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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  EX V6 w/XM and Navi - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jebinc1 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  03 vs. 04 seat belt warning system and automatic front air bag deactivation system upgraded Navi DVD and software (20030629). For example, elevation is now accurate to 10 feet. XM is really nice. I never thought I would ever pay for radio, but I just might when the free three month OEM package expires. The drivers seat hip support is much softer. Electric seat are smoother running. On the 03 the seat edge was very firm/stiff. NO RATTLES in the 04. The 03 that I had was a rattle trap. The car suspension seems more compliant and it feels to me to ride much smoother AND quieter. Fit and finish seems much improved (tight gaps).

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  Its fun to drive again! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Charley Holliday - October 12 - 9:20 pm

  I had a 2004 Accord and it was a really nice, plush ride, but the Civic Si has made driving a whole new experience. From the shifter on the dash to the look, inside and out....I get compliments everywhere I go.

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  Feels like a 50 k luxury car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dmcanal1 - October 12 - 4:16 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. So far I think it is great. It has unbelievable accelleration, a smooth ride, sharp looking exterior, and very comfortable interior. I am not sure about the EPA numbers for fuel economy, but I am sure that may have to do with aggressive driving. I recently drove a family members BMW 5 series sedan, and I must say the Accord Hybrid feels very similar performance wise at far less of a cost.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By BDEiker - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  I have had this car only 3 weeks and have had to fill it up once. I am getting a round about average of 42 mpg with city and highway driving. Love this car and I would buy it again.

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  Great first impression - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Yuri Shirman - October 12 - 4:35 am

  Update 2: A year later -- Im still very happy. MPG is a bit lower that EPA estimate -- somewhere around 44.5, maybe 45 on average. Of course, it could be my driving style and/or types of trips I make. Update: six months later Im still very happy with the car. After the first month, I love the car. It is a family sedan, so dont expect superior sporty driving, but it is responsive, comfortable, sufficiently powerful, extremely fuel efficient. The trunk is on a small side if you compare to conventional cars, but on a large side if you compared to hybrid sedans.

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  First time Honda buyer. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By New Honda Boy - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I was tired of my GMs lasting only 110k miles, so I decided to try Honda. So far it has been very good. We did notice that the power slider doors have a design issue. The kids feet fit into the door track and little stones from their shoes drop into the track and they stop the door from working. Also, the entertainment system is not easy to figure out. Overall, the van has been very reliable.

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  lizzies review - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By lizzie244 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  i loved it I thought it was great. my mom doesnt like it because she can not get into it but I like it!!!!!!

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  If you need performance, look no further - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Redstar3894 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey is a great van mostly due to the 3.5L VTEC V6, the great sound system, & the carrying capacity. If you have to drive a minivan, the Odyssey is it, the performance even knocks out some sedans. The power sliding doors are also a very nice add-on. Honda has done a great job with this vehicle, and I hope they continue with it for a long time.

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  2013 Honda Accord EX - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Marionhack - October 11 - 9:39 pm

  PROS: The car has gotten better gas mileage than listed. We sometimes can get between 40-45 on the highway, and 25-30 around town. The car still looks sharp despite the issues with the paint, Ill discuss that later. Maintenance is real easy, i.e. changing fluids, no repairs other than just had to buy a new battery. The original tires (Goodyear Assurance) are some of the best OEMs ever. I still have them on at 54,000 miles and they look like I can get another 10K. CONS: The 3-4 things that bother us about the car is: 1) The engine from day two of ownership hums. Not too bad, but almost like there is a hose disconnected. Ive looked under the hood and it looks like theres an air intake cover missing, or not there by design. 2) The salesman went on and on about the paint job, how it would never fade, etc. Well, it easily scratches and does not do well with car repair waxes or solvents. In fact, these products begin to smear the area around the scratch, making it even more noticeable. We have so many dings and chips on the paint, that I doubt Ill ever be able to get anywhere near a "GOOD" rating on trade. Honda seems to always have issues with their paint, and this in just another one. 3) An issue with the A/C odor. No matter how many times we replace the cabin filter, the A/C stinks for a few seconds when we start the car. 4) Resale value. We purchased the car in June of 2013, and now in July 2017, the car is worth half of what we paid new, and that was having them come off $2500 from the sticker.

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  My Second Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Bruggeman - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I traded in my 03 EX-L Pilot for a new 09 EX-L model. The 03 was very dependable. In comparison, the 09 has a much smoother & more quiet ride. Road noise has been reduced dramatically. There are more standard options and features on the new model. I am having to get use to the VCM technology. There is noticeable hesitation when the vehicle changes cylinder rotation. Some reviews have given the Pilot bad marks on the lack of V6 power. This has not been an issue with me. The dash layout is well thought out with the button locations and instrument panel. The dash read-out message screen is pretty neat with clear and easy to read information. Visibility is good. Got 22 MPG on first road trip.