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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  Pulls to the right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Agent K - February 25 - 8:46 pm

  Well, I read the reviews and was aware of the possible "pulling to the right". The 2 Pilots I test drove did not have this problem. Unfortunately, I was not able to test drive the one we actually bought...left that to the wife who said she didnt notice it even though I said to really look for it. Well, when I finally got to drive it several days later, I notice the pulling to the right big time. How she didnt notice this is beyond me (dont get me started). I didnt notice it on higher speeds (60 and over), but noticeable at 40 and under. Brought it back to the dealer and they did an alignment and it does seem better now although higher speeds now seem a bit worse (but acceptable).

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  great value - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By petras - February 24 - 4:44 pm

  base lx well equipped, comfortable ride, good handling, great for road trips, lots of storage space, strong and reasonably fuel efficient engine, no reliability issues yet... unless you need a rwd suv for towing, this is definitely a better "bang for the buck"

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  Disappointed by Mileage - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By SteveinPA - February 24 - 11:32 am

  Bought new EX-L 4wd 2 mos ago. Was a compromise-- basically bought it because it was a foot shorter than other 7-8 seaters (Traverse, CX-9) so much better fit in garage. And I have had good experience with Hondas. I had a CRV previously and got the epa highway milage in my mixed driving, so I was hoping for the same with the pilot. Unfortunately I have been averaging 17 mpg, less than the 18 epa figure for mixed driving. This is the same engine they have in the v-6 accord, so they know how to tune it for better mileage, unfortunately it seems the engine is too small for such a large vehicle and must be tuned to suck gas to make the vehicle go. Acceleration is slow in any event.

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  Nice and comfy minivan! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Ced - February 23 - 9:04 pm

  1st Honda automobile ever!,traded in my 03 Toyota Sienna CE for a 2007 Odyssey EX-Leather with DVD and were really satisfied with it.I was just thinking of buying the one with leather seats without dvd and Im glad I listened to my wife to get the one with rear entertainment.I have two boys that always asked, "ARE WE THERE YET?,so now wherever we go ,we just play cartoon movies and theyre just quiet back there.If you have kids,get the one with dvd,it really help.I heard lot of comments about road noise on this van and you know what,I dont know a car out there that you cant hear any road noise,come on! youre on the road,If you dont want to hear any road noise, then dont drive it.

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  Bought when first released - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MAD - February 23 - 6:13 pm

  I got my Ridgeline in April of 05 when they were first released. I was driving an 04 Acura TSX and loved it, but needed more utility, and certainly got it! Love the "regular" opening rear doors, split folding rear seats, trunk, bed extender, bed lights, multi- opening tailgate, power, 4wd. Much more useful truck than my 01 Silverado with the "suicide" rear half doors and non-split folding rear seat somewhat better gas mileage. I stopped commuting a couple of years ago so havent racked up the miles like I used to, but no issues other than the [common] one below. A great car/truck/suv all rolled into one!

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  2006 Honda Touring - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By HohumHonda - February 22 - 9:06 pm

  This was my first Honda purchase and will be my last. I spent an extra $7000 over the Town and Country, expecting to get better quality, but was disappointed at the nagging problems: too much interior noise, poor quality sound system, funny sounds at low engine speeds, poor braking distance, sliding door problems, moulding strips came loose, overrated gas mileage (I never got more 18 mpg). BEWARE, this car handles terribly in wet/cold conditions. My wife cant make it up the driveway. Worst of all, Michelin PAX tires cost $350 each to replace and only last 25,000 mi. This car is too expensive to maintain down the road and cost too much up front for the Honda name. I traded for the Enclave

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  2 foot of snow and all is well - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By moch - February 21 - 8:06 pm

  AWD 5spd made it over 2ft of snow with no issues (and a good set of tires). Towing up to 2000lbs has not been an issue. Car is used hard but serviced well 82000 miles and no problems.

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  Poor Fitting Rear Pannels - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 11727 - February 21 - 6:13 pm

  I pretty much like the car. However It is not as trouble free as it should be. This review is mixed with good and bad. The good, nice styling, nice interior. Reasonable performance even with the 4 Cyl. The bad, had to be trucked to dealer on Monday at 4,500 miles. Got it back on Friday. So far it is working properly, so hopefully the trouble may be in the past. However the fit of the upper rear interior door panels is terrible. They dont fit. And arent even the same on both doors. I was told by the service rep. that they are all like this. Also there is a injection mold mark, hole, in the deck behind the rear seat. Also told they are all like this. Rear brakes are wearing out prematurely.

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  Horrible fuel economy - 2009 Honda Civic
  By rich6139 - February 21 - 8:38 am

  I have owned 2 previous Honda Civics in the past 14 years. Got a 2009 Civic recently, and it is getting horrible fuel economy. This one is only getting average of 24 MPG, whereas my previous Civics got 36 MPG. American Honda says there is nothing wrong with the car, so now I am stuck with a gas guzzzler car. NO MORE HONDAS FOR ME EVER AGAIN !!!!!

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  the right suv - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By mrbx4 - February 21 - 5:53 am

  this vehicle is exactly what its supposed to be!! A comfortable family SUV with Honda reliable reputation. Picked it from Dealership in NY and drove right to VA on business trip. Highway Mileage was 22MPG driving 70 MPH. THis car did not pull to the right which i have read in other reviews Will take some time to learn all the features of the Nav. Overall it wasnt that difficult. Coming from a Audi Q7. Honda doesnt compare in handling or performance, but the difference in price on a lease is well in favor of the Honda. I recommend the Honda for what it is.