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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  Pascuals review - 2004 Honda Accord
  By pascual876 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Great ride no matter what the weather and situation, great handling, pickup, and braking.

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  niiiiiiiice - 2004 Honda Accord
  By itisaemily - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Im in college, and this is the first new car i got and i love it! it was affordable and satisfying. The car is quiet with PLENTY of cup holders. The exterior design is nice, and the interior is a little sporty but also elegant. I really like it. I like my car color (graphite pearl) a lot too! i recommend it.

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  Perfection? Almost! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By The Lilodian - April 5 - 7:00 pm

  Mind blowing upgrade from 07 Civic EX w/ Navi ! Driving experience amply luxurious. Road clearance great, car feels solid and sturdy. Cabin really comfy + quiet, even on highways, roomy (IÂ’m 6ft 180 lbs). Engine a bit slow from stop but catches up fast. Tech gadgets intuitive + useful, but not flawless (IÂ’m an engineer; I know). Unique sporty styling (esp. front grille) has turned heads and incited inquiries. Fit and finish (esp. interior) great. IÂ’m sure long drives will be enjoyable. Mileage as advertised 1st tank 17.5 mpg (mostly city) Bottom line: Great value, comfort + goodies justify cost. Awesome family car, but also sporty + technologically advanced to appeal to young single guy (me

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  If one must own a minivan, the Odyssey is great - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Scott - April 5 - 6:05 pm

  My wife and I swore that we would never own a minivan. Then she became pregnant with our fourth child. Combine that with the complexities of the car lines at the kids’ schools, and poof, we went from being cool kids to owning not just one but two 2018 Odyssey Elites. I previously owned a 2017 Lexus LX 570 and she owned a 2016 Volvo XC 90. Needless to say, we were pretty happy with our former vehicles. But sometimes things happen in life that cause needs and priorities to change. We went with the Odyssey primarily because the magic slide seats are, well, magical. It is amazing how easy it is to configure the interior seating of this vehicle. I am 6’1” and a big guy. Because of various other family members who tag along sometimes, I’ve ridden in the second and third rows. Amazingly, with the magic slide seat pushed inbound and forward for entry purposes, I had no problem entering the third row. In addition, it was comfortable and I actually enjoyed sitting back there and watching a movie with my 6 year-old daughter (who thought it was hilarious that daddy was in the back with her). I have 2100 miles on my Odyssey and have had no problems with the vehicle whatsoever other than the doors (which I will get to). The van drives great, is economical, loaded with amazing technology, and has more utility and useful room than any large SUV I have ever owned. I still find myself wondering how a vehicle that small (I’ve previously owned Suburbans, etc.) can feel so big inside. I still haven’t towed anything yet (my 10 year-old sails competitively) so the jury is still out on that one. I also find myself why I previously owned much more expensive SUVs that had no more (and sometimes less) tech than the Odyssey. In a world where a loaded 2018 Expedition costs nearly $80k, a loaded Odyssey Elite at $44k (what we paid for both of ours) seems like a pretty great deal. Have there been a few occasions where I felt a little less macho with my minivan? Yes, a few; but surprisingly, not many. Being a man is about taking care of your family; and this van is the best family vehicle I’ve ever owned by a long shot. Two months into ownership, the stigma is long gone from my head and I stopped caring about what others think. The only “complaints” that I have about the vehicle are as follows; 1) the driver’s armrest is useless to me. There is no position in which it feels comfortable; 2) the sliding doors are a little quirky at times - usually closing in car line. I suspect that is some kind of sensor that relates to someone being close to the door on the outside. It’s pretty rare, but worth mentioning; 3) no 360 degree camera. This is the only thing my wife hates about the Odyssey. Acura has it. Nissan has had it for years. Honda, this would have been a simple addition; 4) the automatic emergency breaking feature, while it saved my behind on my last vehicle, is a little sensitive in the Odyssey in town with lots of traffic; and 5) the second row seats are heavy and difficult to remove. However, on the last point, the second row seats on the Pacifica are much less comfortable. Comparing apples to apples, I’ll take magic slide over stow-and-go any day of the week and twice on Sunday. While I have read complaints about the 10-speed transmission, we have not experienced any such problems. Good luck shopping.

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  Best in class - 2005 Honda Civic
  By amelny - April 5 - 1:06 am

  This is the sixth Honda (3rd Civic) weve owned, and they just keep getting better, cheaper to maintain and more reliable as time goes on. This one is fun to drive, handles very well and has fit/finish of a car twice as expensive.

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  09 honda fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By bert - April 4 - 12:46 pm

  Ive owned the 2009 Fit for just one week, but I have some valuable feed- back so far. Surprisingly, I have averaged between 34-35 mpg on my first tank of gas, significantly better than I expected. I read earlier customer reviews that complained about the 2008 fits inadequate Air Conditioning. I understand their concerns but I think I have found the reason for their complaints. The front seat passengers are exposed to quite a bit of sunlight with the position of the windshield and the tall side windows. The AC is fine, but when you are exposed to direct sunlight, you will feel hot. Window tint is essential to remedy this concern.

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  Great Car and excellent value. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Hideki Hara - April 4 - 10:17 am

  Shop around from different dealers. I only found Anderson Honda in Palo Alto who offered a price under sticker. George was the best sales person there and there was no pressure to purchase anything additional. I knew the price of the car prior to stepping in to the dealer showroom. Most other dealers charged sticker claiming that this car was "hot" and was in demand and therefore no discount off sticker price. Had its oil changed on Friday and service noted missing coolent cap on resevoir. Odd thing to be missing from a new car?

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  Best of four Hondas Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda guy - April 4 - 10:00 am

  As a Honda salesman and customer, I understand how people feel about markup, Annoyed. However, this is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. It drives just like my Accord, and the DVD is the coolest thing ever for the kids. My only complaint is the drawer under the passenger seat. It is cheap. Dont look at it as paying too much markup. Think of your next best option, and the Odyssey will seem an incredible value. I am sorry your dealer hasnt been satisfactory.

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  02 Odyssey LX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jlaves - April 4 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasant surprise from day one. One rarely buys a van for the pleasure of driving, but for the ability to haul things and people. This van delivers on the requirements, and it also delivers a lot of fun to drive. I recently drove form NH to FL with seven people, and the car made the long trip easy. It is very quiet, seats everyone on comfort, and delivered 25 mpg when driven 70 to 80 mph on the highway. On the way back, I got 27 mpg with a stiff wind from behind...

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  Great car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff & Tanya - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Traded up from our troublesome 2000 Tahoe LS. Excellent in every respect.