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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  Great Van But Now Question About The Build Quality, Drivers Door Handle Broke within 5 days of delivery - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By lr3 hse - October 23 - 4:33 am

  I have a 2012 Odyssey Elite which I just purchased 5 days ago and the driver door handle broke. I didnt pull the handle hard or anything and the the locks were unlocked when I tried to pull open the door handle. I was not able to open the drivers side door from the outside but I can open from the inside. @ less than 300 miles, I hear engine knocking in with or without it being in the ECO mode. I will have Honda inspect it when in service. I traded in a car (2006 fully paid off) that gaved me very little problems for a new (2012) car that gaved me issues already. But everything else about the Van is great....

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  Cracked engine block - 2002 Honda Accord
  By exhondafan2 - October 23 - 1:14 am

  For the past 15 years, I’ve been a fan of Honda. In 2001, I bought a brand new Honda Accord and took meticulous care of the car. While there were moments of spirited driving, there was never any abuse of the engine. After just 103,000 miles, the vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked engine block. Honda initially refused to participate in any repairs. However, after extensive discussions with Honda, they offered 1,500 in a 7,000 repair. Needless to say, for a car that’s supposedly legendary in terms of reliability, I’m disappointed in the quality of the car and Honda’s response. Given the poor quality of the product and the lack of customer service, I will never buy a Honda again.

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  2010 LX-S Civic - 2010 Honda Civic
  By lukesh - October 21 - 11:38 pm

  This is an okay little car, its not a Mercedes and thats not what your buying so dont expect that, but its a nice little car. Mine has 18k on it and I bought it new for the wife. Got about 35mpg new hwy now being broke in if you drive easy on hwy 65-70 not running hard it gets about 41mpg. Couldnt ask for better mpgs. This car does seem to be cheap made plastic(y), a little noise on the road, but it has nice features it gets hybrid gas mileage it cost less than most. Great buy if you ask me. Wouldnt keep it forever but its okay for a couple years.

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  best truck Ive owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgelinernm - October 21 - 11:43 am

  Ive had a 86 Toyota 4x4 P/U, 93 Toyota 4Runner, and 05 Tundra. I bought the Tundra brand new over the Ridgeline because the Ridgeline had just come out in summer of 05 and I was hesitant to jump into Hondas first truck. What a mistake! I sold the Tundra and bought an 06 Ridgeline RTL. It is so versatile and fun to drive. Great on all kinds of terrain. Excellent utility with the bed, trunk, back seat (seats flip up for TONS of space). We go up to Colorado in the winter to ski, I fit all of our gear in the trunk and under the rear seats, skis in the bed, and the 4 of us ride in comfort! I get 19mpg city and have done as good as 24mpg highway. Awesome truck!

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  The Perfect Van - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By adixson - October 21 - 7:53 am

  Wonderful Van, looks great inside and out. Drives and handles like my Accord, mileage is very good and we can lose our kids back there. Very roomy and comfortable. Nice job Honda!

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  Pros outweigh cons - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By shadyoak - October 20 - 9:35 pm

  Pilot sometimes hesitates at highway speeds due to complexity of interaction between cylinder changes, transmission and torque converter. Pilot had been on lot for six months with 200 miles of test drives. Body had several minor dings which dealer fixed. Interior had several minor dings on hard plastic which could not be fixed. Tailgate is slightly off center. I purchased the Pilot with a $5000 discount and 1.9% financing.

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  Honda CRV best all round - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kazmaz - October 20 - 9:26 pm

  Updating CRV bought new June 2011. Recent 3,000 mile trip across US, down to Mexico was a good test: 1) Excellent fuel economy -- ave 31 mpg overall 2) packed in more luggage than seemed possible 3) Very comfortable, fun to drive 4) smooth, excellent steering, sturdy suspension 5) amazingly stable to heavy cross winds

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  DisappointedJim - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jamminjim - October 20 - 12:07 pm

  Before you purchase an 07 Civic, I highly recommend looking up the TSBs on this model. I know, I know. The car is dazzling, but do your research! Defective rear control arms will cause the car to destroy tires. A defective motor mount will give out on you causing severe engine vibration. Visors have to be replaced every summer due to falling apart. Engine block develops a crack after 50k miles. Brake fluid leaks into hub bearings causing it to fail. The plastic interior scratches and breaks easily. Steering wheels foam/rubber falls apart. Car dents very easily as well. Some serious problems with this model. I call shenanigans this car is a lemon (a very pretty lemon).

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  Love My 2005 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sfl_girl - October 20 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car over 6 years ago and has 100K+ miles on it. Buying it was the best decision I ever made. Its been rock solid with very few issues. No major breakdowns of any sort. Ive made several trips up and down the east coast with it and hope to make several more. Its comfortable, quiet, has ample space for everything I need. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but nowhere near bad. I love this car and shutter to think of the day it will give up the ghost. I dont think that will happen any time soon.

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  Great minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jd1isa2 - October 19 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this van about 4 years ago as a CPO. It has been a great family car for us. No problems really except for the expected wear and tear of certain parts (nothing unusual). This van is very comfortable especially on long drives. The Econo feature is great when you are cruising. Captains chair provide adequate support. Have decent leg room even for the 3rd row seat. Im 6 foot tall and surprising able to fit adequately in the third row without difficulty. Highly recommended vehicle