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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  2014 Honda CRV Disaster - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By David Faux - March 26 - 10:36 am

  This was our 4th Honda automobile. It was also our last. This model was extremely noisy, rough riding and technologically insufficient. The navigation system was not user friendly and in fact our salesman couldnt show us how to use it. Very poor quality compared to previous years. Traded it for a 2015 Ford Edge. Bye, bye Honda.

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  My 2005 CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Francis - March 24 - 10:25 pm

  I wanted to purchase the EX version but instead purchased the LX AWD to save the 2K, big mistake. In addition to the obvious enhancements offered by the EX trim line, the seats were even more comfortable due to the better fabric used. Plus, I missed the sunroof, tinted windows and nice alloy wheels only used in the EX trim line. Otherwise, my LX-AWD was a good performer. Avg city/hwy mileage 22 mpg.

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  Not impressed! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By New Mom - March 23 - 5:03 am

  We researched minivans for a year, hands down everyone said you cant go wrong with the Odyssey. Boy we we wrong. We have been in three times for the front bumber that was incorrect from the start because a clip was broken. We are still waiting for the new part. Then we have been in four times for the driver-side sliding door, which will not close unless the driver -side doors is open. Now we found out that the power steering pump is going and needs to be replaced. Our car only has 5,500 miles on it. A power steering pump should not go on a car that new. Also, I have been waiting two weeks for the new part to come in.

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  Tan LX - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Buttercup - March 21 - 12:42 pm

  Problems with suspension - wont stay aligned. Problems with computer that dealer cant diagnose... Car is rather underpowered, but gets great gas mileage. Problems with servicing, but this is dealer specific. Went to Honda consumer support with complaint and got no help - sided with dealer (computer problem issue).

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  Silver Coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Silver LX - March 21 - 12:33 pm

  Good on gas mileage, but under-powered. Interior features are average and seats are somewhat uncomfortable. No provisions to carry a full-size spare tire. Overall a nice daily-driver.

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  Incredibly Disappointed - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Former Civic Lover - March 19 - 4:20 pm

  I got this car when my 2001 Civic EX coupe was totaled- I loved that car. I hate the new one. Terrible visibility due to blind spots, both in back of car and front- cant merge, or see pedestrians trying to cross the street. I thought I would get used to it, but no- even large SUVs have been in my blind spot in the interstate. The interior of the car is cheap- tons of scratches and Im very careful. The paint is awful- tons of dings and scratches, and I live in the city- the car looks worse after 6 months than my 2001 Civic did after 6 years. Floor mats are the cheapest things ever- why the foam backing? I miss my old car so much, Im thinking of trading my 07 for an 01!

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  Beware of the droning sound! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By sm68 - March 18 - 12:13 am

  Deeply disappointed in this car. There is a loud droning sound at 2,100 RPM (sounds like a lawnmower). It is loud and gives a headache after a while. I have already taken the car to the dealership several times in 1 year - got the audio system replaced, brakepads replaced, fixed a whistling sound coming from the windshield at high speeds. Wonder what else is coming after the warranty runs out. Wouldnt buy it again!!

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  horrible engine - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lee Malone - March 17 - 11:30 am

  looking at having a 3rd engine installed with only 24,000 miles and they say my warranty wont cover it.

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  Great gas mileage - 2002 Honda Civic
  By manny - March 16 - 10:02 pm

  Its a great car on reliability and gas mileage. I was a little disapointed on the interior. It looks good, but there is a lot of plastic parts on the dash and door panels and after a while they get loose and rattle. It also needs more power, if you have more than two people in the car its really hard to get it going, especally on the freeway.

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  noisy and bouncy, bad transmission - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By David Fass - March 16 - 10:04 am

  Ive had this 2016 Odyssey EX for a couple weeks, my first minivan. Frankly, I am really surprised at how harsh and jittery the ride is. I think "busy" is how it can best be described. The wind and road noise is bad enough, but why in a vehicle this large do I feel like Im bouncing down the road in a Toyota Yaris? Every road imperfection is transmitted to the cabin. I understand that people like a car to have some road feel, but do I need to know about every single 2cm crack and smidgen of gravel? What a frustration! Why would anyone want so much vibration transmitted to a vehicle that is principally used for hauling children? Why? Why? The van came from the dealer with tires over-inflated to 40+, so I reduced them to recommended pressure, but to no noticeable difference in ride quality. I am really surprised and upset that this is the best tire/suspension setup the geniuses at Honda were able to come up with. My 2012 Camry has a much more comfortable highway ride without feeling at all floaty. Im surprised that the professional reviews of the Odyssey so seldom mention its terrible ride quality. Is it just that everyone has gotten used to it? Ugh. So I really have to warn you people who are still shopping... if you are planning to take any long trips, make sure you THOROUGHLY test the highway ride of this Odyssey against the Sienna and Sedona (as I did not). I dont mean take a test ride on the highway for a cursory 3 minutes --- I mean take it out for at least 20 minutes on both smooth and rough highway. Pay attention to what you are feeling, and imagine feeling that for a 3-hour drive. You have been warned! If I were to do it again, I would seriously consider the Sienna. Also, the transmission. I dont know. It doesnt let the vehicle coast. If you get stuck are in traffic and you want to coast a little while until traffic stops again, the transmission wont let you. It will slow the car down to a stop. So you need to keep your foot on the gas to keep the car going at 5mph. Why? Who knows? Is this why Odyssey transmissions seem to die early? I dont know. Do I sound like I am happy with this purchase? In summary, yes, the Odyssey is car-like to drive. And thats what my wife wanted. And maybe thats all you need if you are driving it to the local school and playground. But for driving on the highway? Ugh. I think you will want something else!