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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  Our Odyssey Journey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SoSoOdyssey - April 8 - 7:09 pm

  We were on the market for a minivan (replace 97 Mercury Villager) in 2003, and set to Odyssey since Sienna was redesigned and hot (months of waiting just like Odyssey few months ago). We got good price on the LX ($300 below invoice). The first month the van was back to dealership twice for both front struts. Few months later, the AC was broken, then the clock light. Last month, the engine speed went up and down (between 2000 to 4000) while idling. The dealer replaced the idle control unit. The rear brakes always make noise, but the dealer says it is normal. We now have 23k m on the van, it has been in shop SEVEN(7) times. We have never had any problem with our Toyotas and the Villager.

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  mixedemotions - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ahondaluvr - April 8 - 10:00 am

  very capable machine. Ive owned hondas for 15 years and it is every bit the quality and reliability that you expect from honda. been in shop twice, both for minor recalls. No malfunctions AT ALL. The killer is the seats. So uncomfortable that I can barely walk after my long trips (see annual milage). Wish I could stand to drive because everything else is perfect.

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  Disappointed in my 5th Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Potterybuy - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th honda and it will likelybe my last! The quality has steadily declined. The leather seats sag and Honda is unconcerned! The interior plastic the use is so easily dented that the seat belt retractor has dented the door post repeatedly. There are numerous raddles and ticking noises. The gas mileage is around 16MPG which is below expectations. I think the changes the name on the old Honda quality to Acura and they dont care about their original brand!

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  Honda CR-V LX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By BeauxArts - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After 4 months of ownership, I am dissapointed to have two recalls. Along with that, my rear hatch activatior is weak and needs to be replaced. My previous car I had for 10 years, with nary a recall. I shutter to think what other recalls are down the line.

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  Its ok...read and youll see why - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom who loves anything with 4 wheels - April 6 - 8:49 pm

  Been a Honda/Acura owner many times over. Acura RDX, 2 Accords, Civics, Pilot..so, I know my Hondas. And usually Im very, very happy with my purchase. So, after having second baby I decide a mini van would be a helpful choice as I am petite and loading a car seat would be much easier. At the time I had a fully loaded 2015 Nissan Platinum & had to be on my tip toes to put the car seat in. I looked at Toyota & Honda to compare and went with the Honda. Of course. I do like the overall appearance of the OD but was a little worried about not having AWD for CT winters. Anyways, Ive had it for 9 months now and feel I can write this review fairly. After leasing, which Im glad I did. I was actually excited to get it home. So, here are my pros and cons. The pros-the space! It is truly amazing how much you can fit in the van..grocery store/whole sale club kids, dog, strollers..I will give it that! Gas mileage is on point!! Another plus!! And ease for a three year old to climb in and enjoys the big windows and auto doors! The 3rd row is very roomy and comfy for adults!! The cons, no AWD..come on Honda (that is why I was looking at Toyota) Awful entertainment/console with pairing with iPhone, extremely frustrating when driving to operate, from changing songs to phone calls, and Im on my game with tech. Cant move seat to get to third row/so you have remove and store to get to 3rd...that commercial on tv is so right! Creaking tailgate, annoying tailgate alarm...that you cant shut off/the whole neighborhood hears you when you get home late at night! Acceraleration-when needing to move, it bucks. Definitely not a smooth transition. Height position of driver seat-when my husband drives feels like hes way too high and head is close to the ceiling. Minimal alert when low on gas, it beeps once (kids talking, music on-you wont hear it) and if you miss it...only your common sense will let you know how low you really are. Basically meaning if you look down and its orange..god only knows how long its been on. And then when you get gas and click(S) the cap like your suppose to sometimes an alert will stay on. The back up camera is awful on so many levels..one thing Nissan has is that 360 degree camera which should be standard on every car on the planet! Actually beeps when getting close to something. I actually have to open my honda door get out and look..eye roll. I actually could go on..but, Im going to stop. Im rating it a 3 stars because the overall day to day stuff gets under your skin & quick. And that overrides my decision. Ive kinda been bummed for the past few months with our choice. So, if you need space this is it. But, if your thinking of getting a mini van loaded go with the touring. As the lesser trim levels are not so good, well for us. We have the EX-L & back in the day of the old trim levels EX-L didnt exist/but, now its just an upgrade of leather. If you need roof racks you have to get the touring, if you want charging tools for your company in 3rd, you have to get the touring. Where Im going with this...is..for the price you can get a loaded AWD/4x4 Platinum with wayyyy more stuff in it-then a kid wagon. Step up your game Honda-this mini is boring and that overhaul is taking wayyyy too long!! I think Nissan will be getting our business next time around. I do miss my platinum amazing snow handling 2 wheel, AWD and a 4x4, unbelievable access to the 3rd row with car seats in, heated seats in both rows, double moon roofs, storage, off the chart nav, iPhone, 360 cam, all accessible from steering wheel, alarms when carts, people and stuff behind you, gas mileage, the works! Come on baby, turn front facing so mama can get back to an SUV!

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  Satisfied but not overwhelmed - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bangzoom - April 4 - 6:38 pm

  Purchased new in Feb 2001. Has 73K miles. No major problems, replaced brakes @ 45K. Power Doors stick periodically and warning buzzer alarm goes off occasionally when hitting a bump in the road and wont turn off unless you stop, open and close the doors to reset. Dealer has attempted several times to fix and has not been able. Annoying wind noise over 65mph also can not be fixed by dealer. Light in clock went out @ 37K, and dealer wanted $300 to replace. Ill go timeless at night thank you. Disappointing gas mileage around town (15-16mpg). No breakdowns or major repairs. Overall I am satisfied.

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  Great performance, horrible customer service. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Edder Alcantar - April 1 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased this car a few months ago. Super smooth, great performance, and great design. Purchased the car brand new. AC did not work since day one. Honda tried to repair this issue three times without luck. The lane assist camera goes off every once in a while. Tire pressure sensor needs calibration often. The car is considered a lemon, but Honda ignores my calls. I have left voicemails to various managers without any luck. No call backs, no resolution. I purchased this car to avoid the hassle of repairs, maintenance, etc, but this car has been faulty since day one.

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  It has been an Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mike - April 1 - 11:20 am

  Before buying, we researched many vans and this came up on top in all. But after mystery electrical issues that have left us stranded 3x and having to replace all four tires after 18000 miles (at Hondas expense) makes me concerned for what the next 18000 miles will bring. It is a very comfortable van, nice features dont get me wrong. Fuel economy should be better, option for non-run flat tires should be there, and maybe the weight of the tires contribute to the lower mpg than even my brother in laws EX-L. Handles very well and VCM is unnoticeable.

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  Transmission problems on Civic HX model - 1999 Honda Civic
  By stacy - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new HX in 99. Today with 32k miles its been in the shop 5x w/ transmission failure. The CVT tranmission has been replaced 2x and has been flushed out 3x. Honda cant fix it, every 6000-8000 miles it fails. At an intersection when the light turned green it went into reverse when it was in DRIVE. On the free-way it jerks when it changes gears. A CVT trans is supposed to have smooth gear shifting. The new 03 HX has the same CVT transmission. A Honda service advisor said these problems are starting to show up around the country with the HX. There is no fix, Honda engineers are going to ponder over it and get back to me.

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  Dependable - 1993 Honda Accord
  By 1989 Mark 7 - March 31 - 1:24 am

  Love my car. (Yes I do own a lot of cars) Very dependable, nearly 181,000 miles on the odometer. Over these past 12 years Ive replaced my timing-belt ($310 bucks!!!!!) Moonroof motor ($799.99!!!!) But shes running strong.