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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  Reliable Convience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By seast9 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van used with 70k miles, currently we are 110k miles. In that time there have been no unscheduled repairs. I will note, upon the test drive, the DVD player did not work, the dealer paid for the repair (~$600). The ride and handling are superior to any other minivan I have ever owned or driven. The build quality is also top notch. We specifically avoided the Touring model because of the PAX tires ($$). The EX- L provides nearly all the same amenities as the Touring model. The entertainment system with wireless headphones is a great systems for those of us with small children. The transmission is starting to show signs of wear, but increased fluid changes solve that.

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  The Real Swagger Wagon - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Bulldog - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Wife always wanted a van and from the moment we saw the 2011 model we new that this would be the one. Purchased white/beige leather and had a super smooth transaction at Bluegrass Honda in Paducah, KY. Love the exterior and we have been very impressed with the interior too. Front dash button are intuitive the RES is amazing . Only problem is my son completely disappears into DVD land once he enters the van. Very impressed with the ride and quietness. Sitting lower give a noticeable tightness around corners. My only gripe that the beige leather interior is insanely predisposed to looking dingy. Front seat bottom is black from our clothes! Concerned how well this will age with kids.

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  2011 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 8Pack - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased an 11 Touring on Oct 16. Primary reason was the van has the best seating and gas mileage of all vans on the market. We have 6 kids, so we needed 6 real seats. Dodge/Chrysler/VW only offer 7 passenger seating, Toyota claims 8 but it more like 7 1/2. We also needed 4 latch positions. All above mentioned makes only offer 3, while Honda offers 5. We use all 3 latch positions in the 2nd row. Very handy. We use one latch position in the 3rd row (in the center, utilizing the inside latch of each of the outboard seats). The 2 outboard 3rd row positions we have booster seats. All of this fits, so we were sold. This is our first Honda. We like the looks in and out. The handling is great.

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  The first month - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By rjka800 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. We traded our 02 Odyssey EX-L for the upgraded 2011. We wanted rear entertainment and navigation so we had to get the Touring model, which we enjoy. The fact that we couldnt get an EX- L with both of these features was a bit annoying, as you can get either or, but not both (Honda may be getting a little too high-brow). It drives great and handles well, and is noticeably quieter than our 02 version. The rear folding seats stow easily, so the fact that they are not powered is un-noticed. Overall is is a vastly improved version (02 to 11 anyway) of a great mini-van.

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  Not So Mini! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Shan - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Extremely impressed so far. You have to check the inside out to believe it. They have really nailed this one. We traded a GMC Yukon SLT and it feels just as large.

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  Easy 50 mpg - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dtl - October 24 - 2:00 am

  How can US gov. can rate this hybrid gas electric at 40 mpg? I easily get 50 mpg with guidance from the built in monitors. Prius owners ask how is the mileage and have expressed that they are not happy with their mileage. I think this vehicle will be great for Teenagers as it teaches you how to drive efficiently and rewards you for doing so. The seats are completely adjustable and very comfortable. I chose this vehicle for mileage, styling, and the fact that it has 1 cubic foot more storage space in the back than the Civic.

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  Love the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Harold - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V is fun to drive and has plenty of power. It has great visibility which makes in town driving and parking a breeze. Not a single problem in the first 30,000 miles. MPG is 24 around town and almost 30 on the road.

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  I love this car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By John - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun you are ever going to have in a small coupe -- and its stick only so you really have to drive it -- no easy peasy automatic transmission for real drivers. 200 hp in a light weight small car means your power to weight ratio is obscene. And when you floor the throttle in mid gear it takes off like a rocket, but sticks to the road like glue in the corners. Now if they would just make a convertible.

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  2011 Pilot, Lx Black - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By sa - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own, very fun to drive excellent road handling, very quite &smooth ride, excellent acceleration, very powerful among cars in highway, all instruments are within reach, mostly highway miles so far (with distances of 300 + miles average 19-21 mpg ( ecomode is great, ( once average 55 mpg on a down hill ( at least for 1/2 mile, just thought I can share that :)), owned a pilot exl 2004 but this one just great, for crossover lx gives many extras with lot of space, (I added chrome side bars, starter, fog lights, all season mats, roof rack) in black color lx looks great, (if you dont want to spend too much initially lx is the way to go), many extras from Honda to add (light int/wood trim, steel trim

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Eppsinic - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda civic 1.7 liter now for more than a year. This car is not just comfy and looks slick but has amazing gas mileage. My average mileage is 39 miles to the gallon.I have put almost 30,000 miles on it in a single year and doesnt drive any different then when I bought it.