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:

• 

  Dont Believe the Hype! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 91Hokie - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The main concern is the latest issue with the transmission. After spending hours on the phone with the dealer and with American Honda Customer Service (and hours at the dealerships service department) being convinced that the Odysseys transmission has no issues, my brother passed along several message boards with scores of complaints from Odyssey and Acura TL owners with the same transmission problem. The vast number of people with the same potentially dangerous issue that we are having, combined with Hondas insistance to look the other way, leads me to believe Ill look elsewhere for my next vehicle.

• 

  My Odyssey is a LEMON! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By lemonHonda - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Had an oil leak almost from day one. Honda replaced the short block and transmission. New problems occurred with TCS and Engine lights. Chronic hesitation between 40-60 mph. Honda cant fix either of these things. Transmission went out a second time (supposedly they replaced it) when I had a van full of kids. They replaced the computer(due to the TCS and engine lights) and Im still having problems. I have filed a Lemon lawsuit. The corporate office plays games. Can only drive the car around town because of all of the problems. Dont trust it!!! Now there is a strange odor. This car is probably going to blow up!!!!!!

• 

  Fun To Drive / Poor initial Quality - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By carandkidsx2 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Things that have gone wrong in the first 6 months:DVD player replaced due to faulty sensor,faulty oil pressure sensor replaced,drivers power window switch(auto down feature) broke,drivers seat loose and dealer cant find fix,passenger side seat recliner broke (part on back order),rear seat A/C vents fragile and have broke twice,left front A/C vent loose and wont stay in the position you want, clunking/thunmping noise under the hood when you turn on A/C,battery died (dealer replaced).I truly believe these are teething problems,as we have one of the first made.I will NEVER buy a first year model again.

• 

  great car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By maddawg - May 12 - 2:00 am

  love to drive my honda a little disapointed in the gas milage the drivers seat not that great for my commute to and from work had to replace front rotors and pads already at 60000 kms still very pleased

• 

  How can anyone compete? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tim - May 11 - 11:33 pm

  I am totally impressed with the new Civic overall. The build quality is first rate, and the level of standard equipment at this price point is amazing. Styling is a huge improvement from the previous generation, and I often find myself just staring at it, taking in all the details. I couldnt be happier with the car, and I plan on keeping it a long time. This is coming from someone whos owned 7 new cars in the last 10 years.

• 

  First Impressions - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Quizmaster - May 11 - 6:53 pm

  This is our first Honda and after the first two weeks we are very happy with it. It has amazing power for a 4 cylinder. I have driven mainly 6 cylinder cars but i think a 6 cylinder in an Accord would be overkill. We got 26 mpg on our 1st tank which mainly consisited of city driving. The Honda tradition of building quality cars is reflected in our vehicle. All the controls are just where they should be and fall easily to hand. The Honda Accord would be a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable car which also gets very good gas mileage. This may be my first Honda but if it continues to impress it wont be my last.

• 

  If youre looking for a really good SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Morehouse - May 11 - 11:16 am

  Only down side is they dont provide a hard copy manual, so if you need to look up something right away, you have to go to the CD they supply. Very inconvenient.

• 

  Honda could not have done better !!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph - May 11 - 2:40 am

  I have had the car for over two weeks now and really enjoy it. It is fun to drive and it is a must test-drive for those looking at other Small SUVs. For a SUV that is priced under $25,000 it seems to fit in the class of the BMW-X3. Great job Honda!

• 

  Insight Out-of-Sight! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By tennisashoe - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Insight for 3 years and it has saved me over $4000 in fuel costs so far. Its a stylish little car with plenty of room for 2 sets of golf clubs in its roomy trunk. I need a trunk more than a back seat anyway. If you are the only passenger in your car more than 50% of the time, you should be driving an Insight. The fuel and space you are wasting is costing you $$! You dont have to plug in the battery or do any type of special maintenance on this car. It has plenty of power, unless youre running the A/C and traveling uphill. Its easier than you think. Go for it.

• 

  Great Longevity - 1991 Honda Accord
  By HondaHappy - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Accord for eight years, and still enjoy driving it, with over 300,000 Kms. Esentially, the reliability and quality of the Honda Engine is second to none. As long as regular oil changes are made, the engine is unbreakable. However, I have had my share of repairs made over the years - replaced a rad, extensive exhaust work, gas line repairs, CV boots, etc. The many harsh Canadian winters that the car has gone through have taken a toll, as the body is starting to rust, and the gas tank and gas lines could stand to be overhauled, but it is not worth it at this point (for a 13 year old car).