher end car and Honda reliability what more could you ask for. HONDA SENSING is truly a must have, lane keep assist, brake assist and mitigation, radar cruise control, parking sensors, cameras and more its an great option for all to have. the Touring v6 sedan is a great buy at 35,000 sticker, its also sexy looking, fast and quiet. love this car!

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  Best car Ive owned - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bob Aronson - December 13 - 2:17 pm

  No problems in 75000 miles. Incredibly dependable and fuel efficient. I replaced the brakes at 70000 miles but had no other issues. We drove from Atlanta to Jacksonville, Florida several times and averaged 30 MPG at 70 MPH. Im only selling it because we bought an RV and a Chevy Van to pull it and no longer need the Honda. Well be sorry to see it go.

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  Perfect vehicle for my college age daughter - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By J. McNevin - December 13 - 12:21 pm