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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  3 Days and I am impressed!!!! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By kickaroundkid - May 30 - 10:58 am

  I picked up my Blue (I forget the original name for the color) Honda Accord Sport 3 days ago. I was coming from a 2006 Toyota Camry SE and wasnt looking to trade it in, but the dealer gave me a good sizeable amt on it. After getting in and driving it, its like a dream. The Bluetooth, The Ride, The Seats, The 18in Rims.....the whole Sport Package. And thanks to Big Star Honda in Houston for making the process so much earlier than I thought. I was more inclined to the Mazda 6 (I owned a 2004 Mazda 3, but ran into alot of issues) before considering the Honda, but with everyone in your family with a Honda with a proven record, it was a question of dont take a chance....just go for it.

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  Soooo good, we named it. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By autosavant - May 29 - 4:51 pm

  I brought home my first born from the hospital in my new Honda Pilot. After 200,000 miles in ten reliable years, I must say that it has been a pleasure owning it. "Hans" my daughter named it, the ultimate compliment rides as smooth as it did when first purchased. It would be nice to buy a new car but just cant let go of it to see how far itll go! Many say its a 300K miles automobile.

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  They just keep getting better.... - 2014 Honda Accord
  By treeguybob - May 29 - 3:17 pm

  Our 2014 Accord EX-L Navi is our fourth Accord, and our seventh Honda. So far, this 2014 Accord is the best ever. Superb seats, roomy, quiet, peppy, and an overall resounding ring of quality. In reading other 14 Accord reviews, I note a range of complaints...and well many of these complaints may be well founded, one must recognize the Accord for what it is...for its value. What other car could I buy like this for less than $27K! We have owned several BMWs and other "luxury" vehicles. Most have been a bit nicer than the Accord, but when rating any of them relative to their initial cost and maintenance costs, all fail to remotely compare to the amazing value of the Accord.

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  BEWARE - Take a long test drive before buying one - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By sasi43289 - May 28 - 6:37 pm

  I was excited on purchasing a brand new CRV, but the short test drive did not reveal this crossovers shortcomings. After a month and 2K miles, below are my observations: 1) Harsh/bumpy ride - you feel each and every road crack, unless the road is not freshly laid, the ride is tiresome 2) Too much windnoise - went to the dealer twice, but they mentioned that it is the characteristic of the vehicle. The door seals/insulation is not very good 3) Too much road noise on certain road surfaces 4) The stereo is a joke, my 15 year old second car has better sounding stereo and speakers 5) Seats are not comfortable - lack of thigh support on rear bench and front seat headrests tilt way too forward

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  1st owner & 5 1/2 yrs later I am still happy! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By billybeefcake - May 27 - 1:29 pm

  My wife and I picked out a 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L 5 1/2 years ago with 20 miles on it. We now have just over 73,000 on the vehicle, and we are even more happy now than when we purchased the van because nothing has gone wrong. There has been several recalls such as the brakes, the transmission reprogramming, and cabin noise, but Honda was pretty good (once they acknowledged the issues) at taking care of them. With a fully loaded van (family/cargo) on a flat road I can get 27/28 mpg easily. In town she avg. 18-20 depending on how much a/c we are using. As for us we have had a good experience.

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  1998 Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By teapartynow - May 25 - 10:43 pm

  I bought it used with 100K miles on it in 2013. Well taken care of and serviced. I expect the transmission to last 250K miles. At that point in time parts may be scarce so Ill enjoy it while I can. Do the drain of transmission fluid, not the flush, with 30K intervals. The car is well built and the seats are very comfortable. I have a bad back and Im 6 foot 2 but I can still put in a 12 hour drive non stop and feel OK when I step out. It likes the speed interval 80 to 100 miles per hour on the interstate. Too bad American cars are not this good, or the later Odysseys. There is nothing like it.

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  Fast and Cheap - 2013 Honda Accord
  By alfredf - May 23 - 9:33 pm

  After 8 months of ownership, the title sums it all up. I cannot think of another sedan in this segment, and at this price, that can eclipse the performance of the Accord Sport with the 6-speed manual. Good acceleration, surprisingly high cornering limits and arguably the best shifter this side of BMW. The trade off is a set of truly awful Goodyear Eagle LS 2 tires (loud, no grip in wet, overly stiff), a spartan but functional interior with terrible seat fabric and the cheapest door plastic in the industry. Also did I mention the squeaks and rattles after only 5k miles.

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  Very nice vehicle - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By sgilbert - May 22 - 11:42 pm

  We enjoy the stable roadabiity, quietness, comfortable, supportive seats, roominess, smooth quiet engine. So far, (3700 miles), no squeaks or rattles. Several minor negatives: the ride is a bit "truck like" (not real "supple), and the dash controls are not" intuitive" - took us quite a while to learn how to program things, work the a/c, etc., as the knobs and buttons are not in expected places, nor do they perform the function I expected. We finally have it figured out, but even the huge owners manual lacked "how to" information that produced quick understanding. Gas mileage on a trip at 65 mph often about 30. Even around town usually over 20. V-6 has ample power. Overall, we love it.

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  Best car I have owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lulu29 - May 22 - 9:48 pm

  Bought the my Accord in 2009 with 30k miles, it now has 134k miles. I use it to commute to work. I have never had to do any work other the maintenance. Its fun to drive and gets great mpg. I bought my car from a dealership and its lowered. I love the look and style. Roomy interior to par. I have 2 more payments till its paid for. Im seriously debating to buy another newer Acura or just keep driving this one.

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  Disappointed - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By twintrouble63 - May 22 - 10:07 am

  After driving my van for 6 months now, and several long trips with the grand kids, the 8 passenger seating and 26 mpg rating are the only good things I can say about this purchase. This is the first Honda I have ever owned, and if this is the top of the line product for them, it will probably be the last. The electronic technology is old and outdated. The Navigation system is worthless. The entertainment system is also not up to par. The COOL box has proven to be worthless for keeping things cold and has turned out to be just another storage box. The alarm and remote start are a joke. Overall this van has not lived up to my expectations and I’m very disappointed with this Honda.