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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  105k Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sid - March 25 - 1:37 pm

  Bought new with DVD system (nav and DVD not possible together on this version). Powerful van and rides smooth today like it did when we bought it. Lots of space. Had 2 recalls which were fixed. Minor annoyances with engine check light coming on at times. Left sliding door is now malfunctioning and needs to be fixed. When braking hard, there is sometimes a clunking noise at the back that sounds like ABS. Fuel economy is avg at 20 mpg combined. Overall - satisfied.

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  True Honda Owner - 2008 Honda Fit
  By HondaFitJDM - March 25 - 12:57 pm

  This is my 1st vehicle from any dealership. I am impressed with what Honda has done with the Fit, interior/exterior design is great, quality of products used into the making, safety, overall is a great value for what it has to offer in comparison to other rival cars for the same price. This is an economy car, therefore it lacks power, if you need performance, go for the Nissan 350z.

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  Had to Sell Her - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Rachel - March 25 - 9:21 am

  Well, I was the only owner, and I had to sell her. I could not get the check engine light to stay off. I had the distributor changed, and that did not solve the problem. The code was P1382. The car was great until this problem came up. I finally got tired of trying to figure it out. I loved the design of this car, and I will miss her.

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  Honda Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dwayne Rolfson - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  Just completed a 7,000 mile plus trip from Maryland to Alberta, Canada.. Vehicle was very comfortable, fun to drive. Disappointed in miles per gallon though. Would barely make 20 mpg during most of the trip, with an occasional peak of 22 mpg.. Previously made the identical trip in a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria, same speeds, similar load, same route. The Ford with a 4.6 liter V8 averaged 24 mpg with peaks of 27 mpg. I expected to do better with the Honda with its 3.5 liter V6 and ballyhood VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) that advertised up to 29mpg... My Ford averages 20-21mpg in our normal around town driving... So far the Honda only averages around 18mpg in the same..

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  Beware Front Seat Back Cover - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By starfortune - March 24 - 3:53 pm

  We bought the Pilot new in 06 and started to have problems with the rear speaker--got it replaced but took 2 visits. The the tire sensor kept giving a code so the truck had to be taken in several times before they figured out the problem. The vehicle gives very good gas mileage on the average of 22 miles of combined city/highway driving. The ride is smooth and road noise doesnt seem to be a problem. Our main problem has been the front seat back cover which has fallen off 5-6 times in the past 1 1/2 years which entails multiple trips to the dealer for replacement. They dont understand the problem and neither do I. Honda America was of no help so this Honda may be the last one.

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  Good reliable transportation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Johncon - March 24 - 10:27 am

  Bought this new in 2003 and have had few problems with it. The OEM tires are poor and had to be replaced at 24000 miles, but other than that, the car has been very reliable. Great in the snow and comfortable. Replaced the following: Back up light switch 50000 miles Resistor in blower motor 60,000 miles Brakes replaced at 100000 (pads) Battery 110000 miles Serpentine belt at 60000 and 120000 I have been advised to replace front struts due to leakage but as they still work fine I have ignored this. The rest has been normal scheduled maintenance.

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  Great commuter car! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Agntjay818 - March 24 - 2:31 am

  I first bought this car in 2003 to get around school and work. The engines 1.6 liter had about 130,000 miles, it handled well and even made it to San Diego which is 120 miles away from Los Angeles. The engine lasted me another 4 years until it overheated in the summer of 2007 and it was just a few months later when I swapped a new engine (ZC JDM Engine) which has been running well to this day. I have lowered the vehicle and it handles even better! Went to a local paint shop dealer and got it painted for the price of 3 details at a car wash!

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  Excellent compact sports car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MTG - March 23 - 11:50 pm

  This car replaced a 2005 STI Impreza; before that I drove a 2001 S2000. The Civic isnt a muscle car like the STI, or a demanding, purpose-built sports car like the S2000, but it is a well executed sports coupe. It is fast when I want it to be, but its a Civic when thats appropriate. The suspension is well tuned, the front wheel drive works surprisingly well, the brakes are reasonably good, and having the 6000- 8000 vtec power band is fun and effective. The navi system and premium stereo are both treats. All in all, a well executed package. I will keep this one for 5-7 years.

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  My Chevy Venture was Better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ksull - March 23 - 11:20 pm

  Had the vehicle for three years now. No significant problems, several annoying things. The steering noise that others mention - dealer said fluid change would fix it (it didnt). The breaks are insufficient for a vehicle this heavy. I feel like I need to throw out an anchor to stop it. Vehicle is fun to steer at highway speeds but is difficult to steer at low "parking" speeds. The fuel economy stinks. We get about 19 in average driving and about 22 on the highway. My 99 Venture would get 26 easy.

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  2007 Honda Odyssey- Vibration problem - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By ET - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  Have owned several Honda vehicles. Top of the line, always satisfied. Theres a resonant vibration problem inherent to the Odyssey vans based on blogs I have checked since the dealer has not been able to resolve the issue. I have bought new tires, balanced, etc. Check websites for honday Odyssey vibration problem before you buy.