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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  Odyssey Review - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mjsohel - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We got delivery of our 02 Odyssey EX w/navigation system and leather just a few months ago. Since then I have been happy. But I have also had some complaints: The leather is not as good as toyotas, the sliding doors are the worst peice of crap in the minivan. The EPA could be improved, an Onstar system and air compressor like on the Pontiac Montana, Wood grain panels would be nice, less road noise, bumps,rattles,and squeaks would be nice,Xenon ligts, and one last thing make the entertainment system and navigation syustem available on the same van.

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  No Heat On My Feet - 2001 Honda Civic
  By BrianWilkins - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall its a good car, but Honda has been less than helpful with service. I have been called a problem by my dealer and told by Honda corporate that having no heat come out of the floor vents isnt a problem (I live in Buffalo,NY - its a problem). So if you want to stay warm in winter, look elsewhere.

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  A Sporty & fuel efficient alternative! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Loving06Civic - August 17 - 8:30 pm

  Pleasant car to drive, tight suspension and handles nice. With a 50 mile round trip commute its pretty comfortable for a large stocky 6+ ft male. Not seeing the hood takes a bit getting used too but my last honda was similar. Overall this car is very fun to drive and cruise around town. Love the sporty exterior thats not plain looking. Great car as you come to expect from Honda.!! Recommend.

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  Great gas saver - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Dominik - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  I used to drive a 300hp Subaru loved that car but I was spending $200 a month on fuel, so I decided to buy me a hybrid to save some $, well now fuel costs me $80, cant beat that. I have no regrets, I love the car design, build quality, its all great. Performance-wise I mean come on its a hybrid I did not expect a race car perf. The car is great at saving money, I know some people say that they are getting 56mpg but in reality you will most likely see more like 44mpg, my best was 45mpg at average speed of 70mph, although computer said I did 49mpg. The one thing about my Insight that I love is that its not a Prius. I saw one Insight so far and I live in Chicago area. Love my Insight.

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  Mikes review - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hlm - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Only problem in 3 years has been a squeaky door and a repain to the drivers arm rest.

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  Less than 1000 miles - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Martin - August 13 - 8:47 pm

  This is the first new car that I have purchased that I am thinking of trading after less than 1000 miles driven. I bought the Pilot AWD Touring package because Honda forces you into that package to get some of the options. I knew when I bought this SUV that I would hate the push button transmission and I do. It has too many gears and at times, especially at lower speeds, it seems to get confused as to what gear it should be in. I can really feel it when I turn down into my subdivision and kind of coast. It seems to hunt for the right gear when you dont need to put your foot on the gas. The default setting for Hondas gas rating is to turn the engine off at stops. What a pain this is and I wonder what this will do in the long term to the starter and battery. You can defeat this, but you have to remember to push another button every time you push the drive button. Would be a great SUV if I could get over the transmission. Buyers remorse, wish I had gone with the Highlander or bought the EX-L without all the options that I thought that I wanted. You dont really need all those options.

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  more than numbers - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By qbrozen - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Its too bad the Edmunds ratings scale doesnt ask how Id rate the value of the vehicle because it would certainly be a 10. Asking if a "utility" vehicle is fun to drive is just plain silly, so Im forced to give it a 7, which drags down the average score. So one just needs to look past the numbers to see how this vehicle stacks up against the competition. If you want 3 rows of seats, AWD, power to spare, and 20 mpg, all for less than $30K, theres nothing better than this one.

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  Damn good car for the price - 2009 Honda Accord
  By David - August 10 - 6:32 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car. Smooth to drive, good in all weather, and just keeps on going. I have experienced a little oil burn issue and do need to change the oil every 4,000 miles. However, other than that I have only had to do regular maintenance. I drive a lot of miles every year and will most likely buy another accord. The only other issue is that at 64", sliding in and out at age 60 might become a problem for me. Love this car, and looking forward to the new Tech upgrades a new car will bring.

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  Good car - 2004 Honda Element
  By jfrye2390 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car. Buy this car. Fast. Very Fast.

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  A nice ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By chaim - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This SUV rides more like a car than a truck. Quite a nice vehicle over all.