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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  my review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By joshonda - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car a year ago. i have had no problems with it. I purchased the accord exv6 model. some of the elected benefits of the car are great. If i were in the market for a new car i would go back the the same honda dealer and complete the sale.

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ben - November 15 - 6:09 pm

  Great overall car. Has enough power to have some fun with yet still maintain its reliability and great gas mileage. No problems as of yet but still breaking the car in. Get comments from enthusiasts all the time about how clean it looks. This car serves and supports the reason why it was built. I love the interior but some may wish to have a different color as it is quite hard to keep clean.

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  Great reliable car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mhsf - November 15 - 10:41 am

  This has been a reliable, comfortable vehicle. Even through tough Minnesota weather--on some of the coldest days--it started right up and ran great. Wonderful car. Would get another just like it in a heartbeat.

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  05 EX-L RES Sage/Ivory - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sega626 - November 15 - 10:26 am

  We have owned this van for about a month now, and have taken it on a few long trips (300-400 miles). We absolutely love the ride and comfort it provides. Gas mileage is still not great, but I am holding out for after the "break-in" period. Wife and I argue over who gets to drive the Odysssey most of the time now. We are really looking to our Christmas trip across the country this year. I have never owned a minivan before, but this is a great first!

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  Leaks and squeaks - 2005 Honda Accord
  By DrivenMad - November 14 - 9:33 pm

  I thought this was my dream car but now I guess the honeymoon is over. I have put 600 very carful miles on this thing and already the rattles and squeaks are starting. A big let down was the tranny started leaking bright red fluid on my garage floor. I had believed that the previous years (98- 02) transmission problems would have been long gone but apparently not.

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  So Much for Honda Reliablity... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wkc112 - November 14 - 8:32 pm

  This Honda is the second one Ive ever owned. And may be the last Ill ever own. I had an Acura before, worked beautifully. So I thought hey, lets buy an Accord. So very disappointed. After taking it to the local dealer and had them swap the wiper motor (factory recall) the LCD display for the clock/temp/cd info stopped working. Every time we hit a bump itd go in and out. Transmission is NO GOOD. Slips in 2nd and 3rd. And twice quit working all together on the Highway, so very dangerous when suddenly you just lose drive power all together. Dont look to customer service for help, nope, they wont do a thing for you. Car was under 100K miles. I mean come on.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Frank - November 14 - 3:19 pm

  Bought this as an efficient second vehicle and find myself using it every time I go out the door. Easy to handle, plenty of zip, quick to park and not one issue in 10,000 miles. Plenty of room for my 63" 250 body.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By hadcat - November 14 - 2:55 pm

  I bought this 2007 Honda Pilot in January 2009. It had 37,000 miles on it. After doing much research (the most informative of which I found on Edmunds.com) I decided on this car. I have loved it! Reliable, comfortable, great storage space up front for purse and "stuff". I tracked my mileage for the first 6 months. Avg highway of 17 mpg. On a road trip, it goes up to 21. I would have liked higher highway mileage, but its ok. I knew that going into it because of the reviews on Edmunds. The 3rd row seats are great for kids. It has been a fabulous car and Im glad I bought it!

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  A great car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Jizeff - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I leased a 99 Honda Civic EX for three years. Just turned it in yesterday. I never had a single problem with it. Just one flat tire in three years. Only complaints are the cup holders, instrument panel lighting, and the so- so acceleration. It handles fairly well. Good visibility out the front and rear.

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  2002 crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By wkobryn - November 14 - 10:00 am

  We love our Honda CRV. A few things do bother us. We also took out our rear center head rest due to visability problems. Interior plastic shows all finger prints & smudge marks. and my biggest complaint is the fuel tank. it never takes more than 12 gallons of fuel. Instead of having a much higher cruising range we only get less than 275 total miles on a tankfull. I hate the constant gas tank fillups. My wife loves the crv and we would get another one if we had to do it over again. engine light had also come on in 2 instances.