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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  Underwhelmed, poor MPG - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By src - December 4 - 4:10 pm

  We bought Odyssey after driving a 2001 Caravan to 138K miles. The Caravan rode better than the Odyssey and got better mileage. Sorry, but its true. Weve taken a couple of long road trips (3,000+ miles) and the Ody does well, but it does seem louder than it should be and the mileage is very poor. The "3 cylinder" fuel saving pitch is a joke. Why cant it beat my 2001 Caravan in MPG? Im very disappointed in the mileage. My wife an I are Realtors in our 40s and she wanted navigation because the map books are becoming harder to read when getting around. We do like the navigation but it seems to be 2 or 3 years behind in the streets included. Most newer neighborhoods are not in the GPS.

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  Had to let her go - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By knee-dragger777 - December 4 - 2:44 pm

  I thought I would share my experience with this vehicle. I am now leary of Hondas reliability reputation. I bought the car new in 9/01. I put 112k trouble free miles on the motor, but I have replaced the transmission 3 times. Once at 40k, 2nd at 80k, and again at 109k. This is not indicative of Honda reliablity. Each time it was covered under warranty. I have never towed anything(didnt even have a hitch on it) However, I have a feeling the next one wont be and I cant justify paying $2,500 to 3 for vehicle only worth about 6. I had to sell it. Great family car for our "party of 5". My wife was ready to give it away. If you see one of these on the side of the road. Youll know why.

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  One excellent car, Honda Accord 2005 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Province de Québec - December 4 - 5:36 am

  The Honda Accord is really as good as a car can get. The car looks good, good mecanic, easy to drive both in city driving and on highway. The Honda Accord 2005 is very much a good car to own. Ill recommand it. Normand Province de Québec Canada

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  2007 Honda RidgeLine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Truck Guy - December 3 - 10:56 pm

  I have had my 2007 Honda RidgeLine for over a year now and put on close to 19k miles on it. I am extremely pleased with the performance, quality, ride, comfort and extensive flexibility this truck has to offer. Once again Honda has proven that it stands for very high quality and thus its reputation as one of the most reliable and innovative auto manufacturers in the world.

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  honda mini van review - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kathy - December 3 - 3:10 pm

  I love the honda mini van because of its comfort. My moms car is much more bulky and hard to view things [she has an old toyota sienna] Lastly, I got my odyssey a little while ago and have had no problems at ALL Sincerely, Kathy

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  Very Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - December 3 - 1:47 pm

  Purchased at the end of the model year and got about as good of a deal as you can get on a Pilot. Weve owned a few SUVs prior to the Pilot - all were more off-road capable, truck-based SUVs. Bottom line - the Pilot is perfect for us. The car-like handling, fuel consumption and responsiveness trump the abstract notion of off-road capabilities. This a family hauler. After comparing a lot of vehicles, the Pilot had more usable space than anything in its class. The interior is simple, but very nice. Hard to beat in the sub $35k class. Hard to justify additional $8k for MDX.

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  Wouldnt buy another one .. ever - 2005 Honda Civic
  By g mack - December 3 - 9:10 am

  The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, they totally missed on the design and I am a normal size man.Trunk lid leaked from day one due to poor workmanship. The power window on the passegers side didnt work properly and I had to take it to the dealer twice. In general, just very poor construction of an automobile.

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  Worth the investment. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Rivera - December 3 - 8:20 am

  Make sure its, not only to your liking, but more importantly, fits your needs.

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  My most favorite van. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By FX35AWD - December 3 - 3:50 am

  This van is fairly quiet and smooth. There is plenty of passenger room. It has the best looking shape and form in the minivan segment. The handling is much more stable than any SUV I have tested, owned, and/or currently own. This is the perfect vehicle for a family with young children. I highly recommend it. I have sold my Infiniti FX35 to buy this car and I have been happy since.

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  Fun to Ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By chivas12 - December 3 - 1:13 am

  Bought this brand new 07 silver CRV AWD EX . Very Fun to drive. Nice interior design. Very Nice exterior design. Previous car was 03 Accord LX and the CRV has a simlar engine layout. I do most of the minor maintenace myself so its not much of a change from doing maintenace on CRV compared to Accord. Its great they re- designed the way the oil filter is attached as compared to Accord, it is not horizontal, rather vertical, so no messy oil spilling out as much when removing the oil filter. Some say the 4 cylinder is low in power. I dont drive like a nascar driver , but on the freeways, I see no lack of power when power is needed.