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:

• 

  FTD buddy. - 2002 Honda S2000
  By MikeWsBlueS2K - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is an agile DRIVING MACHINE. It cant simply be called a sports car. Its no drag racer, but in all other aspects it excells. It is a great autocross car (7 of the top 10 B-stock cars in 2002 were Ss). It should do well in all types of hard driving. I am a bit scared in the rain. The Bridgestone S0-2s are very soft and great on dry roads, but they have no center rain channel and tend to hydroplane. In Florida that is a big deal.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dalay99 - June 15 - 9:50 pm

  Ive driven Hondas for 23 years and my 2004 Pilot may be the best vehicle Ive ever driven. It has lots of power, a very smooth transmission, and gives a quiet ride (not true with a lot of Hondas). Its first task was a 5,000 mile trip to the Rockies and back. It supplied both power and handling on all kinds of mountain roads, including a short trip off-road. The DVD entertainment system and back seat configuration kept the kids happy. I would recommend a Pilot to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

• 

  Wonderful - 2005 Honda Accord
  By sklr - June 15 - 7:56 pm

  Heated seats, auto up and down of driver side window...I love it all, its much better than my 03 Camry which had a very rough down-shift and a flaky airbag warning light.

• 

  Safe, fun, roomy. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave C - June 15 - 6:40 pm

  The main reason I came here is to say that I was able to avoid a head on collision and the Odyssey took it all in stride. An approaching car doing about 40 crossed into our lane as we were doing 40 (driver was texting). Two adults, a child, and an infant were on board the Ody. With a palm on the horn, I swerve HARD right towards the curbing, and then swerved HARD left to avoid the woods. The oncoming car missed the front left by inches and the van actually DRIFTED cleanly around the nose of the oncoming car as it passed within inches to our left flank. The van was totally composed with no roll tendency and the drift was corrected by the stability system.

• 

  Lemon From Honda West in Las Vegas - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JM in Las Vegas - June 15 - 1:53 pm

  New Accord purchased from Honda West in Las Vegas. There is a major problem with it! Ive had it for 5 days and it needs a two day major service! The service adviser said it will be TAKEN APART in order resolve the problem. The dealership has not been responsive thus far. Since they lied to me when they tricked me into taking possession of the car (they said the issue was no big deal-easy fix), Im surprised. Ive had two other Accords. It might be that every 1 out of 3 are lemons? Beware of the 08 Accord and Honda West if you live in Vegas!

• 

  I Hesitate to Ask - 2008 Honda Civic
  By David W. Conver - June 15 - 4:13 am

  I love my new Civic Hybrid. Traded in my 05 Accord Hybrid which averaged 29 mixed. I now get up to 47 mpg in the civic. My one concern is that sometimes from a dead stop (and I do mean "dead" stop) the car will buck and hesitate as I accelerate. If I let off the gas it will stop and not present a problem. I am guessing that its the transmission trying to figure out a synchromesh gear to move into. Hope someone has some thoughts. Cheers. DWC

• 

  Best Car I Have Bought In Years - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Scottoh23 - June 14 - 3:16 pm

  I am so happy with this vehicle. I used to have a Civic and when it got totaled and I walked away from that unscathed, I knew that I would buy yet another Honda. I decided to wait for this new Fit to come out. I love the spaciousness of the new Fit and all of the versatility that the Fit has to offer. I cannot wait to see how it compares to my Civic after having this for 10 years!

• 

  Great Car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By deewayne - June 14 - 2:00 am

  A great car for daily commuting or a car to modify.

• 

  The 99 Honda Odyssey - Poor Reliability - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat Leake - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Having previously owned a 1982 Honda Accord that ran flawlesly for 20 years, I have been very disappointed with the 99 Honda Odyssey. Continuing problems required the ignition switch to be replaced, the sliding door repaired, catalytic concerter replaced, and replacement of the engine EGR have made this vehicle a nightmare to own. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and requires a new transmission that will cost $5,000. All of this within the first three and a half years of ownership!

• 

  Ridgeline Truck rides like SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hoa Vu - June 13 - 3:39 pm

  limited trim/model availability around Houston so have to do a lot of shop around.