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:

• 

  A great Honda family hauler - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By remowilms - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Ive been a Honda person for 15 yrs now. To me, even with its early model flaws (trans and sliding doors) this is still a great product. It still beats most of its competitors and if youll look at all the brand new vans they are copying the style of this van...to include the fold in the floor seats. I had one door handle break due to the door sealing too good. It was covered under warranty and Honda had just release a Tech bulletin to fix my exact problem. I love the versatility of the seating and the extra space in the rear with the seats up or down.

• 

  2002 crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ajintx - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have eaver had - - rides like a car, room to carry home stuff from Home Depot, comfortable, and just high enough to see around those other monster SUVs out there. 22+ mpg in city traffice helps too!

• 

  Over Priced Under Valued Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By GardenerM - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle rides like a wagon, stiff and bumpy. When taking turns, feels as though the body is sliding on the axle like a hot wheels car. Terrible gas mileage, but not surprising for an SUV. Youre paying (and dearly) for the Honda name! Vehicle cant hold a candle to their cars.

• 

  Hoping its as good as I hope - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By keenejim - April 13 - 12:53 am

  I have read about the Honda Odyssey since 1999 and thought about getting one. Ive been to many dealerships over the years and finally decided to take the plunge on the new 2005. The vehicle is unmatched in creature comforts. Frankly, Im not sure what others talk about when they say the 2005 Odyssey isnt quiet. While its not a Lexus, it is pretty quiet-much quieter than previous Odysseys. Also, a MUCH better stereo. It isnt as comfortable as some other vehicles, but handles so much better than any other minivan, theres really no contest. Great in snow. Overall impressive, but Im a bit concerned with passenger sliding door and the windshield fluid not working right yet! Hoping!

• 

  Sporty ride - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Tim Johnson - April 12 - 11:31 pm

  This is a great car for the price. Its sporty and fun to drive. If you have children or are going to be driving other people around you probably want to consider the 4 - door.

• 

  Poor details, and improper exwork inspection - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By S. C. - April 12 - 10:45 pm

  I got this vehicle in October 2017. There have been the following issues: (1) the alignment was poor that the car would drift to the right and required an alignment service the 3 day after I bought it (need to turn off the lane control to find this out), (2) replacement of an exterior trim due to factory installation, (3) excessive rattling noise due to loose components in the spare tire/tool compartment, (4) bad plastic fitting underneath the steering wheel that poses a finger cutting hazard. Worse yet, the first 3 can be fixed. The 4th was declined by the dealer because it is a common issue. The dealer could find this in other brand new Pilots, and called this a "design" by Honda. I wish I could post the photos of these poorly fit plastics.

• 

  Great! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By N.A. - April 12 - 9:53 am

  After extensive research (a must being an engineer) and looking and test driving multiple cars, I settled on this model. It gives you all the extras you want with a reasonable price. The design is amazing, and fun to drive. I owned a 99 Honda EX Coupe and it was noisy on the highway. This one, however, it was really quiet. Inside is very spacious and comfortable. Would definitely recommend.

• 

  Speedy LX - 2005 Honda Civic
  By oscar cortes - April 12 - 7:35 am

  The 5 speed works wonders !!

• 

  Raucous in a good way - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dave - April 12 - 3:26 am

  The Civic Si is a terrific car if you like the sound of a boomy exhaust, sharp handling, a high revving engine, and straight line quickness "on-tap." The dual personality of this vehicle is what sets it apart from other vehicles in its class (Mazda 3 speed, GTI, Mini S etc..). If you want a high mileage economy car, you can simply shift sooner (go slower) and get very good mileage (I get 24-25 in city). If you want to have some fun, just slam the gas and let the car rev. Once you hit 5000 rpm you start to grin (its unavoidable). Either way, this car is a lot of fun. On the other hand, if you like a soft, smooth and quiet auto, the SI is not for you.

• 

  Buyer Beware - 2004 Honda Insight
  By GregL - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, IF you live in a flat place with no snow like Arizona or Florida. This car is miserable in snow and very slow on hills (or anytime power is needed). You will note that the people who love this car the most and get the best mileage live in very flat, warm areas. In New Jersey or New York traffic this car is simply dangerous. It is too small to be seen and does not have the suspension or power to handle ruts, potholes, hills, crosswinds, etc. Remember: this car gets most of its efficiency out of extreme light weight and incredibly narrow and hard tires. This combo does not make for a very safe car.