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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  Bad Quality - 1996 Honda Civic
  By A bad car - March 9 - 2:00 am

  In 2nd month, window got stuck after paying toll on NJ Turnpike, had to drive the next 90 miles in freezing cold with wide open window. Afterwards, there was a big wind noise on the driver side window. The hatchback rattled all the time. Everytime the car went in for an oil change, I had service guy check it out. Every time he claimed it was fixed. It came back again. The AC broke down in the first summer. With skinny tires, the car changed lanes on its own whenever theres strong cross wind. Little power. Dealer ate the new car survey. Sold it after 3 years. Would never buy another Civic.

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  Mixed bag - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By odyowner - March 9 - 2:00 am

  The van lungs forward on its own, had to press brake hard. Brake makes constant noise. Right front shock made noise, dealer never was able to find out why, though the noise disappeared after 2 years. Doors stuck occasionally. Wimpy stereo. My address in American Hondas database was in another state so that the dealer could fill out the new car survey themselves (I couldnt think of any other reason).

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  can I return, I have a reciept - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 4shizzlemynizzle - March 9 - 2:00 am

  in general, the van is very reliable. the exterior is very HOT looking. it rides pretty good. it is roomy &then it all goes down hill. see improvements

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  GOOD AS THE 2017 - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By ed ziringer - March 8 - 11:58 am

  I BOUGHT A 2013

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  Overall great car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lucy - March 8 - 8:00 am

  We bought this car because of the published gas mileage and were a little disappointed when it didnt live up to it. Otherwise, this car has been a fun and reliable car. Lots of room and storage space. Great car for hauling around kids.

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  7 seat sports car - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bertram56 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought a pre-owned w/ 16000 miles. It was in excellent condition, and with the added warranty periods(12/12 bumper2bumper, 100k powertrain) it was a much better value than buying brand new. The only issues we have noticed have been the steering wheel stereo controls went out(promptly replaced)and we are hearing a slight rattle from the sliding doors like maybe the control cables are not secured properly. Other than those two things we have absolutely no complaints. With the 240hp V6 and the responsive steering, I tell friends its like driving a seven seat sports car. We love it.

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  Best suv ever!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By LKS - March 8 - 12:10 am

  The honda pilot is the best suv ever! A very smooth drive, reliable, tough, excellent quality in engineering. There are no words to explain the quality of this suv, just test drive it and youll understand!

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  A great vehicle for the price - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Chet - March 7 - 5:16 pm

  After three weeks Im generally pleased with the over all performance of the car. Seating is much better then my old 2001 CRV. Not having the spare tire hanging on the back door is a plus. The handling is excellent on dry roads and also on snow covered streets. Power is adequate for a 4-cyl engine. A much better vehicle then the Toyota or Subaru competition.

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  FOURTH HONDA - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bingo1 - March 7 - 12:20 pm

  This is our fourth Honda and overall we are very pleased. The only complaint is road noise (however, we sold a Lexus to buy the CR-V SE). Would love to know if undercoating or different tires would reduce the road noise.

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  So far so good. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Melissa Kania - March 7 - 10:38 am

  The car has great fuel efficiency without paying the price of a hybrid. The ride is pretty quiet. I really like the hub caps. The back up camera has a nice clear picture. There were not many interesting colors to choose from so I got the dark gray. I did not like that I had to upgrade to the EX-L version to get heated seats and then had to pay for a moon roof that I did not want.