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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  Two issues, one compliant - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - September 28 - 5:46 pm

  I own a 2007 Odyssey with 20,000 miles on it which I purchased new. Ive had two mechanical issues so far. The first was with a noisy power-steering unit. The noise was caused by a faulty power steering fluid reservoir which allowed air to get into the system. The second issue is with the transmission. It shutters at 20 & 40 mph under very light pedal applications. I had it to the dealer once so far without a fix. I believe it is an issue with the cylinder deactivation system. A friend had a similar issue and had their active engine mounts replaced. I may start there with the dealer on my next visit. Fuel economy is poor. Avg. 16/17 around town & 18 on vacation trip loaded down.

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  Quirks! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By William Marchetti - September 28 - 6:32 am

  I really cannot believe that no one here addressed the Dash Reflection Problem on the Windsheild! I have an Image of the creases of the dash almost permanently glaring at me which I find annoying. When the sun shines the reflection of the dash is worse. Its right there straight ahead while driving. A big distraction. Also the illumination of the headlights are weird. They do not go that far out! Mainly downward to a black line. They also do not shine to the side very well, I have trouble making a turn because the lighting is not there. I think the strange headlight design is the reason.

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  Only nice at high speeds. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By K Reeves - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My 98 honda civic was the first new car I purchased. I have not been as satisfied I would have liked. The headliner (around the sunroof) started to squeak around 12,000 and needed 3 visits to the dealership before being fixed. The car has not started on two or three ocassions, according to the dealer the engine was flooded.Also now it is only 4 years old, has been very well maintaned and barely passes smog this year.

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  The best van, but .......... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By stekas - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently took delivery of a 2003 EX with the rear entertainment and agree with the critics that it is the best minivan available. It is hard to believe that others have not copied the disappearing rear seat. The vehicle has many annoying shortcomings though. Steering wheel controls are not lit at night.The steering wheel is not leather covered. The door locks are not automatic. No passenger power seat is availble. The car has no compass or outside thermometer.

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  Good Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Shahidm - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Good car overall. Could use some more power. Good overall handling. Great year end pricing. Got mine for $12,110.00.

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  Does the job - 2008 Honda Element
  By upstatenewyorker - September 27 - 4:43 am

  My 2008 Element EX AWD with 5 spd manual does all I need it to. I replaced a 04 Jetta because I wanted 4WD for the winter road conditions and I needed space to haul stuff- but did not want a pickup truck. The Element along with a lightweight aluminum trailer when needed satisfies all needs. Upon delivery from dealer, I noticed a leak of clear fluid on my garage floor... turns out it was from the rear differential, and they promptly replaced it and Ive had no problems since. Feels stable in slippery conditions, and has good power. Ive consistently averaged 25 mpg summer, 22 in winter. Smoothest manual transmission Ive ever driven.

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  Great little suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Katherine Wilson - September 26 - 1:02 am

  I have only had this for a couple of weeks. It did not have Sirius xm, so the dealer put it in. The backup screen is very useful and I am getting acccustomed to it. We took it on a road trip last week and it handled very well in the rain and in DC traffic. The gas mileage was great. So I am pleased with this purchase.

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  N/A - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Lee - September 25 - 1:15 am

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  Easy to like - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By al - September 24 - 5:19 pm

  Weve had this ody since July 2007, it is our 2nd ody. We have had only minor problems, problems with the back bumper after dealer installed trailer wiring and thats it. Only changed the oil and rotated the tires. No shaking, pulling hesitation etc. just a good all around vehicle. I average 19.2mpg city and hwy. The vehicles traction control works great up here in Alaska, but I do use dedicated studded snow tires. Road noise is much better than the last model (2002 ody), but still noticeable, actually its not much quieter than my 2005 ford diesel. Kids love the car too, we put an alpine dvd player in it, which is easy for them to use. So this vehicle is easy to like.

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  Very nice car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By very nice car - September 24 - 12:33 pm

  I waited till I had about 1,500 miles on my car before evaluating it, and I can say, it is still my favorite car that Ive ever owned. I had a 1994 Integra before this, and this is worlds apart in comfort, ride, noise (lack of), and style. It doesnt corner like a 2700 pound integra, but it still handles better than most 3500 pound cars. I got a manual, and its the smoothest one Ive ever used. I was surprised to find that the gear ratios for the manual are similar to the automatic, so theres not much difference in performance. The only "fit and finish" problem I have is the trunk lid is little lower on one side.