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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  EX Accord w/ Leather and Navi - 2003 Honda Accord
  By warriorbysea - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and it is the most comfortable car that I have ever been in. All of the controls are easily accessible on the steering wheel and the Navigation system is unsurpassed! I wasnt sure if I wanted the V-6 or the 4 cyl. but after driving both I was convinced that the 4 cyl. was the best Id ever driven. The pick up is surprisingly good and the V-6 gas mileage wasnt worth the trade off. I have only put 1200 miles on it so far and I already get 400+ miles on one tank of gas. Love this car...got it at an amazing price...would recommend it and the dealership I went to to anyone!

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  my element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jodie Welk - August 17 - 6:40 pm

  I LOVE this little SUV. My last car was a BMW325is purchased new also, so I like fast zippy good cars. The element didnt let me down...not as fast...but equally fun to drive. I wish they had a little better beefier interior seating or leather seating, but I was in the in the furniture industry, so I am overly picky about that area. The fabric and materials used on the seating are excellent for repelling most stains or liquids. The stereo is WONDERFUL and the ipod connection is PLUS! The XM radio is a nice feature too. Because there is no carpet, a only rubber matting feature which I love, I think that the element is probably a little noisier than usual on the highway. So turn up the tunes!

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  Parents of toddlers beware - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Jake Smith - August 17 - 11:55 am

  I have owned Honda vehicles for years and our old Odyssey was great. We were approaching 150,000 miles and loved all the new features of the new design so we purchased one day 1. We love most everything about the van with one glaring exception. We have a toddler in a rear facing car seat in the second row. Now for some strange reason Honda decided not to put a/c vents overhead in this new design. The A/c vents for 2018 were moved down low just behind the front row seats and blow back towards the rear of the van. With this deign children in rear facing car seats can not get air directed directly on them. Now we live in Florida so the heat from the son requires this. Every time we get home my sons back is sweaty. I even went to a Tint shop and had expensive ceramic based tint put all around but to no avail. Yes the tint reduced the heat coming in but you just cant match having a/c coming down directly on you. If you dont have or will never have rear facing seats you will never notice this issue and everything else about this van is great. You may find the 9speed a bit strange at first but I got used to it and now like driving the van vary much. I just cant understand why Honda would not consider the comfort of the most delicate passengers when designing a new van. I can only assume it was some cost cutting reason. By the way you will notice another cost cutting feature in the sound system of the EXL. Note they no longer have speakers in the back of the van. All the sound for the rear of the van comes from one overhead speaker. The second row is fine with this however the third row occupants can barley hear whats playing unless you fade the sound all the way back and turn it up louder than you would normally like. All and all we love the van and we like Honda but honestly the A/C oversight is really bad and we are considering getting rid of it after only 1,000 miles. Update So after months and many miles later it’s more of the same. So far it has been in for a new wiper motor as well as the power window switch. At times the engine runs ruff during warm up but only intermittently. Just recently the front left speaker started crackling during music with high higher tones and the entire body where the sliding doors meet creak when going up steep inclines. All and all not impressed. Our old Odyssey was better in many ways. Yes this one is more powerful and quieter and more fuel efficient but it’s the overall quality that has gone down hill.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sam - August 17 - 5:10 am

  I have had this car for almost a year and it is fantastic. The brakes are very strong, the pickup is fast (definitely no need to buy the v6), the interior is nice, the leather is awesome, the sound system rocks, have had no mechanical problems...it is a great car. As many have pointed out, the engine is a little loud and so is the road noise. The fuel economy is about as expected, around 25. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  good cat - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gregooty 19 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  good car go fast

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  Marathon Man - 1991 Honda Accord
  By long runner - August 17 - 2:00 am

  This car just goes and goes... 13 yrs old 180M+ miles Other than oil & filter changes, Repairs limited to tires, timing belt (2), Brakes (72M miles), muffler (1) Fuel mileage: 27 city 34 highway Spark plugs replaced once. Paint in excellent shape. No rust!!!

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  2002 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Arya B Christiawan - August 17 - 2:00 am

  I have tried almost all of recent minivan available in the market. Odyssey and Windstar is so far are the best in my opinion. But still there are more advantage of Odyssey over Windstar, include its re-sale value, larger capacity, and I think in long term Honda is well known on their engine reliability and durability. However they can not beat the customer support offer by Ford at US.

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  Honda Home Run! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tom - August 16 - 8:23 am

  Just drove home the 2007 Accord V6 and it is fantastic. The V6 is better than my I30 V6 and nearly as good as the G35. This is my 3rd Accord, had a 93 and 96 before I lost my mind and bought the 01 I30 which was a great value but current G35 and M are overpriced so I went back to Honda. Looked at TSX several times and again not as good as the Accord V6. And did I mention the year end deals...3K below cost...Thanks Honda!

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  Love my S2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MOODYNYC - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is fantastic! Fast, responsive, and a a 9000 RPM redline. Hold on after 5,000 RPMS!

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  Do not believe what you read - 1999 Honda Accord
  By David Dufour - August 16 - 2:00 am

  In short this car has been completly rebuilt (V-Tec system, ABS system, brakes 2X, power sun roof motor, fan motor, leaks in the trunk) by honda and they have simply been the worse company to deal with. The transmission is now gone, but they refuse to warranty it. I have written letters to Honda with no response. All I can say is NEVER AGAIN. I have owned 7 Hondas and 3 Acuras. I will not make this mistake again.