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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  Dont Think Twice, Its All Right - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FBK - March 3 - 8:16 am

  My end of my lease is nearing. I am unbelievably letting go of my 04 Pilot w/Nav. A tremendous performer on wet, ice, snow, and the occasional stretches of smooth pavement I manage to come across. Reliable to a fault. Predictable and reasonable gas mileage. A great performer on the long haul. More usable space than anything else in its class. Carries an overwhelming amount of cargo. Nothing ever broke. Not even the smallest thing. m replacing it with the 08 Pilot. A no brainer.

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  Broken struts, damaged transmission - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Donkey Kong - March 3 - 5:20 am

  Only 1500 miles on this "truck" and Ive already broken the front struts and damaged the transmission by taking it on a hunting trip. The roads werent terrible -- just rutted mountain logging roads -- but the Ridgeline is now in the shop for an extended stay. I learned one thing: its not a real truck. Dont believe the ads....

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  Beware - 2001 Honda Civic
  By nikkib - March 2 - 6:48 pm

  I bought my cCvic used with 58k and immediately began having problems. First electrical(my headlights stopped working, after i fixed that i had to replace the struts (which were completly shot) at 65k then the wheel bearings, then with only 100k on it the tranny blew. I was lucky and it only cost me 2k for a used tranny. The SRS light is on and the dealership says my airbags dont work, drivers side window motor is starting to go out, the suspension needs a new axle and struts again. I would personally look into buying either a 2000 or older Civic if interested unless you like throwing money away. Great gas mileage and doesnt leak oil yet, knock on wood...

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  Dont worry, I got the bad one - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By rotorfitz - March 2 - 2:00 pm

  Where to start? We have to replace the left sliding door seal since the van whistles like a canary. The CD player forwards constantly and will be replaced also; that part has been "on order" for a month. There is a hard knock at 12 mph that cant be troubleshot. The gas mileage is at best 15 city MPG/23 highway. 9,000 miles on it, easy driving conditions, not hauling a.. all over town. This is my 4th Honda (loved the CRX, Civic, Accord) and the 1st I truly dislike. I know it will not break down on me but....this is annoying.

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  Best Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Rocks - March 2 - 3:20 am

  Traded in my 2000 Odyssey and bought a 2005. The improvements are remarkable especially its quiter cabin, controls, features & the torque+horsepower. Also test driven a 05 Sienna. Didnt get the responsiveness while driving and the interior seemed dull. Steering handling wasnt as impressive either. Took our first trip to Houston, TX and Im looking forward to many road trips in future. My van drove just like a car and kids really enjoyed the trip. We drove almost 440 miles on a full tank. I wish city gas mileage was little better. I wouldnt trade this van for anything else. We have 8 seats too! Looking forward to many years of reliability and fun driving experience. Go Odyssey!!!

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  Great Car But Buy the Extended Warranty - 1998 Honda Accord
  By HappyHoustonOwner - March 2 - 2:00 am

  My first brand new car and I love it! Have had it for 4 1/2 years and am still happy. I really like the way the car feels and handles. A little dissapointed at the reliablity. I have done not only the regular oil changes but all of the extra maintenace that is recommended, and I mean all. Thank God I bought the extended warranty as at 77000 miles the transmission had to be replaced! Was free with warranty but would have cost me $4700.00!!! Ouch!

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  will miss my honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By samehelsaid - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my honda new in 8/98.I was very happy when I got it and still very happy now. its unbleivably reliable. its fun to drive if you cant afford a stonger car, I felt the need for more power on several occasions but hay I cant get a porche. I changed the factory speakers with a polk ones and added a CD changer to enjoy my CDs. now since we just had a baby, a coupe is not convenient at all, Im trying to buy an old SUV but everytime I test drive one I feel how good is my honda and I back off. the moral of the story is " buy it if you cant afford a stronger car and if you know you will not have a baby in the next 5 years "

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  2002 Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  We drive minivans due to our family business and have a lot of experience with them: the Chrysler family (extreme mechanical problems; nice design). Windstar (nice van except for total engine failure), Siennas (on the small side, boring, boring did I say boring). I never thought Id list performance as the reason to buy a van, but the Odyssey has it: 240 strong horses, excellent, intelligent 5-speed automatic and no fade disk brakes front and rear. Even the LX has everything you need as standard equipment. I would rate it a ten overall if it came with better tires.

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  First SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NoMoreMinivan - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Handles nicely, comfortable, and its even good on gas. My wife (a lead foot) loves the performance. The seating is nice, but only the drivers side is powered. The center console in the front is nifty as can be with cell phone holder and extra outlet so you dont have wires everywhere. Paid 1K UNDER sticker.

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  A Lotta Bang For Your Buck - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kashiwa - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought this car, my main two concerns were price and reliability. Everything else would be icing on the cake. Shopping around, I realized that most the cute-utes were comparably priced depending on the model and options; so next up was the "outliving my watch" factor. All reviews, ratings, research, etc. lead to the CRV. I bought it without much worry and have been very pleased. Its not a 6-banger, but I live in Houston where hills are antbite-sized so the power from the i- Vtec remains steady and peppy. Its remarkably spacious and can hold five passengers even if not in complete comfort.