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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  First Review - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By JstBghtIt - April 11 - 2:08 pm

  I just bought this from a dealer for gas savings and family purpose. I have not a chance to do anything to it yet but only to drive it. So far, its been an excellent ride. Ill be replacing all the fluids out of it and if needed give it a tune up. Ill be back for second review maybe after six months or so.

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  What in the World? - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lori - April 11 - 2:04 am

  Junk junk, junk just changing the radio station is dangerous. The engine knocks when I turn corners. My rear window will not go down. When I put the car in park it slides several feet forward or back. I have to use the emergency brake every time I park even on flat roads. The gear fobs on the steering wheel are a mystery to me. I could be on a freeway going 75 and accidentally hit one of those and my car downshifts into D6. Very dangerous. I cant seem to shift back unless i look down and desperatly get it back into drive. I do not know how to bypass that feature even looking at my owners manual. My car is always dinging. Why? I cant get that to stop. My drive button is no longer readable the plastic has worn off. My exceleration is a total joke. I have to put the gas pedal to the metal just to get it to go. The windows fog up instantly making it hard to see. I need to blast the defroster or pull over till I can see. I used to have the old pilot and I wish I would have kept it. I am sure there is more that I have problems with. We are looking to a another car company to trade in this piece of crap. Actually running. Over priced and worthless. On another note, I have mentioned these to the dealership and they just say that it is user error and they have had no complaints.

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  mpgs - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jb - April 10 - 8:22 pm

  Now that gas is 3.50 my 2001 suburban that gets 11 mpg sits in the driveway I bought the 97 civic from a dealer with 178,000 on it after I week the MPG were 36/40 all the sudden it ran like crap went to the auto parts store and 65.00 later and 15 minutes it was tuned up. It runs perfect and when I checked the MPG I was shocked. 80 on the highway and city driving hard like it was a v8 90% city 10% on the highway my MPG were averaging 43 mpg (The suburban was costing me 120 a week in gas at 3.00/gal) I am so happy with it we bought my wife a 2002 civic and she loves it.

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  One Awesome Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Vols Fan - April 10 - 8:14 pm

  I have now owned this vehicle since new- -4 years and 60,000 miles--still on the original tires. Best vehicle I have ever owned. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Plenty of room in the backseat for my two teenage boys when we travel. I am looking for another in a different color for my wife!

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  Odyssey 2002 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By penny shanley - April 10 - 7:32 pm

  The transmission on this vehicle is not better than the 1st generation of the Odyssey, in fact, they are worse. Honda quality is way way overrated. I think I will become a Toyota customer.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Matt - April 10 - 5:01 pm

  I bought this car exactly one year ago today and I havent been anything but completely happy. The interior quality is absolutely amazing, the carpet is plush and the fabric on the seats is extremely durable and comfy. The dashboard still looks like new, no fading or cracking at all. Even at 80 MPH, there is not a single squeak or rattle from anything. Ive had no troubles with the engine at all, its got plenty of HP and pickup, and cruises at 70 with no problem. Ive had to do nothing but regular maintenance. Oil changed every 7500K. Ive replaced a thermostat and muffler, all normal-wear things. I look forward to many more years of extreme reliability from my favorite Honda!

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  Belt noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pdoff - April 10 - 4:28 pm

  Would like to write a review, unfortunately, the car was been in repairs since I bought it. Heard squeaking like a fan belt slipping on day one. Returned it to dealer and they started replacing parts, (belt tensioner, alternator). Seems like they are just guessing. Tomorrow is day three and maybe will get it back then, maybe not. Fourth new Honda, third in 8 years. Will see how dealer/ Honda handles it. So far obviously not impressed. Performance and fuel economy are guesses, less than 100 miles on it. Fun to drive, its a practicable conveyance or should be.

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  Great Used Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Throckmorton - April 10 - 4:09 pm

  I bought the van last year as a certified used with under 36K miles. I bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty. There have been several small issues with the car. The brakes made some noise and there was a squeak coming from the back. I had to bring the car in twice to get the issues fixed (road with the head of service the 2nd go round), but overall Im very satisfied with this car. I did just have to put a new battery in it, but the car is over 4 years old. It rides great and I find it extremely comfortable on long trips (what others call stiff, I think is support). Ive bought nothing but Honda/Acura over the last 14 years and this purchase will strengthen my loyalty.

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  Honda has lost its superior service - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Stephanie - April 10 - 1:51 pm

  The transmission just went out on our vehicle with a price tag of $5100.00. There are documented transmission problems in the odyssey and the price tag is very excessive. We have done all scheduled maintenance and taken great care of the van. We have also had several electrical problems which have proven to be an enigma to Honda. My 2 year old was locked in the car in the heat of the summer due to locking problems with the car. Of course it took several months to prove to the dealer that there was indeed a problem. We have been loyal Honda/Acura drivers but are absolutely done with American Honda. Do not be taken advantage of by the high price tags assurance of superior service.

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  Great Car inside and out - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ph - April 10 - 9:30 am

  I have owned a civic before and decided to by another one and I have to say this is the most spacious interior on a compact car Ive seen. Both in the front and back there is enough room to be seated comfortably.The exterior is sporty and has unique features that bring life to the car. The materials on the inside and mesh well in order to give the the car a unique inside as well. the electronics are simple and top of the line. the digital speedometer and blue radio display are beautiful when lit at night and are easy the eyes. the steering wheel is also cormfortable and the brakes are smooth. There arent blind spots due the large windshield.