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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  More than I imagined - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 7 - 1:21 am

  Honda sensing is fantastic!

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  Great for 5 Need more power points - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Gil P. - December 6 - 8:06 pm

  Have driven 18K in a year. From the midwest, have gone to NYC, Chicago, Disney, and many other few hour trip. Awesome vehicle, 2nd one owned, traded in Pilot when family became 5. The use of space is terrific. MPG is as expected. The only downside is the features and innovation have seemed to plateaued. Also, to make space for the Ipod jack, they took away a lighter/power point. This leaves two for the EX-L. And when you have 3 kids, all who want to watch or play some form of entertainment on a 8 hour trip... recipe for fighting. Other than that, Odyssey is the best family vehicle going.

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  Happy in Melbourne - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By captwest - December 5 - 4:00 pm

  Waited 3 mos. to write the review in case of problems and there are none. Crosstour styling is fine with me and it rides great and the interior is extremely comfortable. Traded in the hybrid Insight and my back does not hurt anymore on long trips. Car is heavy, but does not drive like a truck, handles very nicely and has above average acceleration. MPG city has been around 20, highway about 26.

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  No worries - 2001 Honda Civic
  By fremontcivic - December 5 - 1:58 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001 and have only changed tires, oil and wipers. Not a single thing has needed repair on this car. I wrecked a civic SI and bought this car with the insurance check. I drive it very hard and it just wont break. Great car.

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  A good city car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Douglas Lower - December 5 - 1:57 pm

  I drove my car to work every day, and drove it on two long trips. My mpg avg for city with the air on was 34 mpg, 38 mpg with the air off. The mpg readout on the dash display was inaccurate it would show 42 mpg. Mpg was worse on the frwy, do to the high rpm of the engine in 5th gear. My other car an 09 Ford Focus w/auto did better on the frwy 42-45 mpg. I enjoyed the design of the interior, but felt cheap materials let it down. I did not feel safe on the hwy, to jittery and crosswinds threw it. The shifter clicked loudly into 2nd and 4th. The roof panel would sink down when I washed the car, metal to thin. Have a 2nd car for hwy use, use this for city. Headlight illumination not efficient. No satelite radio.

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  front end problem - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Dennis - December 5 - 1:28 pm

  I bought my pilot in September 2009 I traded My pilot 2007 for the 2010. I found problems with the front end, it pulls to the right which I never had a problem with my 2007. Honda needs to recall this vehicle for the front end problem, and they better do it soon before some one gets into an accident.

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  09-10 Pilots Pull to Right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By 59bobster - December 5 - 2:36 am

  While I very much like this SUV, we too have experienced the mysterious pulling to the right noted by other owners. In fact, we noticed it in several 2009s we test drove before eventually purchasing a 2010. Funny thing is, we specifically tested this while test driving and it was either not present or not pronounced enough to be readily noticeable. Our Pilot had just 15 miles on it when we bought so Im wondering if this is something that gets worse with mileage? Just returned from 500 mile round trip on freeways and driving straight requires constant pressure left on steering wheel. Have not returned to dealer yet but given the numerous reports, I doubt its an alignment issue.

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  2000 4dr EX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Monty994 - December 4 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this car new with high hopes of Honda quality. Unfortunately, I am at 160K and on my 3rd transmission. The first died at 95K and was replaced under warranty. The second died at 135K. Honda did contribute towards the trany and it only cost me $500. Otherwise the car has been pretty good. Other than the transmission, I have only had to replace my starter. Some interior dash lights are starting to die, but it is 10yrs old. The size of the trunk is huge and the car is relatively comfortable and has no problem rolling 80mph on the highway. So in short, I am happy, but expected better reliability from Honda

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  What problems? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Christina H. - December 4 - 3:26 pm

  Since the time I purchased my van Ive NEVER had a single problem! When the recall for the transmissions second gear came up I took it in for repair immediately and its run perfectly ever since. No lights came on unexpectedly, doors worked fine every time Ive always kept up with oil changes and yearly tune-ups only invested in new brakes at 95,000 mi. (which was to be expected because I have a tendency to brake hard.)

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  Manual Clutch Needs Overhaul - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kent - December 4 - 12:08 pm

  I bought this car brand new off of the lot back in Aug 2006. I really like this car, is comfortable and fun to drive. The stereo system gets some lame reviews but I find it to be pretty good compared to other cars. That being said watch out for the clutch and shifter. The shifter knob looks destroyed after only 3 yrs and the clutch is weak at best (See below) This is my third manual transmission car and have never experienced this kind of problem.