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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  Airbags failed to deploy - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By nguyenlp - August 31 - 10:51 pm

  I loved my Pilot the whole time I had it. Recently I was involved in a accident where I rear ended a sedan and another SUV rear ended me. myself and the other 5 passengers were all safe, but my airbags failed to deploy none of them. My radiator was busted, but still no airbags. I filed a complaint with Honda, but have not received a response. The NHTSA is also looking in to the matter. My insurance company told me that I hit above the airbag sensors. Im no expert on sensors, but rear ended a sedan! My radiator was busted! The only thing I want to know is where were my airbags when I needed them?

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  First Ricer - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Dokes - August 31 - 9:52 am

  no passenger arm rest....usb wont work with android.......no lights on sun visors.........the four bannger runs well at 80 around 2300rpm with acceleration left.... Drivers seat is comfortable for long trips...... no random play with thumbdrive but a 32 gig formatted to fat 32 will work with usb cable.......Bluetooth works ok.

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  2008 EXL Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - August 30 - 4:58 pm

  The Odyssey achieved 26.8 mpg on 1500 mile trip with AC set at 72 degrees, speed 65 mph, cruise on, tire pressure 35 psi, some hills, some stop and go, 91 octane gas. 25.0 mpg commuting to work, mostly interstate with some stop and go. I drive in eco mode as much as possible. Michlelin LX4 energy-saving tires sing badly on some types of concrete highway but otherwise acceptably quiet. Comfortable long distant hauler which gracefully replace our 96 Lexus 400 due to Odyssey tradeoffs in size, seating height, features (nav).

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  Less than thrilled - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Artman - August 30 - 11:33 am

  Today is my CR-Vs 4th birthday and I have noticed fading paint, rock chips on the nose that have started to rust, and scratches all over the car. This alone will bring my resale value down at least $2000. I will take the vehicle into Honda but Im sure they will not take care of it. I would recommend not buying the midnight blue pearl color. Better yet buy a Toyota.

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  2008 Honda Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By chris - August 29 - 2:30 pm

  Just got my car last month. Ive put 1000 miles on it so far and I am rather pleased. the only item i have regrets with is not having cruise control. i am getting 30-32 mpg which is double what my previous car was getting. I only wish i could have waited to take a look at the 2009 fit.

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  Nice SUV for the price may need little more power - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Prasad Avala - August 29 - 10:12 am

  Super good mileage compared to other same line of SUVs. I have a 2002 CR-V with 250K miles still running strong. So i pulled the trigger for 2016 CR-V with 0.9% honda finance. Nice features compared to price for EX AWD. im getting 26-28 MP in local(if i watch my foot) and 31-33 freeway currently. I heard about vibration in 2015 which screwed the fame of CR-V . looks like vibration reduced significantly in 2016 but not completely. I have purchased all weather mats(OEM) , Trunk Tray(OEM) and body side moldings(OEM) online and installed myself and saved nearly $400. I got a quote from honda care(online dealer) for extended warranty of 8 years/100k miles for $950 which was almost 50% less than my local dealer price. Upgrading to LED interior lights and custom fit seats to protect the interior from Kinds. So far so good . Time will tell about reliability :). Looks like other features in touring are really good if the price is affordable for you.

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  Think again if you live in a hilly area - 2004 Honda Accord
  By spannertech - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Although Im overall pretty happy, I wish Id test drove this car up a couple of hills before I bought it. Living in a hilly area it just seems to make a big fuss getting up them. It also REALLY kills fuel economy, however gentle I am. Previously owned a Golf GTI 1.8T, so perhaps I just got used to about the same power moving less weight. On the freeway its quiet and effortless and thats great for long trips.

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  I wouldnt buy the 2003 model - 2003 Honda Accord
  By No More Honda - August 28 - 10:13 pm

  I have had many problems with my Accord. Transmission slips without notice, electrical problems, a/c only blows 1 temp. The car seems to have a mind of its own so I wouldnt recommend the 2003 model since this is the 1st year of the new style. Check out the recalls on the 2003s, there are many! Always trouble. Get the 2005.

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  Excellent for the Money - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Next Batman - August 28 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2006 VW Passat and I loved it. 75000 miles in just 2 years... Commuting to work 165 every day. I looked for another Passat and WOW! The minimum sales tag was 28,000 bucks.. No way! Then I start to look into something more affordable and I found the new Accord. My wife has a Odyssey and we both love it. No problems at all, meaning none! So, I went for Honda blind bet and until now was a good decision, especially for the money. There is no car available for 21,000 with all those features. You want a better car? Prepare to spend more. Nissan Altima is a good competitor but no need to mention resale value. Happy but is not the Audi A4 I dream with.

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  Honda quality not what it used to be? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Brenda - August 28 - 12:36 am

  We have bought only Honda and Toyota since 1976. This Odyssey makes a loud noise after driving on the highway for a few hours. Maybe power steering? Dont know and the dealer says they would not be able to find it till it is happening which is never when I am in town or when they are open. I am thinking to trade it for a sienna. Never heard of not finding a problem like that. Dont they have computerized systems that find problems? Not happy with service at Springfield Honda so may trade. If I do, I will never buy another Honda. Want this dealt with before my warranty is up.