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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  A perfect little car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By dyoes2000 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Honda does most things very well, and this car is no exception. Its built as well as cars that cost twice as much, and has held its value remarkably well. In almost four years of ownership and 38,000 miles, I have had no problems at all! It consistently gets 37 mpg on the highway and only slightly less than that in town. Its not fast, but its plenty capable, and youll never feel like youre going to be stranded.

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  Cant beat the mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By gjbook - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I drive 25000 miles/yr and I love that my car isnt a gas hog. I need it to be reliable and not have too many maintenance needs. This car is great on tires and has been generally maintenance free. But lately, the maintenance has started to build up. I have 126000 or so miles on it. My speed sensor has been dying. Ive had trouble with CV boots, bearings and a upper control arm. I guess all are acceptable for the miles Ive put on it.

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  2002 2dr EX manual - 2002 Honda Civic
  By brend - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda civic. I keep buying them because they have great resale values and they are reliable. This 2002 model is giving me 40 mpg nearly every tank and it feels like it has more power than the 99 I traded in for it, despite identical horsepower ratings.

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  Initial Impressions After 1 Month - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - April 10 - 10:50 pm

  Firstly Im pretty picky and I havent had the car long. The drivers seat could use better lumbar support and a bit more leg room. Cloth seat durability is ? + meant for smaller person. Backup sensor add-on although nice isnt something really needed. Its not hard to get used to backing it up. Cheap carpet floor mats are not going to last long. Rear door doesnt latch w/o slamming. Addon compass/rear view mirror sits too high on window. Too close to top console (no clearance). Wind impacts mileage a LOT. Very limited range (350ish and much less in wind). Bit rough shifting out of 1st sometimes. Braking is great. Handles well. Good visibility. For its size, I like the car. Hard to beat new.

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  I would buy another Honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By cac20 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new 8 years ago and it has been virtually maintenence free until about 102,000 miles when it developed a major oil leak ( broken seal) but besides that it has only been routine maintenance and it now has 106k miles. It has served our family well!

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  OWNER 2002 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ROGER YOUNG - April 9 - 10:00 am

  MY MODEL IS A 2002: 1ST YR: COMPRESSOR A/C REPLACED. 2ND YR: FRONT STRUTS REPLACED ALONG WITH HEADLIGHT BULB. 1ST & 2ND YR: DOORS RE-ALIGNED AS A RUBBING SCRATCH SOUND IS STILL HEARD TODAY AS THEY COULD NOT LOCATE AND ELIMINATE. I WILL BUY A TOYOTA CORROLA THE NEXT TIME!

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  Handling is questionable - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Raygunshabadoo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Love the car for what it is, but if youre coming from an older generation of Civic be warned that the high-speed (55mph+) cornering is poor and sometimes scary. Tires grip well, but the chassis lists unpredictably on the soft rubber bushings and new front suspension. Gone is the predictable understeer, replaced with body sway and feelings of impending doom.

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  The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - 1990 Honda Civic
  By escapevelocity - April 9 - 2:00 am

  While there are good to great things about this car, unfortunately it has had enough problems that I wonder whether I got a lemon. Many repairs needed, including a front axle replacement (under extended warranty, good thing I purchased it), a front windshield which cracked on its own from a defect, CV boot issues and the rear windshield when it shattered while parked, no outside cause found, an oil- burning issue never properly explained. Its also one of the most "user-surly" cars to service that I have seen so far. I still think enough of the overall design that I would purchase another one, just to see if my problems were unique.

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  Over-Priced!! - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By george - April 8 - 7:37 pm

  The review by Edmunds is completely not what l found in the 2014 Odyssey. One good thing I enjoyed about this model is that the fuel economy is very good. However this mini van was very loud in the cabin especially when you the odometer reaches 55 plus miles. Also it is very light. I still love my 2007 Nissan quest which has better acceleration and handling than the Honda odyssey.

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  CRACKED ENG-BLOCK @ 1400 MILES!? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By George - April 8 - 2:23 pm

  Been wanting an Odyssey since last model, knowing of their reliability and value! To make a long story short, @ 1400 miles oil started leaking which ended up to be a cracked engine block ... as per Honda and their engineers, they told/approved the dealership to "fix" it with some kind of BOND!!! Is this what you would want? I wanted a substitute of collateral (another car)... Honda Motor said, the engine has to crack again @ least a few more times. Until then dont even think about us giving you another car!!! Sincerely,Not a satisfied consumer