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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  VERY disappointed! Go look at other brands. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By gloria lorenzo-luaces - December 27 - 5:24 pm

  I am 45 and this is my 4th car ever...they have all been Hondas. I recently bought a 2016 Odyssey LX and am EXTREMELY disappointed with how CHEAP it looks, feels, and is. They have cut so many corners that its not worth the 28K I paid. This vehicle is replacing my 2003 Odyssey LX that has been with me for 13 years and 162K miles....they dont compare. The quality of the interior materials of the 2003 are far, far better than the 2016. The 2016 only has one arm rest on the captains chairs in the middle row. It doesnt come with a third row carpet/mat and the carpet finishing cant get any cheaper/shottier. There are random seams throughtout the floor carpeting without any finishing...just fraying and putting out strands of carpet/insulation debris. The AC controls in the cabin/rear are small and cheap. The upholstery fabric feels weak and thin, while the seats have much less padding and are harder/more uncomfortable. The rear window has been made smaller, therefore less visibility out the back and the storage space under the 3rd row seat has been deleted and taken up by useless panels. While the split cargo seat might be a nice feature, I prefer the storage space underneath the bench seat. Also, the head rests (3rd row) are ridiculously large and awkward and almost complete block the rear window view for the driver. The faux leather fabric behind the front row captain chairs has been replaced with a cheap, thin, material that will snag with anything that brushes up against it (and that is the way in and out of the vehicle for rows 2/3). Finally, they have replaced the stowable center tray table between the driver/passenger seat (in the 2003) with a ridiculously cheap/plastic cup holder thing on the floor which is useless, uncomfortable and in the way since it is permanent and my kids insist on stepping on it. Overall, I have always LOVED Hondas because they are quality made and very reliable, so when it was time to replace my 2003 I didnt even consider any other brand of vehicle, but I am so disappointed in my 2016 Odyssey, this will likely be my LAST Honda. Sorry I mentioned CHEAP so many times, felt like a broken record, but that is exactly what this vehicle is CHEAP!!!

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  GREAT little SUV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rhonda L. Bonfiglio - December 27 - 7:03 am

  This car is reliable and handles the road well. My version has heated seats and electric drives seat as well as factory tint and electric sun roolf. The seats are leather and easy to maintain. I inititally intended to buy a brand-new Honda and select all my extras, but I bought instead a two-year old certified used because I SO appreciated the color; further, it had all of the add-ons I wanted. Its just a great HONDA. Love it love it love it.

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  Everything I expected from Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HondaSC - December 27 - 5:06 am

  Waited until this car was released to purchase new car. Was considering Lexus IS350, Acura TL, and Toyota Camry. This car was so impressive that I am glad we waited. We were a little leary of the Toyota engines since we already own a 1998 Lexus ES300 and have had engine sludge problems that seem to doom several of the Toyota V6 engines. Very impressed with the added room with the new body style and the power of the new 3.5 L engine is a nice step up for Honda. Was curious to test the VCM to see if it was noticeable but was very impressed with its ability to drop and add the cylinders as needed without notice to the driver or passengers. Very impressed with this car!

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  Fit to be happy! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Frankiepaz - December 27 - 2:10 am

  The car really feels much bigger than it really is. I was trying to drive it under 55 and it wasnt easy! The car responds and is very willing. 75 miles and the gas gauge has hardly moved. Should get better after break in! Took bumps very well. Didnt feel like the car was gonna shake apart! Got passed by some big rigs on route 80 on my way to upstate NY and the car held the road. I didnt feel small at all!

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  dont buy a hybrid - 2004 Honda Insight
  By breandy - December 27 - 2:00 am

  other than gas mileage this car sucks. its not worth the money or the discomfort

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  Honda Insight - A Drivers Car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Lawson - December 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first purchased the Honda Insight, it was for the uniqueness of the hybrid drive system combined with the uncompromised design. After driving the car I was astounded at how well it handled, and how fun it was to drive. One of my other cars is a Lotus and I consider the Insights handling to be on par with it. With all the sophisticated instrumentation, a driver is aware at any moment just how efficiently they are driving. That makes driving a lot more fun.

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  Driving a 5000 mile trip to Iowa - 2003 Honda Insight
  By onlyjazz - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The handling up and through mountain passes was amazing. I passed many other cars going up the passes. The batteries charged well going down the other side. I had the opportunity in Montana to test for top speed on a long level road. I was amazed at the result: 105 mph. The car was overload with travel necessities, but performed and handled well.

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  good value - 1994 Honda Accord
  By csaleem - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Changed radiator, antenna, temp knob at 40k miles, at 71k ignition switch replaced

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  Never considered a Honda but love this 1 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Braden Hillyard - December 26 - 12:12 pm

  We were looking at other cars like the Focus, Fusion and anything other then a Honda. My wife and I saw this 2016 Civic EX-T and checked it out then took it for spin and went from there. We got a killer deal from the dealer and really love this car. It is peppy, shifts smooth and the navigation system is awesome. Also the sound system is great when you crank it up and the trunk space is tremendous for a small car. The only small issues is the cruise control does not slow the car when going down hills as it speeds up a little and the ride is a bit choppy at times but not a big deal to us as everything else is good to go. So much for getting a Ford.

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  Huge design mistakes - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Romain - December 26 - 4:59 am

  We took a 2017 Pilot XLE for a test drive today as part of a segment comparison with the Highlander and the CX-9. We purposefully stayed away from the higher trims for the Pilot since their 9-speed transmission is getting such bad reviews. Well, I came out unimpressed. The interior is definitely the least refined of the three (probably because of the lower trim level, but thats all we had to compare). The same can be said for the exterior, which is pretty bland compared to the Highlander and CX-9. Some would even feel stronger about it, but thats a matter of taste. At least we can say its uninspired, the CR-V has way more character. To be fair, there was nothing wrong when driving it or with the entertainment system. I tried plugging my Android phone to test Android Auto, and while it did work, it wasnt the screen mirroring from my phone onto the head unit like I expected, merely some old-looking Android apps that were somehow synchronized with my phone, for example Google Maps. Not as good as I thought. I wish I brought a lightning cable for my wifes iphone to test Apple CarPlay. But most of all, there are several design mistakes that make me flat out pass on this car. First, the camera-based LaneWatch feature, that manages to be even more dangerous than just turning your head. Another reviewer already mentionned how pointless this system is, and unfortunately the proper BSI system is only available on the higher trims, so youre stuck with it. Also, the 2nd-row folding seats, while providing a one-touch sliding feature, wont slide without folding first! This means no child seats on the second row if you also need access to the third row. I double and triple checked since this was so huge. I cant believe they call it a family car, unless theyre targeting families with grown children only. This might be different with the captains chairs, as I only tried with the 2nd row bench. Anyway, at least it makes my decision between the Highlander and the Pilot easier.