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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  Reliable Convience - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By seast9 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this van used with 70k miles, currently we are 110k miles. In that time there have been no unscheduled repairs. I will note, upon the test drive, the DVD player did not work, the dealer paid for the repair (~$600). The ride and handling are superior to any other minivan I have ever owned or driven. The build quality is also top notch. We specifically avoided the Touring model because of the PAX tires ($$). The EX- L provides nearly all the same amenities as the Touring model. The entertainment system with wireless headphones is a great systems for those of us with small children. The transmission is starting to show signs of wear, but increased fluid changes solve that.

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  Great Engine/Questionable Build Quality - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By BMerbler - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The Odyssey has been a great vehicle for our kids. We traded a 2004 Honda Pilot for the van. The shift has made it much more convenient to travel with the kids. The engine runs smooth and provides ample acceleration in the context of family vehicles. The quality overall is less impressive. Our van has just over 48k on it and has a several issues. First, it is already in need of CV joints for the front right and left sides ($600- $700), the leather on the drivers seat arm has already worn a hole (my wife is only 118 lbs-should be easy wear), housing cover on the roof for my satellite radio blew off exposing wires, rear tail light already burned out.

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  The Real Swagger Wagon - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Bulldog - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Wife always wanted a van and from the moment we saw the 2011 model we new that this would be the one. Purchased white/beige leather and had a super smooth transaction at Bluegrass Honda in Paducah, KY. Love the exterior and we have been very impressed with the interior too. Front dash button are intuitive the RES is amazing . Only problem is my son completely disappears into DVD land once he enters the van. Very impressed with the ride and quietness. Sitting lower give a noticeable tightness around corners. My only gripe that the beige leather interior is insanely predisposed to looking dingy. Front seat bottom is black from our clothes! Concerned how well this will age with kids.

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  Please change the seats - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Puru - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Honda 2011 LE last month. Before purchasing, test drove it for 10-15 mins. Well, 2 things that bothers me. 1. The drivers seat is horrible and not at all comfortable. There is hardly any cushion on the seats and the seats are very hard. My back pains if I go on a long drive ( more than 2 hrs). This could have been my deal breaker if I had experienced this earlier. 2. Road Noise : Hondas are usually noisy and this one is no different.

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  An above avg small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By urpapa - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Folks, this is just a small SUV, so dont expect too much on power and torque. And since its "SUV", so dont expect its MPG better than your CIVIC either. Overall, a well built car with better than average power and MPG. I have no problem merging on freeways, cruising on streets. Comb MPG is always around 26. Worst MPG ever got was around 20 (mainly driven on streets). Handling is Honda typical, meaning good. You can drive it like a sedan except when you cornering. After all its SUV. Nice thing to note is you can change oil once a YEAR. But to be kind to your car, and FGS, change the oil every 6 months.

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  Tire Trouble - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Cheryl - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Has anyone had to replace the tires on their 2010 Pilot? We have been told that we need to replace all four tires already because the pressure light keeps going on and the tires are worn already. Seems like a lot of money to spend already.

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  Wish I could do it over again - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By kasrhp - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I would never get this Pilot again. I have had several build quality issues from rattling to air gaps in window seal and having to get brakes fixed twice in 6 months, as well as re- sealing the sunroof. I dont expect that from Honda. The engine is mediocre at best, the navigation system is useless and outdated, the cargo area is not flat, the shifter is from the Odyssey mini- van, the wheels are too small with no option for bigger, no wood trim in a $38k vehicle, cylinder de-activation is clunky and noisy, plastics are cheap with many different types throughout the cabin, and it isnt the quietest suv out there. But it is roomy, wide and drives like a sedan. Stereo sounds good tho.

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  A Convert - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Lockemup - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid, though I had to get rid of my ever so fun to drive G35 the car is remarkable with respect to fuel efficiency. The layout of the car is simple, just like all Hondas. The power is on the low side, but lets face, we buy these cars for one reason and thats fuel economy. I wouldnt care if I had to get out and push the car up a hill (which it almost seems like I have to do living in Upstate NY), as long as Im getting my 50 MPG let every other car pass me on the road. Im purchasing a new set of Cooper GFE (LRR) tires and Im hoping to eek out a few more MPG.

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  Waiting to be Impressed. - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Anetrella - October 27 - 2:00 am

  Coming from an Audi Q7 and a 5 series BMW before that, I am surprised by the lack opf BASIC technology in this vehicle. If the best thing you can say about this thing is that it drives most like a car out of its competitors, well, what does that really say? It is a van, designed for family transport, how does it do there? Sadly compared to a test driven Chrystler Town and Country. Plain and simple, you get tons more features with similar quality for less money with the alternatives. Only reason I am in this vehicle is the wife wants to keep up with the jones.

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  2011 Honda Odyssey Touring - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 8Pack - October 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased an 11 Touring on Oct 16. Primary reason was the van has the best seating and gas mileage of all vans on the market. We have 6 kids, so we needed 6 real seats. Dodge/Chrysler/VW only offer 7 passenger seating, Toyota claims 8 but it more like 7 1/2. We also needed 4 latch positions. All above mentioned makes only offer 3, while Honda offers 5. We use all 3 latch positions in the 2nd row. Very handy. We use one latch position in the 3rd row (in the center, utilizing the inside latch of each of the outboard seats). The 2 outboard 3rd row positions we have booster seats. All of this fits, so we were sold. This is our first Honda. We like the looks in and out. The handling is great.