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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  No complaints - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By dinosaur - April 19 - 5:34 pm

  Traded up from a CRV and love the Pilot - to sum it up, great value with no weak points.

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  Practical car with hidden benifits - 2005 Honda Element
  By dwillington - April 19 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this car b/c it was inexpensive and seemed practical. I have to admit I was attracted to its styling also. It looked cool. The car has been good to me. The biggest plus I have to say is space. Dont let it fool you, there is a lot of room inside. I was able to move between apartments in 3 trips with this car, fitting beds, desks, etc. It is not for long distance, and is loud at high speeds. It doesnt get too dirty, and has so much room to put stuff, wallets, keys, phone, anything. The mp3 audio port is a great feature. I need something faster and better looking though, so am trading it for Benz/BMW.

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  Just What We Expected - 2007 Honda Element
  By Dave Carroll - April 19 - 3:51 pm

  The day we bought our car we bought a puppy. This is a perfect puppy car. The back door in halves allows us to reach in and giver her a treat wthout the big door hassle. We run around here with the dog or go to Colorado with the dog. It is just right. I have had 14 Lexus cars and SUVs. Why spend the dough? This works and runs like a clock but at half price. Im a fairly tall guy and when it is cold I opt for a hat. This baby has room for me with room to spare. I like the wash down interior. My EX has the higher quality seat covers front and back. Tough durable stuff. I just came from the lumber yard. Didnt even have to pull my trailer. It is a PRACTICAL fun vehicle.

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  What a CAR!!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jason - April 19 - 4:03 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Everything about this ride rocks. There is so much space inside. Everyone should buy one. The interior is incredible. The outside is stylish. The gas mileage is incredible. Whats not to like. Well, I guess the 109 hp engine is the only down side... but, that equals the rocking gas mileage. Buy one... you wont regret it.

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  Nice improvements over 16 model - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By David - April 19 - 2:45 am

  Lots of new tech features over previous model. The darn thing drives itself if there are road center and shoulder lines. Very nice. Ride seems to also be quieter than the 16 model, larger wheels probably help as well. Good value, especially with all the new gadgets. Priced about the same as previous model with many additional features.

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  Honda lies about gas consumption. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Done with Hondas - April 18 - 2:39 pm

  This car is totally horrible on gas. Any decent features are totally overshadowed by its hunger for gasoline. Honda told me a bunch of lies about how the fuel consumption will improve, but I drove it for 3000 miles and dont see any improvements. For the curious, I get on average 10-11 MPG and thats both city and highway driving.

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  Not all happily ever after.... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Laura - April 18 - 2:06 pm

  I commute 120 miles a day, so gas mileage was of paramount importance. I have always owned Hondas and loved them-except for this one. The passenger/driver sun visors have broken 3 times. The paint is blistering and peeling off the bumpers. The windshield is VERY long, prone to cracking and the sun visor will take up what little cargo space there is. The rear child tethers are so close to the seat, you cannot use them. I was informed today the brakes need replacing every 20-25,000 miles since all the 2008 have a new brake system to eliminate braking noise that results in 1/2 the usual brake life. Id rather have the noise...and a different car. $300 every 8 months is pricey.

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  Love my Odessey! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By doragirls - April 18 - 1:24 pm

  It drives great and love all the space it allows! Like most touring buyers the tires are not our favorite thing about the van. But if one does their research they know that the tires are not cheap....$250 a tire. But it does run flat and with kids that could be worth the trouble! Tire company could make up and help with the cost so that we as consumers will not feel cheated! Love my van and love Honda for making a great Mini!

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  2 years, 43,000 miles and no problems. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By FlashRed - April 18 - 8:30 am

  We bought our Odyssey to replace our 01 RAV4. With 2 kids, it was tops on our list. Looked at the other vans, but they did not compare. Ive seen some reviews with people having issues with their 05, but we have had only one, and that was a CD getting stuck in the CD player. Other than that its been perfect. We are averaging 22 miles per gallon. So Im not sure what some on here are expecting from a 244hp 4400lb vehicle. We have absolutely no complaints about the economy of our van. We just love our van.

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  2012 CRV EXL+Navi, oil leak and cant be fixed! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Unhappy Honda owner - April 18 - 12:16 am

  Since it had around 6k miles I saw oil leak under passenger side drive shaft. ( I was changing engine oil thats why I noticed the leak). 1st time took to dealer they changed the whole intermediate half shaft... diagnosis was support bearing was defective. After 6-7 months later same problem came back. Went same dealer and the same exact part was changed again. Another 7 months or so...same oil leak. This time I went other dealership and they diagnosed same problem...changed the same part 3rd time. Last week I decided to go under car and look again. The same leak is there... My bumper-to-bumper warranty is over, but still have power train warranty left for another year.... I complained Honda Corporate and they sent their regional mechanic to check the problem and diagnosed...No "major" problem???? Oil leak on a brand new vehicle and not a No major problem??? They said it is leaking an extra oil from bearing... and eventually will stop. Really???I think it is a lemon that I had to adders which I didnt do anything... when it was under 3yr/36month warranty...now I have to live with. Now People, tell me how this brand is so reliable... that it leaks oil and cant be fixed? It has OK ride but the best Fuel economy we get is around 23-24 MPG. Never was able to go what they claimed 27MPG average. My last Honda Product!