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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  Very good car but.... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Harry - July 16 - 11:56 pm

  Good acceleration, smooth transmission, lots of value for the money. Sharp looks in Basque Red Pearl/Beige interior with pinstripe. Car rides very nice and has high quality built into it. This is a very good car but I find the seat to be very hard and uncomfortable for trips over 45 minutes. The road noise is somewhat noticeable but not overly intrusive.

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  TPMS Light will not go off - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By DeeBee - July 16 - 8:13 pm

  We resisted a minivan for a while, but after another baby, took the plunge. The Ody test drove better than Sienna and my older son liked the look, so we traded in our Toyota Avalon. So far, we have returned to the dealer twice (a long drive and missing work) due to the TPMS light coming on. Each time they reset it/initialized it and then an hour later as I drove it home, it popped on again. VERY annoying and the stability control wont work when its on, so also a safety issue. I do like how it drives and the looks of it, but didnt expect to be annoyed by Honda already.

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  So far only one issue with my 08 civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By gemini29nc - July 16 - 6:10 pm

  I love my civic. I have used my heated leather seats many times and they sure do take the chill off on a cold morning. I have been getting 32- 37 MPG with most of my driving being highway. The stereo is awesome and the MP3 hookup is very handy.

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  Beware of Air Compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fored - July 16 - 4:56 pm

  Yes, the air conditioning unit will fail abruptly. Just my luck it blew out in mid-July in CA. I took it to the family mechanic who said this was the 4th CR-V hes seen recently with this exact problem. Bottom line-you can get a new compressor for $250-$800 (depending where you get it), but its the WHOLE UNIT that needs to be repaired. After so many complaints, Honda still does not have a recall on it. I can go with mechanic who will charge me $1,300. Others that have gone to dealer pay about $3,000. I called my dealer and was told theyd try their best "to take care of it" for me with "no additional cost." Well see after I take it in. Brakes have also been repaired a couple times.

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  Never a problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kate - July 16 - 4:52 pm

  I bought this car coming from owning a Toyota Sienna Van. I had owned Toyotas for years and years and was nervous to switch, but the third row seat sold me. I have never had a problem with this car in 5 years. I have replaced the tires and the battery, and probably need brakes, but nothing has ever broken down on it. It is roomy, even in the third row. I have had 8 adults in this car several times and everyone survived. The interior was well thought out. Id own another Honda. (I only wish it had rear camera or sensors. - My Honda has a dent in the back hatch.)

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  Eh... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Pryscila - July 15 - 11:47 am

  This was my first car so I babied it. While I have had it over 4 years ive had to replace the AC and the radiator. The car has 146,000 miles on it, and has NO way of going another 100k. My automatic transmission shifts very hard and sometimes doesnt shift, the cars RPM just keep rising until I decelerate. This is HORRIBLE getting onto the interstate or trying to pass a car. The car is not fun to drive. Its noisy and a bumpy ride. My gas mileage is about 27 mixed which is good. I have to put $45 in it every week. The car is also black which has faded in the Florida sun. The paint almost looks none finished.

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  Good bad and ugly - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By param - July 14 - 12:59 pm

  Based on several reviews I bought Odyssey without much thoughts. It is a good van for family. But, now I have 900 miles in the car with an awful 10-11 miles/gallon city + fwy. I saw some others also complains about low mileage of odyssey. while my friends 2008 odyssey gives 21 mpg city + fwy in my driving. I took it to the dealer and they asked to leave the car for 3 days for fuel test with out any compensation for replacement car. In general the odyssey makes lot of noise.

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  Still on the fence. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Thompson - July 14 - 11:20 am

  This is a well thought and engineered out product although pricey. Plenty of interior room, great styling and economy. It is so solid however the front seats are a bit too hard and uncomfortable. Even with full power adjustments Im ready to get out of it after 50 miles or so. The locking and waterproof below bed trunk is great idea. The truck does seems a little top heavy in turns. Maybe Honda could offer a Sport Package w/6-Speed and 50 series tires and wheels. The power is marginal for the engine size and torque as compared to other trucks in this class. The add-on parts for this truck are ridiculously high, such as $600 for a hitch, and $500 for running boards!! I mean come on!!

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  As expected - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Kevin - July 13 - 11:17 pm

  This car is a horse. No problems to speak of. Battery might need replacing by winter. Rides smooth and quiet and has plenty of power. Tons of room and everything is laid out properly. Excellent ergonomics from front to back. Too bad no LX RES package offered anymore.

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  Mixed feelings?! Glove box came with gap - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Odessey family - July 13 - 3:06 am

  First of all the EPG is totally off! Although I am not sure if this is because of the type of gas you are using. When I use Stop $hop Gas I only get 15 MPG, use Mobile and I get maybe 20. The other thing is the glove box had gap in it.There was after spray on the moldings my van is white. My CD changer stopped working in December. Took a month to order and I wont get my CDs back until who knows when).I am dissapointed to buy a new car and have so many things wrong with it. They are minor and hopefully will not create more problems. Althought the CD player has been fixed I have to return to the dealer to get the side pannels fixed and now my dome lights are not working at all?!