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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  Wish it had a quieter ride, but love the rest - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Habib - May 31 - 12:04 am

  We checked out the Sienna, Odyssey and Caravan. We felt that the Odyssey offered the best combination of handling (still not very good, but it is a van), interior layout, safety and resale value. Overall weve been very happy with the van in our first 15 months of ownership. The only thing that I would change if I could would be to add extra sound insulation in the wheel wells. Maybe its because we are in the PNW, but many of the roads here elicit massive tire noise inside the van. It gets really fatiguing to drive for distances on certain highways. Other than the tire noise, love the van. We went with the EX for power doors, but didnt want to spend all the extra money for leather in the EX-L. We get 26-27 mpg going 75mph on road trips over the mountains, only about 19-20 in day to day driving.

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  Tire pressure monitoring system - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By TPMSpain - May 30 - 12:40 am

  Purchased the van less than a week ago brand new from the dealer. The next day the TPMS light came on. Took it to the dealer and two attempts to repair it. At least they got the TPMS light to go off. The next day the light came back on. We have 160 miles on the van and 60 miles of that is "test drive" mileage from the tech attempting to repair it. Not the best customer support. We must take it back again this week for a 3rd attempt at repair. Not enjoying the van so far as it will be in the shop 2 of the 7 days we have owned it. Any TPMS stories or solutions out there?

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  Japanese gas sipper - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sammyboy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2004 EX 4dr/Auto for $16,999 with 2.9 APR. Nice new style. I do prefer the Coupe, but hate having to move my seat back and forth for ear passangers. After 3K miles, I had not one complaint yet. It handles well even though they took away the front Double wishbone. With the new front suspensions setup, the car does rides on the softer side.

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  Great Van, Poor Gas Mileage - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Illinois Customer - May 28 - 7:10 pm

  This is the 5th Honda I have purchased and for the first time what was promised has not been delivered. They post a 28 mpg average and we are getting 20 mpg consistantly with predominately highway driving. It has been reported to the dealership and we are not alone with this complaint. They are working on the problem and hopefully it is just a correctable glitch with a couple of vehicles. It is also noticeable when the engine goes into the economy mode while driving. It would be okay if the gas mileage was improved, but to date we have not had the pleasure of improved gas consumption.

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  Honda Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By carnut0118 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife has driven the EX w/Navi since new. The navigation system is extremely useful and user friendly. Weve had only two irritants. 1. The rear AC knob has broken off twice. Poor design in my opinion. 2. A piece of the roof rack fell off. The dealer did fix both items under warranty. We are no longer under warranty.

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  Job well done by Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By samy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Altough I have to admit that the previous version has better exterior looks, this re-designed 2002 surpases the older one in every aspect. So roomy and commanding. Too bad it is labeled as a Females car otherwise I would have kept it for myself. My wife loves it.

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  6000 miles with 02 CR-V LX 2WD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By R.B. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good all-purpose vehicle. I have a commuter car, weekend junk hauler and a good long-distance vehicle rolled into the 02 CR-V. I am still being annoyed by the "engine light" problem when the outside temp. is below 60 degrees F. Also, Ive been getting less than advertised mileage. I use a K&N air filter and drive reasonably. My mileage is 21~23 city and 25~27 hwy. To Honda: Truth in Advertising.

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  Need better Quality control. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ericchoe - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best mini-van so far. But still it squeaks and rattles on non- perfect road. All mini-van does this, but I was expecting better from Honda, especially from almost $30,000 vehicle. The front coin and cup holder is on same slot. When this try is out to hold cups, coins are visible and rattles. The second row seats can use better cup holders. One on each side of seat is to clumsy to use. The shifter is too close to the front panel. When I shift, Many times radio power button was unintentinally pressed. Power sliding doors has some logic problem. It would not open and close sometimes.

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  Great so far - 2002 Honda Accord
  By lynchmi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Did alot of research on this car before buying. Originally wanted a 5 spd 4 cylinder coupe but they were very scarce so I was concerned about resale. So far, everything works great and the car is a blast to drive. Also considered the Acura CL but decided the price range was too high for a coupe. Getting 23 miles around town and 27-79 on highway. This car has great, precise steering and a tight ride. My wifes 99 Maxima feels mushy after driving the Honda. Highly recommend this car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tim - May 28 - 3:26 am

  I have owned 5 Hondas over the last 10 years and may be a little bias, But Honda has done it again. At first I was turned off by the small engine & the kind of high price for its class. I decided to give it a chance and took one home for a test drive. Very impressed with power of little engine, however dont buy if speed is your thing. I bought a manual and have had no problems getting where I need to be and getting on the highway works great for the most part. Very impressed with build quility. solid car with great gas mileage. If good gas mileage and quilty are your thing then this car is best in its class. Only had car 2 weeks will make another input after 3 months.