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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  Regrets so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Kajagoogoo - August 5 - 10:16 am

  I bought a 1999 Odyssey and had problems but loved it anyways. This isnt starting off good at all! Been back to dealer for wind noise, malfunctioning door, rattles from rear door, and engine running rough. I held off buying a 2005, thinking 2006 would have kinks worked out. I was sadly wrong and now wish I bought the Sienna instead!

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  Poor value and not up to par with others - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddie324 - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my ridgline for about 5 months and have not been pleased. I average consistently 16 to the gallon and that is bad for a V6, i nearly get that on my wifes f150 5.4. The brakes are starting to make a squeal at 6k and its getting annoying. very uncomfortable seats and small interior. The thing that most made me angry is my axle seals needed to be replaced at 3350 miles which seems to be common with these and electrical failure. I bought this car because my 88 honda was good. not the case with this.

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  don`t buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By michelle - July 22 - 3:00 pm

  my vehicle has been in the shop 11 times since april and it still isn`t fixed between the motor mount, steering fluid leak.....on and on problems

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  what a piece of junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By yas - July 22 - 10:00 am

  after first month of driving car would not start almost ever time started. brough in to south shore honda insist nothing wrong with it gave me back car with dead battery. and had to give me a boost to get car started. wheel alignment off. took honda a year and a haft to relize car had a moter cycle battery. they stll did not fix alignment! i will never buy honda again. my car was purchased from dealer as a new car!

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  not what they used to be, expected more. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent Jones - July 21 - 8:03 am

  I have owned many makes and models and this is not one i recomend. I own a 2004 chevrolet silverado and a 2003 dodge ram as well currently. my son drives the ram which has 43000 and my wife has 19500 on her chevy and they have been far better on quality and simular on gas with large V8s. i bought this due to the old rep for reliability that honda has. I had my instrument panel replaced due to failure and my axle is having some trouble. and on an 06 with 5500 miles this is not good.

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  The worst HONDA on the market - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By importjunk - July 8 - 10:00 am

  When buying this vehicle, my family and I expected excellent service like our Accord gave us. Instead of which this car just kept breaking down and was in constant need of repairs. The sliding doors kept breaking no matter how many times they were fixed. The radio had to be replaced since it scratched Cds, and the windows dont close properly. I wish Edmunds would stop picking on Chryslers minivan (what I shouldve bought) and its reliability, which is fine, and start on Hondas, which is HORRIBLE. I also find it funny that the Editors Rating is lower on the Honda than the Chrysler, as this is the only thing Edmunds did right.

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  Yawwwwwnnnnnn. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Xspark - June 30 - 5:13 pm

  This is my fourth Honda car and Im certain its my last. My third car was a 1995 Honda Accord V6 EX and I thought it was just a bad year for Honda. My 2001 2 DR V6 Accord is a little better but the design and ride is still just average. The drivers seat seems loose. Everytime I brake or accelerate the seat rocks forward or backward. Dealer stated there are no problems with it so I guess its just poor engineering. The car also seems to have difficulty finding the right gears in traffic. Im always lurching forward or back because the automatic gears cant decide on an appropriate gear. I imagine this car will rust soon just like my other Hondas did. Time to look at other makes.

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  THEY CHANGED IT TO A STATION WAGON - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Puttyman - June 29 - 5:49 pm

  I have owned several Honda Pilots. I lease them for 3 years and at the end of the lease I get another one. NP. 2 days ago I went to my dealer thinking I would leave with another Pilot. Let me state here that I work in the construction trades so I have to be on construction sites every day AND I have to carry specialized testing equipment. This new Pilot is an abomination! They have changed it into a station wagon. If you are a Soccer Mom maybe its a better design but as a true "UTILITY VEHICLE" its a joke.

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  Excessive Wind Noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By PG - June 20 - 10:14 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month now. This fluttering noise from the drivers side window is very annoying. This issue is still there after multiple visits to the dealership wasting a lot of time to get a BRAND NEW car fixed. Each time they are able to acknowledge the problem, but are unable to fix it. Honda told me that they did not promise to sell me a defect free car and will not even offer a loaner while a brand new car is in the shop at least once in a week. After owning three Accords before this one, I am very disappointed in Honda. This car is great on mileage and there hasnt been any major mechanical issues.

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  Excessive Wind Noise - 2016 Honda Accord
  By PG - June 20 - 10:14 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a month now. This fluttering noise from the drivers side window is very annoying. This issue is still there after multiple visits to the dealership wasting a lot of time to get a BRAND NEW car fixed. Each time they are able to acknowledge the problem, but are unable to fix it. Honda told me that they did not promise to sell me a defect free car and will not even offer a loaner while a brand new car is in the shop at least once in a week. After owning three Accords before this one, I am very disappointed in Honda. This car is great on mileage and there hasnt been any major mechanical issues.