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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  Bad year? - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Working Mommy - November 11 - 1:37 pm

  Problems from the getgo. Any ride is a noisy ride with all the exterior road noise. We bought it used at 42K, had the transmission replaced at 44K and now are having more transmission issues at 70K. Doors have had constant buzz for 10K miles. Dealer claimed no problems until and now and we have to replace both latches and sensors. Door flew open on city street-- luckily child secure in car seat. Any small interior light left on drains battery and there isnt a way to ensure all lights are off in a well lit garage-- our fix is to tape the light switch to the off position. Others love their Hondas so maybe we got a bad year but The Siennas do look great in 2005.

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  The best SUV! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Justin - November 11 - 11:47 am

  I had a 2007 Pilot, with 200,000 miles. And it was great but I wanted something newer. Im glad I made it the new Pilot! It is seriously the best SUV after comparing other similar ones. The safety is amazing. Comfort is great, the seats are the best. I love the LEDs in the front and the back. Also, its an awesome looking SUV. I think its the best looking one. If you are looking for an SUV with great technology, safety, comfort, and all around luxury, I highly suggest that you make it the Pilot. I fogot to mention the gas mileage, I get an average of 26 to 27 mpg. Which is incredible for this SUV. GREAT VAN!!!

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  New car, love it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By zoomzoom - November 10 - 5:10 pm

  I drove a SUV and loved that. The mileage was crazy and cost eating me up. I find this car very roomy for a small car and fast. The 4 banger, is not what it used to be.

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  Love it! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Hil357 - November 10 - 2:45 pm

  I got this car from a previous owner and I have not had any problems except for one exhaust pipe that needed replacing. I also replaced the timing belt at 95,000 but that should be done anyways. I love the look and the room inside. I put in a CD player but didnt have a problem with the factory am/fm/cassette. It has great power but could be better accelerating from stop. Overall I LOVE IT!

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  Touring Edition falls short - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By phelps101 - November 10 - 8:02 am

  We chose the Touring Edition because of the bells/whistles. But they work so inconsistently they are mostly gimmicks. Lane Keeping Assist must have perfect conditions; Collision Mitigation only works sometimes; Adaptive Cruise Control is unusable unless you enjoy the accelerator and breaking system taking turns jerking your neck; the UI for the two displays are maddening. The greatest disappointment is MPG. We are hypermile experts, so we usually crush the official MPG. But we averaged only 25.1 MPG over first 1300 miles, with 50/50 city/highway. The dealer says this is within the acceptability range. We specifically waited for the 2015 because it claimed higher MPG than the 2014.

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  OPINION - 2001 Honda Civic
  By PUIUM67 - November 10 - 3:53 am

  VERY GOOD FAMILY CAR

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  Honda Odyssey = Transmission problems - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Done w/Honda 4 ever - November 10 - 2:05 am

  dont be fooled by all the glowing reviews on this minivan. yes it has many features and comforts but so do other models and they come without all the issues that plague this vehicle. two main components of any automobile are engine,and transmission design flaws material defects etc. in these major components usually result in a constant repair battle for the life of the vehicle as is the case for the honda odyssey my tranny was replaced at 40k and then the 2nd tranny was pulled and inspected under a honda recall last summer. I just got another recall notice 11/04 reguarding more tranny issues. dont walk run far away from this honda. other failed components dvd screen, driver seat.

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  Love my Odyssey BUT poor gas mileage! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By LisaM - November 9 - 11:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Honda Odyssey EXL. Overall, I really love it. It drives smoothly and has all the features I could dream of. My only complaint is the mileage has been way less then I hoped for. I have only been averaging 15-16mpg (about half hwy miles, no a/c) I hope this is just a break-in period for the engine and my gas mileage improves. If not, I am very disapointed. I chose a van over a SUV for gas mileage, and this is really no better than a Suburban.

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  Not just for kids anymore! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jim W in Houston - November 9 - 10:03 pm

  I always thought of Civic as a tuners dream car but not much else. Wow! Have I changed my mind. The new Civic coupe is a well appointed, sporty car that fits a six footer in his forties just fine. The car is nice with the auto trans but is simply a blast with the 5 speed. Handling and braking are more like a sports car than I expected yet its quite comfortable to drive as well. The interior is nothing less than brilliant! Everything from cup holders to the sun roof reflects thoughtful engineering. My Lincoln-driving wife is jealous of the features on this car. Finally, as a life long musician, its nice to finally hear a factory car stereo worth keeping. 38 MPG brings a smile too!

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  Its cosmic! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Mary Ricks - November 9 - 7:00 pm