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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  Very Pleased - 2005 Honda Accord
  By quest2know - July 21 - 8:53 am

  I owned 2 Acura TLs in th epast but didnt want to spend the bucks this time around. I dont feel I made a big sacrifice going with the EX V-6....great value, well appointed.

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  2nd EX-L Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By john - July 20 - 4:22 pm

  This is my second EX-l Pilot. I had a 2005 with 120K miles on it that my daughter is still driving. Except for tires and timing belt, I had no other issues with the 2005 and expect the same from the 2009. The 2009 seems quite a bit bigger both inside and outside. The third row is much better on the 09 and easier to use, although seldom use. Ride is fine,and so is road noise, it is a truck so will not be as quiet as a car. Fuel economy is 18-20 no matter what. I cant say I am thrilled with the variable ignition because at certain RPMs it seems to jerk like it cant make up its mind. I would not hesitate getting another Pilot.

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  Overall Im Happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jacqson - July 20 - 3:43 pm

  Just purchased my CR-V LX AWD, it drives nice and smooth, I love the space in front and back. I dont feel like Im driving a big SUV almost feels like Im still driving my Jetta. This was reasonably priced, although I do wish there were some extras in the low end model, dont need all the bells and whistles, but some would be nice. Overall safe pick, compared to the Toyota RAV4, I feel I got a bigger car with more room.

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  Horrible fuel milege!!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By CPD437 - July 19 - 4:31 pm

  We really like the Odyssey mini-van but the fuel mileage is absolutely horrible. I agree with many other reviews. I knew we were not getting good fuel mileage and finally checked it on a beach trip. We averaged a very poor 17.2 mpg. My parents averaged over 18 mpg in their Chevy Tahoe!! Other than fuel mileage being much less than advertised, we really like the vehicle.

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  Rear sliding doors - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By rear sliding doors - July 19 - 8:31 am

  We bought our Odyssey back in 2005 with 60k miles on it. It now has over 130k miles on it with only minor problems: Check engine light on (oxygen sensor) and paint durability issues sliding rear door problems. It seems a lot of people have this problem. I found that it helped if you lube the movable parts on the door it helps keep it from sticking. As far as the transmission goes, you need to service and change fluid every 15k or 20k miles for reliability. Most people dont do this and they wonder why they have problems. We had the timing belt changed at 100k miles. This van has been on 2 1500 mile trips and 2 1200 mile trips with no issues. The van is a daily driver.

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  Gas mileage - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen - July 18 - 12:20 pm

  I have 2,300 miles on my Odyssey and I get, in my estimation very poor gas mileage. I told the service adviser when I went there, that I thought that when the motor was idling, it seems kind of high rpm and he had the mechanic check and said it was normal. I am not happy. After several tankfuls I filled the tank again this morning and am getting 17.42 miles per gallon and I drive mostly highway miles.

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  Transmission/Clutch Recall Info - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ACRUMP - July 17 - 1:05 pm

  There was a recall on the transmission (Judder Slippage - the car rumbles when accelerating, esp noticeable going uphill). According to protocol, they have to do this "burnishing procedure" 3 times, at which point they will replace the entire clutch on your transmission (for free, under the recall). You also need to be under 100K mi to be eligible. My car is at 98K....theyre just about to replace my clutch, so Im very excited about that. Other than this one issue, my car has been running perfectly. Ive been keeping track of MPG for over 10K, and Im averaging 46.5 MPG. Im absolutely thrilled (and confused that some people claim to get only 35 MPG).

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  Fantastic Car if you dont have neck/back probs - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Staven - July 17 - 3:06 am

  I have had this car for a month and driven 1000. Let me start by saying I have not had any previous neck or back problems. I had problems on the 1 1/2 hour drive home from the dealership. My right leg started to go numb and my neck was killing me. I just figured I didnt have the seat adjusted properly. I readjusted the seats and no longer had the leg problem. I was able to determine that the problem was with the headrest. It is angled so far forward it pushes your neck into an awkward position. I had pain and tightness running from the right side of my neck all the way to my lower back. I thought of just removing the headrest but that obviously is not a solution for safety reasons. For a month, I tried different seat positions and couldnt find one that work. I am very sad because I LOVED this car. Right now, I am in the process of trying to make a deal for a new Camry. If you look on line, you will see that the headrest has been a problem for many people.

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  Fantastic Car if you dont have neck/back probs - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Lisa Staven - July 17 - 3:06 am

  I have had this car for a month and driven 1000. Let me start by saying I have not had any previous neck or back problems. I had problems on the 1 1/2 hour drive home from the dealership. My right leg started to go numb and my neck was killing me. I just figured I didnt have the seat adjusted properly. I readjusted the seats and no longer had the leg problem. I was able to determine that the problem was with the headrest. It is angled so far forward it pushes your neck into an awkward position. I had pain and tightness running from the right side of my neck all the way to my lower back. I thought of just removing the headrest but that obviously is not a solution for safety reasons. For a month, I tried different seat positions and couldnt find one that work. I am very sad because I LOVED this car. Right now, I am in the process of trying to make a deal for a new Camry. If you look on line, you will see that the headrest has been a problem for many people.

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  Bad Air Leak - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jegor - July 17 - 1:43 am

  Took delevery on my new Rdgeline 8 days ago like everything OK except a bad air leak in windshield area near rearview mirrow. At 55 or 60 mph sounds like bagpipes big annoyance.