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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  UNREAL - 1994 Honda Civic
  By WhatAcar - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this LX sedan for 10 years now. During that time I have had the manual transmission replced (used) for about $500.00 and one fan switch and blower-$230. In ten years-those are the only repairs! This car is absolutely unbelievable & I love it-Not like I loved my German cars (really fun to drive), But because it has never let me down and drives today almost exactly the way it did the first day I purchased it. Honda makes an excellent car!

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  Bad Piston Rings (known issue) 54K miles - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Josh - May 18 - 12:44 am

  This is the second Odyssey weve owned. Before this, we owned a 2005. Our 2012 has been extremely disappointing. The left side sliding door struggles and pops and will open about 25% of the time. Dealer replaced a mechanism and it is still doing it. Going back to dealership next Tuesday. I can deal with the door problem, but this past Friday, the engine light began flashing and the traction light remained on as well. 5 minutes on Google will let you know this is a major issue - to the point Honda settled a class action lawsuit related to it. Long story short, it seems the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) is the likely cause. The piston rings in cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4 needed to be replaced. This was covered under an extended warranty bulletin as a result of the lawsuit. At 54,000 miles, a Honda engine should not need new piston rings. Honda engines are supposed to be the Holy Grail of engines. The fact that this is not a fluke and is a widespread issue, has me questioning Hondas commitment to quality. A new Odyssey is due out later thiss year - by that time, however, we may be in a Sienna.

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  Its OK. Some good. Some bad. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By KidHorn - May 18 - 12:10 am

  Ive had my Pilot since March 2016. It replaced a Mazda CX-9 that was hit from the side by a red light runner who totaled it. I wanted to get another CX-9, but no one had any in stock locally and I needed a replacement car immediately, I didnt feel paying an extra $5k for the EX was worth it, so I got an LX. I basically needed AC/heat, power windows, bluetooth for the phone, and a backup camera. Everything else was useless to me. Paid $34k cash bottom line. I needed an 8 seater since I have 3 kids and they have friends who need rides too. I looked at the Traverse, Highlander, etc... . Theyre all kind of the same. Got the Honda mainly based on reputation. Its an OK vehicle. Gets me from point A to B safely and comfortably. I dont like it as much as my CX-9 though for a few reasons. It doesnt accelerate as well as the CX-9. It doesnt coast well. It downshifts quickly and I find myself having to give it gas when coasting to a red light since it goes from 35 to 20 in 5 seconds on a flat road due to unneeded down shifting. My CX-9 was better at sensing it didnt need HP so it stayed in a higher gear. it also has an issue with the break pedal that others have mentioned. If you stop, after a while, the break pedal will go down like its losing air. I always fear that if the red light stays red too long, I might hit bottom and not be able to stop. Not sure if it would ever actually happen. Its not a bad car. Im just not overly impressed at this point in time.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Honda Fit
  By EN - May 17 - 2:53 pm

  Well researched purchase,I considered the matrix but chose the fit due to better rear visibility and more fun features. Love this car: small but versatile, fuel efficient, affordable, lots of safety features. Main complaint is the bumpy ride: doesnt handle rough roads well, and downright bouncy (seems to oscillate off the ridges in the concrete) on certain stretches of well maintained freeway. At 51" I find the interior comfy, but my 6 ft friend feels cramped. Sun visor is inadequate for a short person when flipped to the side. Gas tank is small but mpg (I avg 33 for about 75% hwy driving) makes up for it. Handles snowy roads well, but I do worry IÂ’ll get stuck with low clearance in front.

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  Excellent MiniVan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By marsha - May 17 - 10:20 am

  We love our Odyssey! We previously had a Dodge and Chrysler minivan. They were okay, but did not handle and ride as nice as the Odyssey. Plus, the appearance is so much better! The only thing I miss from my old vans is the power rear hatch, but fortunately, the Odysseys door is much lighter.

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  Indy Oddysey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 17 - 5:53 am

  The vehicle has been a useful addition. It handles well and rides well over the potholed interstates.

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  Build them again Honda! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Go4it - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in 1996. Have had NO trouble in eight years. Car runs great, handles great could use another 50 horses though to make it perfect.

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  Long-term Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Dr..Planarian - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Mine is a 2000. I bought this car in March, 2000, and it now has 102,000 miles on it. Its been utterly reliable -- nothing has gone wrong. I have replaced the brake pads, tires, and windshield wiper blades only once, and the only problem it ever had is that the passenger side power door lock once failed ($130 repair). I have NEVER needed to replace a light bulb - the lack of vibration in this car makes everything last longer. Ive owned two BMWs, an S-Class Mercedes, two Volvos, an Alfa, and other nice cars, but the Honda Insight is, by a very wide margin, the BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED, period.

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  Awesome Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By asdasdf - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Runs, handles and performs super. Excellent build quality

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  Great car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By mikenyc - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After owning a 8 cyclinder 2000 grand cherokee in nyc and the gas price are 2.20 a galon. 60 dollars a week in fuel. i had a buy a cheap car that was good on gas. i checked out the web site and read about the civic hatch and heard great things about the car. i had to buy one. i bought a 93 hatch with 118k on it. I must say its a great lil car. i had to install a stero system soon as i got it. so far it runs great and its realible. i love honda.