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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  Battery is painpoint - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By whyspeed - April 1 - 12:54 pm

  To be honest, this is a great van. But battery became a worry not long after I purchased it - it went dead several times, in my garage, in airport parking lot etc. I tried to get dealership to check it when doing maintenances there but I was always told its normal - till today when doing 15k maintain its confirmed to better to replace it, which is 2 months after 3-yrs warranty. I dont want to pay $130 for it, even I have the 10% coupon, because I am not that happy with it.

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  A good SUV for people with limited bucks - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joystone - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my CRV on middle Aug. I have already put 2000miles on it within one month since I commuted between two cities (150 miles round trip) twice a week. The only thing i am not confortable with is the fuel economy. On average, I need to visit gas station within two round trips. I guess its around 320miles per tank. Obviously, this is a great SUV for people who just begin to work and have limit financial resources, because the quality of this SUV just worth every dollar you spend. I will buy a BMW or LEXUS SUV when I graduate for sure. That will make me feel more professional.

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  i love my honda civic!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By civic777 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I got the car back in april, when my car was rear ended and totalled. I love it!! My son a car nut, told me to go down to the honda dealer, and after the testdrive I was sold! I like the interior alot, looks nice and has a quality look and feel. Love my color sunlight silver. I agree the lights are very bright!!

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  The SUV for car lovers - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By YJHB - March 31 - 3:08 am

  If I could give Honda/Acura a "20" in reliability, I would. My 06 Acura TL was feeling cramped with 2 car seats lodged in the back. We looked first at bigger cars, then sat in the back of a Honda Pilot and looked around. The thing has a LOT of family friendly amenities, and the rear temperature control is superb it heats up quickly and stays at the set temperature. Driving it was a pleasant surprise to me, a gearhead car devotee. In short, it feels tight and light body roll feels minimal, and it brakes and corners competently under moderate usage. Its the most car-like SUV Ive ever driven. Acceleration is leisurely compared with my fast TL, but the kids are oh-so-much happier. TY HONDA!

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  Great looking, reliable, but boring car. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Oleg - March 29 - 10:44 pm

  Bought mine 5 months ago and even though I find its reliability quite impressive, I still cant figure out why this car was made: Its a sporty looking coupe, but it was never offered as a stick shift, has a very soft suspension and visually deceiving configuration - its long body suggests RWD but being a Honda it never came as such. AWD was never offered in US either. Other than that - the J30A1 motor provides great fuel economy for a V6, the ride is smooth and comfortable, and most things in the interior are conveniently located and make sense.

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  Fun car - does NOT like the cold! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - March 29 - 4:40 pm

  I have to say I really do enjoy driving this car. Regardless of how slow it is, the feeling is very solid and really lets you feel the road. Brakes are a little weak (Civics have always had pretty weak brakes). Very small trunk space, but manageable. If you live in a very cold area (i.e. single digits and below), expect to see extremely low MPG numbers. I live in Chicago, and around town it averages about 30 MPG when its 30-40 degrees, and when the weather drops to single digits and below, the mpg plummets to mid 20s. Highway isnt much better - when the engine is fully warmed up, cruise control on the highway at 65, I get about 35 MPG (again only in cold weather). Very disappointing.

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  Long live the si - 2003 Honda Civic
  By si lover - March 29 - 10:47 am

  This car has been great! Ive driven it for a few years now and Im ready to buy a new one. The handling is great on cornering with the right tires. Acceleration isnt amazing, but hey its a 4 banger. The only complaint is the cost to repair. Nobody has parts and most people dont even know what kind of car it is. If youre a young kid and you want something with low maintenance and fun to drive this is it. Or if you live in a city its so easy to park. Great little car! Owning this car has made my wife and I Honda enthusiasts.

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  2009 LX - Not bad - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By ale - March 28 - 8:27 am

  We just bought the LX and have been driving it for a few days. The car is easy to handle and the ride is pretty smooth. I know it is an base model but for safety reasons, with children in mind, I wish Honda would just make all their models with electronic doors. I would have loved to purchase the EX but could not afford the price. Also would prefer the review mirrors to be a bit larger as their is a blind spot area that is hard to catch. Second, design the radio closer to the driver so youre not having to reach so far over to work the radio - some people are short. Finally, I think a tray, similar to the one in the front should also be placed between the second row seats.

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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.

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  6 speed M fun to drive - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Johan Knaven - March 28 - 6:13 am

  Comfortable, turbo w stick has lots of get up and go. Entertainment system ill thought out...could use a few hard buttons and knobs.