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:

• 

  steering wheel column - 2008 Honda Accord
  By shellb92 - May 25 - 9:07 am

  I bought my car almost 2 yrs ago. It was cute car and great on gas. I bought it used so at first it needed a little work. I left the lot w the car and the car died, so they replaced the battery. Plus none of the car key remotes worked so they replaced all those batteries.

• 

  Extremely Pleased - 2009 Honda Civic
  By jones1124 - May 19 - 1:14 am

  I was coming off of a horrible Chevy experience. I had two vehicles back to back and they were awful. My Equinox was free and clear and I still decided to purchase the 09 Civic. I am very happy with this car!! I am 34 and past the need for looks and frills and wanted something I could put 150-200k on and I think Ive found it with this vehicle. At 70k Ive only needed front brakes. I do the normal tire rotation,oil and filter changes and it runs very smooth. My friend needed to borrow it and he commented on how well it brakes,the easy steering and overall handling. So far I can say that Honda has me for life,and I could not be happier!!!

• 

  Small car that lives large - 2012 Honda Fit
  By cantgetaname - May 15 - 10:02 am

  The Honda Fit is truly a great city car being small on the outside but large on the inside. Unless youre a moving company the Fit should be able to handle your day to day hauling needs. Ive had the Fit for a month averaging about 31mpg. If your commute is on the freeway you can easily do better. Where the Fit lacks in acceleration it makes up for with handling. You can have a lot of fun with this car in the curves. I also considered the Mazda 3 and Chevy Sonic. Both offered more features than the Fit. I thought the Mazda had more road noise and the Sonics I looked at already had rattles. If it werent for those rattles Id be in a Sonic.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By piloteer123 - May 13 - 1:24 pm

  Its strange to hear so many bad consumer reviews at Edmunds. [non-permissible content removed] I have owned the first genration of Pilot and since upgraded to 2012 Pilot. The drive is much improved and build quality is excellent. I hear no such rattling, and noices. Its impressive to get 23 MPG on mostly high driving. The interior is impressive and great comfort at its price point. The most impressive feature is the new sound insulated cabin (added foam insulation all around) and the doors are completely seal for sound. With addition of active noice cancellation, you can carry a normal conversion at highway speeds.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By hondaowner15 - May 7 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car in Jan 2011 as a commuter. As of 5/1/2012 have over 33,000 miles. No problems, only time gas mileage less than EPA hiway was 2 people climbing mountains in NC, got 36.5. Average commute is 80 mi/day, 99% hiway. Averaging 39MPG, high was in city driving on a week-end trip when we got 43MPG in Miami. Performance good for 65-75MPH driving on interstates, very little around town but when I do it shows about 40.3. More than enough room (61"), actually have to pull the seat up to reach the pedals. Interior quality good, more than enough room for my usage.

• 

  Great Family Car--Great Value - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By carlosarturo1 - May 6 - 6:36 pm

  After owning this great SUV for the last 3 years I just traded it in because we are downsizing. I actually made some equity in tis car which is unheard of with other cars!! Awesome car for a large family, but the mileage per gallon is very low and this SUV gets very thirsty very quickly. Gets very slippery during the rain--even with new tires.

• 

  Best bang for your buck! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By cycleguy1979 - May 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this car almost 4 years ago, after heavily researching it. It had 120k miles on it when I got it, now it has 208k. It consistently gets 34mpg city/hwy, and 36 all hwy. Get the 5 spd manual, I hear the auto is gutless. The front seat is ok, but for a 63" tall man, im basically in the back seat. The engine purrs and has been 100% trouble free. Kinda loud at 75mph, this is basically a tin can on wheels. Its a great commuter car but as far as road trips forget it. I just took a 3k mile road trip and my wife and I were very uncomfortable. Id buy another one in a second for commuting. Honda cars are the best for reliability and fuel mileage.

• 

  My First Hybrid - 2012 Honda Civic
  By harleybiker - April 30 - 1:49 pm

  With over 7,725 miles experience with this car, I am very pleased with it overall. Highway trip mileage for 2,200 miles was 48.3. Overall mileage with lots of city driving including many traffic lights and 6 months of Chicago winter temperatures has brought the overall average MPG down to 42.8 for over 7,700 miles. Winter driving on snow and ice was not bad with these standard tires. Overall, I am very satisfied with the vehicle and it has somewhat exceeded my expectations.

• 

  Great first car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By 03hondaaccord - April 28 - 9:15 pm

  This is my first car, a 2003 Honda Accord Lx (4 cylinder w/ Automatic.) I absolutely love it, it is good looking, comfortable, affordable, and drives perfectly. I bought mine used w/ 51743 miles on it and when driving at freeway speeds (65+) there is not a single squeak or rattle. Although the interior is a tan fabric, it has been very well maintained and all seats are very comfortable. If you are looking for your first car or just a replacement, this is a perfect choice.

• 

  Best car I have owned!!! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By bluecrablover - April 27 - 5:43 pm

  I inherited this car after I surprised my husband with a pick up truck. We bought it new. I have been driving it for the past 2.5 years. It has almost 100000 miles and has never been repaired. Regular maintenance only. I have replaced the brakes once and 1 set of new tires and a battery and oil changes. That is it. I will drive this car until the wheels fall off. The wipers bang loudly and will cost about 300.00 to replace the motor. Thats it. And this is coming from a die hard Camry driver. I would buy another Honda Accord.