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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  Nascar Dad - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By mjred24 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have two mini vans, a dodge and our odyssey. let me say this, there is NO comparison between these two vehicles! Ive had numerous problems with the dodge and only routine maintenance on the odyssey. The odyssey handles, accelerates, and drives like a dream (compared to other mini vans)... I travel between 30-40k a year on the road, so I have alot of seat time to back up my claim. I would highly recommend the odyssey to anyone!

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  Jury is still out! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By marlin - April 3 - 1:43 am

  I have about 5000 miles on my R-line and so far I am disappointed with the fuel economy and I have a few rattels developing inside the cab (passenger- side air bag dash unit). Overall I am satisfied with the handling and minimal road noise. I have used it to haul feed and for limited off-road situations. I would like to run it another 10,000 miles before I would recommend it to a friend.

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  2008 Accord Still a Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By p0213 - April 2 - 10:23 pm

  We leased two 2006 Accords, and we kept one and traded one for a 2008 Accord. all three of these cars were 4 cylinder models. The 2008 model acceleration from standing start is about the same as the 2006. However, the 08 has better high speed acceleration. The gas mileage on the highway is about the same for both models. We average between 31 and 34 on highway trips with both cars. Local mileage with the 08 has been about 24 mpg, and about 25 mpg with the 06s that weve leased. The 08 is more comfortable and handles quite a bit better than the very good experience we had with the 06s. All three of these recent Accords have been totally satisfactory cars.

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  Reliable, comfortable - might buy another one - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By M Hurst - April 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive owned many Hondas, this is my first CR-V. It had been a leased vehicle, so when I purchased it, in 2011, it had 16,000 miles on it. As of today (3/11/17) it has 106,000 miles on the odometer and it runs as smoothly. Ive had it serviced regularly at a Honda dealer, so any parts which have been replaced (very few) are Honda parts. Ive recently been looking new SUVs in the same size, and Ive discovered the CR-V still has the largest cargo area (taller than most). - Honda finally listened and with the 2017 model, they improved the backseat/cargo area by allowing the backseats to fold completely flat. They have also put some vents in the rear of console which should deliver enough air to keep back seat passengers comfortable. It is also loaded with many of the safety features youll find in other new vehicles. I love my fully adjustable drivers seat, but I think it is only available on the EX-L version. CONS These include: some road noise, back seats which dont fold completely flat, and it should get better gas mileage for a 4-cylinder engine. They are claiming the new 2017 model has a 1.5 liter engine which s turbo charged and it gets better mileage. Both of my airbags were replaced due to the recall. Ill be looking at another brand of SUV when I replace mine, but with a price tag of around $30k for a new 2017, Ill probably purchase something else.

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  Great Van - lots of room - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By btmpit - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The Odyssey has a lot of room and its engine is very peppy. We will be taking it on vacation in the near future and I am looking forward to the trip. The captains chairs in the second row are very comfortable. The fact that the rear passengers can control the heat/ac fan settings is awesome.

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  My new Honda Odyssey with RES - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Jacquelin - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I love that the Honda Odyssey came out with the RES with the cloth interior before you needed to get an EX with leather and RES. Its a great minivan my wife primarily drives it with our kids and they love it especially on long trips! Its very roomy, comfortable, plenty of storage space, it just rides great.

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  the one and only - Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By PilotDriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  After many disagreements, my husband finally talked me into getting an SUV. We did our research got a Pilot. Now I think I would think twice before getting back into a sedan. The ride is smooth, there is plenty of room and overall it is very comfortable for long trips (weve traveled about 16000 miles in it in about 7 months).

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  STRAIGHT TO REPAIR SHOP - 2004 Honda Accord
  By HONDA GARBAGE - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR ON AUGUST 1ST AND 2 DAYS LATTER CAR STARTED TO HAVE NOICE IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. WHEN I TURN THE WHELL INSTEAD OF GOING SMOOTHLY IT GOES BY BUMPS AND NOICE IN THE FRONT BECOMES EVEN LOUDER. THE CAR IS UNDRIVABLE. I WENT TO THE DELERSHIP BUT THEY TOLD ME TO WAIT 3 WEEKS BECAUSE THEY ARE BOOKED. I WENT TO SEVERAL HONDA DEALERSHIPS AND ALL OF THEM WERE PACKED WITH NEW ACCORDS. I TRULY REGRET THAT I BOUGHT THAT CAR. DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE.

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  3rd gen preludes are gret to drive! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By turbi2.1SI - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Well, i liked my 1988 Honda prelude S, so much I decided to buy a 1990 SI with the 2.1 liter engine. The S model is a work horse and hasnt given me any major problems since I bought it in 1998. Its a perfect commute car, but has nice acceleration too and with well over 175k...my 1990 SI is compltely modified with a Turbo set up, high flow injectors, cat-back, intake etc. a tatal of 190hp up from its based 140hp rating.

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  Reliable and Good on Gas - 1992 Honda Civic
  By TXrepresent - April 2 - 2:00 am

  What the titel says.