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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  Honda civc LX sedan auto wasnt a mistake - 1999 Honda Civic
  By omar_eita - July 6 - 12:33 am

  keep in mind the car is cheap its not a bmw or Mercedes I was a senior in high-school when i got this car I really needed a car for my work rides and college. NC doesnt have public transportation. I bought this car 2008 it had 110k on it now it has 140k on it and i absolutely dont regret buying it i only spent money on normal maintenance. it drives really nice and the interior compared to similar cars in it is class is far better i dont think there is a car that can beat that civic 1999-2000 too bad though they had it for 2 years. Im giving this one to my younger brother since he will need it soon too.

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  The interior - lack comfort - 2010 Honda Civic
  By allahakbar - July 4 - 5:53 pm

  From interior it doesnt look like a 2010 car!! We regret to have chosen this car over Toyota! It lacks interior comfort when 1. you dont see a cofee cup holder for any passenger sitting at back. What you expect to do with a water bottle or a coffe mug?? hold in your hand all the time? Just ridiculous. 2. Selling car in Saskatoon where cold temp falls to -40 you dont see a 2010 car (Honda) a temperature gauge! How cheap!! Even a Toyota Corola 1998 has a digital temperature guage!! I say it is unbelievalbly cheap not to have temp guage in Honda (2010) selling in Canada!! 3. There are two cup holder in but you cant use cup holders if you slide the tray out!! Bad design.

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  Navigation is worthless without traffic. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By shof - June 29 - 5:53 pm

  Spending extra to get a car with all the bells and whisles it was very disapointing to find out the navigation system is unable to give traffic avoidence. Even with the XM radio traffic subscription. If they do not provide a way to fix. It will be my last honda. And to think I could have bought the base model, and a Tom Tom or Nuvi, like I have in my other car that does it all for $200. And saved 5 to 10 grand.

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  180 miles in ... so far... OK.. slightly pricier than competition - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By ambitiousone - June 29 - 2:25 am

  I recently bought a 2011 CR-V SE AWD. For family and economical reasons, it seem to fit the bill and better than its competition. Beware of what want though. Some items you might want are only available in the top of the line model - EX/EX-L. Very disappointing that (although easier for consumers in a simplified menu), the trim packages are inflexible. You can only get bluetooth with Navigation, and Navigation is only available on the EX-L model. You dont even get the storage shelf in the back with LX/SE models. It definitely is down on power. But that is a little unfair as Im coming from a 2007 S2000. At least my SE has 6-cds, and can play MP3s.

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  150K and still drives like new - 2000 Honda Accord
  By gjken - June 25 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car new in 2000 and it is definately without question the best car that I have ever owned. The most expensive part of owning this car is tire replacement. I am currently on my 4th set. I do oil changes at 3K, changed out the O2 sensors at 100K, replaced the battery twice, timing belt and F/R brakes at 105K, had refrigerant added at 105K, flushed the antifreeze twice, brake fluid changed three times, transmission oil changed 3 times (manual 5 speed), recently had a ball joint replaced. Replaced the wires/plugs at 105K. Currently have 150K on this car and expect that it will easily go another 150K without any major problems.

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  Old Reliable - 1991 Honda Accord
  By aggro - June 24 - 12:52 pm

  My Accord has over 220,000 miles on it, and is still going strong! This car has been handed down and taking several beatings, but shes a sturdy ride. Decent on gas, and the most reliable car ever. Go, Honda!

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  air conditioning problems? - 2011 Honda Fit
  By jerdude73 - June 21 - 1:08 pm

  is it me or is mine the only one that the air conditioner compressor goes on and off while the a/c is on. you notice a huge difference in the temperature. the dealer said that this is normal after checking out my car. they tried getting the moisture out of the unit but it still does this. is this normal? and gas mileage is actually running about 28mpg combined. not as good as i expected

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  33 month check-in - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite888 - June 20 - 1:18 pm

  I have approximately 31,000 miles on the car. The car has not given me any problems other than a loud squeak when coming to a full stop. I took this into the dealer and I think there was a TSB or something else on it...had to do with the exhaust or something. Other than this, i am satisfied with the ride. Fuel economy is around 25 highway going 70+ mph, around 18-19 in stop and go city.

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  Not as great as I had hoped - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By slosoosie - June 16 - 10:27 pm

  I have had my CRV nearly a year. I am disappointed with the gas mileage and the lack of acceleration (mushy). I read the other Edmunds reviews and dont see really any other complaints on this - but I dont think that its right. I mentioned to dealer and they couldnt find a problem. Anyway. I like this vehicle. My other Honda is a 91 Accord coupe and frankly I think the 91 is better made and certainly gets better milage with 180 K on it. When I bought the CRV I thought it would last too, but I am not so sure. It is pretty but it just doesnt perform as expected on the highway. Maybe I will trade in for a different model.

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  Better than expected - 2011 Honda Accord
  By rich_c4 - June 16 - 4:42 pm

  I have driven this car nearly 7k miles so far and it has been great! very stable on the highway and easy to get around town. Long road trips are easy and the interior is just the right amount of form and funtion.