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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  Okay overall, transmission failing - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Mark - July 16 - 7:35 pm

  My wifes car has 112,000 miles and is starting to have some transmission problems. Windshield defroster stopped working a few years back, and some dashboard lights and radio LCD burned out. Honda usually makes reliable cars and I still stand by them, but I still expected more miles out of this car. Our family is crossing our fingers that the transmission holds up. With this economy, who has the money to buy a new car? I have had Hondas through the late 80s and 90s from the CRX to the Honda Accords and the older cars performed and lasted a little longer.

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  Awesome - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By RTDjr2 - July 16 - 4:25 pm

  Used to be a Chevy guy but now only Hondas. Had a leased Ridgeline that I loved but needed to haul more climate controlled so got the new Pilot. I am a big guy 64" and 290 and I fit great in this SUV. Moves well down the road, love the Nav and the radio (XM). More room in back for the kids than the Ridgeline. Turns on a dime, average for 6 months of 18 mpg with a good mix of city/highway miles. Have 9,000 miles on it already. Love the bluetooth also. A/C is good and cold. Fit and finish are typical Honda.

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  Smells great! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By valerie5425 - July 16 - 10:10 am

  Ive only had mine for about 21 hours, but I know Ill love it. It could be more comfortable inside and could have a more quiet ride. However, its still the car Ive wanted for over 3 years, so Im thrilled.

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  Horrible Mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By rsteder - July 16 - 4:13 am

  We purchased our 2007 Odyssey to replace a 2004 Toyota Sienna and I wish I could trade back! Fuel economy is unbelievably bad. We live in the country, about 30 miles from anywhere, and have yet to exceed 16mpg. Ive tried setting the cruise on a relatively flat road and then reset the mileage calculator -- it still wont get better than 17. The instant fuel economy often drops to below 10mpg on level roads and seems to get worse when the ECO light is on. The dealer said its within the stated range so too bad. This performance should be embarrassing to Honda. The Odyssey is only marginally (1-2 mpg) better than my full-size, full-time 4x4 Expedition with a 5.4 liter V-8.

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  Bubba-build quality cant justify price - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By teamsc10190 - July 15 - 8:10 pm

  Honda has always exacted a brand premium and the Odyssey is no exception. I wish that I could say after 22,000 miles of ownership that the car was worth the premium, but its not. Chevy build-quality at Cadillac prices. The car is built in Lincoln Alabama and the assembly quality shows that Bubba needs to study a lot harder before hes ready to build a premium product. Im very disappointed in the cars fit and finish. Ive never had a car before where I needed to rehang half of the body panels to get the car to fit together properly. The paint has poor luster and horizontal surfaces are filled with dirt. The hood has splotchs where the factory attempted to wet-sand out some of the dirt.

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  Might as well call it a tank continued - 1997 Honda Accord
  By JohnBonanno - July 15 - 6:57 pm

  I wrote a review when my car was running great. But the truth is if you treat this car great it will return the favor. At around 150k my ignition got loose causing the car to shut off when Im driving. At one point I couldnt go anywhere without holding my key so the car wouldnt turn off. I havent driven it in a long time and just started it up (holding the key in place) and it drove like a champ still. Need to replace the valve cover gasket battery and the alternator maybe a tune up also. But that is it - the best purchase I have ever made. The window motors are horrible but thats it. Like I said you cannot break these things even if you try. Buy this car you wont be disappointed.

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  Two thumbs up - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By bman - July 15 - 1:12 pm

  Bought mine new in 2007. Love it! Perfect for most guys who dont use a truck every day, but need it once in a while. I have 3 kids and they fit comfortably in the rear. Love the Michelin tires!

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  Once Reliable... Now Not So Sure... - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Sean - July 15 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car from my sister over 5 years ago (she bought it brand new). Ive always been on time with the scheduled maintenance and havent had any huge repairs other than the timing belt and water pump combo repair that cost about $1400. But NOW... some days when it starts, it will idle very rough and can barely climb hills. The engine seems to be misfiring even when I drive during any driving conditions. Brought it to the local shop and they cant find anything wrong. I feel very betrayed by my Civic just because Ive always done the maintenance on time. Changed the spark plugs and ignition coils and still runs like garbage.

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  Finally owning this car after months of shopping - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Justine - July 13 - 10:45 pm

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  Finally owning this car after months of shopping - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Justine - July 13 - 10:45 pm