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:

• 

  Go for Touring - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Sunil S - January 3 - 11:44 pm

  We bought 2018 Honda Odyssey Touring as we are ready to welcome our first child! After reading the review by one of the owner that EX-L drive is noisy I compared both EXL and Touring and really agree with her that I found Touring quieter and much better drive! If you want better drive and can spend few thousands more go for Touring or all the way to Elite if you want cooling/AC for front seats. So far we are enjoying the ride and safety features (Honda Sensing) that comes with it. We faced Bluetooth, remote starter issues that were fixed by dealer. They said it was some system issue. Wish you the best in your family car hunt! I do recommend Honda Odyssey but higher trim if you want better and quieter drive!

• 

  Wife calls this her "Grapefruit" - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bjgreen - January 3 - 12:48 am

  It isnt quite a lemon, but the legendary Honda reliability has passed our van over - hence we call it a "grapefruit." We bought the van new in 2001 and it continues to be our primary family (of five) car. During warranty we had a leaking gasket and a defective fuel pump. After warranty weve had to replace the hinges for both sliding doors and the key cylinder ignition. So the car has left us stranded twice in 8 years. One of the plastic air conditioner knobs split (we glued it back together). The drivers side interior door handles metallic covering started to peel off and was sharp enough to cut my wifes finger. It is now wrapped in duct tape.

• 

  I love my Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Bruce of SC - January 2 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my Accord for 2 years and I have not had any trouble with it. The four cylinder engine performs very well. I am glad I did not get the six. The only shortcoming I have found is in the rain, a cracked window allows a lot of water to drip in. It usually ends up on the window controls.

• 

  Great buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mitchell - January 1 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle when a job change required 700 miles of commuting each week. The Civic has averaged 40mpg (driving 65-70) and 38mpg (driving 70-75+). Reliability has been flawless.

• 

  Best car ever! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By stringbender - January 1 - 5:20 am

  I bought this car from my brother. He bought it from my sister who discards all new cars she buys at 100,000 miles. We snatch them up because there is always life left in them. This car has 220,000 miles and running strong. It has had a radiator and water pump/timing belt changed as well as a wheel cylinder. The motor still purrs like a kitten. The transmission shows a little sign of wear but still runs string and shifts easy. The interior has held up well to my rather large family (I am 66" 350 lbs). I love this car.

• 

  Am I just unlucky? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I put a lot of miles on my car. Bought a Honda. Paid $26k for it out the door (loaded) and the engine light keeps coming on and the transmission just locked up. Merry Christmas to me. I hope it works out but beware. Hondas are not unbreakable!

• 

  The first 1000 miles - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By RSH - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Have not driven enough miles to make an in-depth review of this vehicle. But have notice a few glaring errors that Honda passed over. There are no automatice locks for the doors, this van has no driving lights, and has no fog lamps. All of the items just listed are safety issues and is an embarrassment for the likes of Honda. My 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix has these standard features and all for over $12,000.00 less. Honda needs to re- think their standard features, certainly on a $30,000.00 vehicle.

• 

  3rd Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Doug - December 31 - 12:07 pm

  I love Accords and will continue to buy them. They seem to go through 3 year stretches of good looking then plain and back again. Very reliable but pricey to fix. I took the remote door lock off my key ring because the panic button has a hair trigger, it starts the horn honking by itself in your pocket.

• 

  Just what a starting family needed - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Out of 714 - December 30 - 1:39 pm

  We got the outgoing 2008 Pilot EX-L at a great deal as the 2009s were coming in later that month. We are glad we went with the Pilot as this is my 4th Honda product. Chose the mocha metallic with saddle leather seats. The lighter color gave it the sense of more room and upscale over the gray available in the darker models. Lots of room for the babys carseat and easy hook up to the latches. Tons of room in cargo area with 3rd row folded. Stroller and groceries fit with room to spare. Engine is very smooth and eases with on ramps and passing. The interior is a little dated, but after 5 years of this model, Honda has worked out all the bugs by now

• 

  Great car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Brian - December 30 - 1:19 pm

  Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But its plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!