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:

• 

  Best minivan ever! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Best Minivan EVER - July 6 - 10:59 am

  I bought this van only 3 years ago, and on average Ive driven it 60,000 km/year which is a lot. Right now it has 320,000 km and Ive never received a single $5 dollar bulb replacement. I do oil change every 10,000 km (which is late) and it still drives like its brand new. I love the 4 cylinder engine while I save on gas- they should make more of these even though they werent famous at its time because gas was cheap back then. The 4 cylinder v tech is amazingly powerful

• 

  EX-L V6 with Nav & Honda Sensing - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Steve Whitney - July 6 - 2:44 am

  I wanted a V6, and the local Honda dealer was pushing out the last of the 2017 V6s. So the price was right. I mostly like the car a lot. Great acceleration, and outstanding gas mileage from the V6. Im getting up to 35mpg on highway at 70mph. Engine and tranny are smooth and responsive. I am having a hard time finding a comfortable seat/steering wheel position that doesnt completely obscure my view of the gauges. Some have said that the dual display infotainment systems of the EX and Touring models is overly cumbersome and complicated, but I have not found it to be so. I do like the Garmin based navigation, although I have found no way to make it stay on a particular scale, or automatically go to "night mode" - you have to push the buttons. The Garmin navigation and standard features of the infotainment system, make Apple Car Play and Honda Link redundant. I dont like the design of the console, arm rest, cup holder combination, which is partly due to the hand lever parking break taking up much of the real estate of the console. Storage space and cubby volume within the cabin is about half of what my Camry was. The trunk is adequate, but a bit smaller than the Camry. The "premium" sound system, with sub-woofer, is OK, but not great, compared to other premium systems Ive heard. All of that said, these minor "sins" are more than trumped by the price I got.

• 

  Horrible On Gas! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By John - July 5 - 2:55 pm

  I read all these great reviews about the Honda pilot having good gas mileage for its size, well guess what? NOT TRUE! Horrible! 10 - 12 miles in the winter city driving, and 13-14 in the summer city driving. On the highway I would get about 18 mpg. Where did they get 18 city and 24 hwy? I had it for not even 2 years and got rid of it. Im not here to only insult the gas mileage. it was reliable and I had no problems with it. The Japanese still have a lot of work when it comes to the mid-size suv segment. More torque than horsepower! Is it that hard for Honda to do that? Apparently yes. I guess they should stick to small lightweight cars. Up next for me? Definitely not the 09 Pilot

• 

  misleading gas mileage... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By sdciviclx - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I primarily bought this Civic for the great gas mileage. I expected to get at least 350-400 miles per tank and am only getting up to 300 miles per tank. Edmunds says this vehicle is capable of up to 501 miles per tank...and after purchasing the car I was very disappointed. I thought it must be the way I drive, since I use premium gas, but several people with the same exact vehicle have the same exact problem. Other than that though, Its a nice, dependable car, and I bought it at a great price $14,700 so I cant complain too much.

• 

  What a great car!! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By ace1932 - July 3 - 5:48 pm

  My dad purchased the car when it was new back in 1992 from a dealer in Southern California. Its my car now and I love it! Sure it has no pick-up and Im making more frequent trips to the shop. All in all, its a great car! Handling is fantastic!! I routinely get 36 MPG in the city, while using 87 octane gas!! The build quality is great! My car has never had any rust issues and it still has the engine it came with when new. It now has over 170k miles on it, but still works really well. The original clutch lasted 137k miles!! So yes, the car will never die. I routinely get offers from random people on the street to buy my car. Oh yes, and my A/C compressor is in need of replacement.

• 

  2005 Odyssey Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tauvaa - July 3 - 11:27 am

  Overall I love my Odyssey. The only real complaint I have is the rough ride over small bumps. I believe this is because of the run flat tires. Its a great ideal (run flat tires) but rough on the ride.

• 

  Good little car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Brother George - July 3 - 10:20 am

  The Fit is a good little car. The storage area and flexibility are unmatched. I bought a new mower and was concerned about it fitting in such a small car. I got the mower in easily and figured I could have carried 2 more (3 total). Amazing. The car steers easily and the gas mileage is decent but could be better. Plenty of pep, both in town and on the highway. No problems. So far mileage has been between 32 and 40, with 35-36 average. Most of my driving is in town or suburban areas. The 40 MPG was on a trip to Dallas. I dont like the silver color, electric windows, electric locks--but there was no choice. The exterior design is cheap (a couple of stripes would help). Not many in stock.

• 

  Finally got it - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By SPDFan - July 3 - 1:47 am

  Just picked up the van Touring W/O PAX today after months of research. Odyssey was the top choice hands down. We also got a great deal ($6000 off MSRP plus 2.9% APR special). Very pleased with the van. It drives smooth like a car and it drives much smaller than it is. The power and agility are remarkable for a vehicle this size (I owned an Infiniti G35 coupe and M35 the Odyssey drives like a nice sedan). The interior is so comfortable. The build quality and material are top notch. The flexibility of the seats is fantastic. It has tons of cargo room or it can seat 8 people in style and comfort. There are so many features on the touring model. Almost too many to learn.

• 

  The Most Amazing Gas Mileage... Ever - 1995 Honda Civic
  By bomoellobo - July 3 - 12:35 am

  My 95 Honda Civic (standard, not automatic) has been a real treat for me after starting out driving Lincoln Town Cars. When I was getting into the 30s for gas mileage, I was quite pleased. When I got 40 MPG, I was tickled pink. And when I got 45 MPG on the highway, I thought that couldnt be beat. Good God, was I wrong. On a 136-mile trip from Portland, ME, to Bangor, ME, I averaged about 62 MPG. 62. I used 2.183 gallons to fill my tank after clocking 136 miles from the last full tank. I could not believe it. There was no error in my math or in the numbers I used. This car is an amazing machine, and I will run this thing until the day it cant run anymore.

• 

  Ahead of its time - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By john - July 2 - 10:36 pm

  We have owner this small van for 1-1/2 years. Purchased from original owners who only put 72,000 miles on it in the 8 years they owned it. It handles really well and is surprisingly good in the Maine snow. The car feels solid and is relatively heavy for its size. Nevertheless, the 4 cylinder VTEC engine provides nice power when needed. And when we drive conservatively, we have been able to squeeze 30 mpg. If Honda had offered a 5 speed manual for this vehicle, it would be our dream car. And, I know we could bump the gas mileage up a couple MPG. HINT TO HONDA: Bring back this wonderful ahead of its time car!! HINT TO TOYOTA: Bring back the remarkable Corolla All-trac wagon!!