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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  Good van, but crooked seats. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dontspam - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This van rides well, drives well, and works well. But I have had a terrible time getting Honda Motor Corp to resolve the crooked front seat problem with their design. Both the driver- side and passenger-side front seats lean and angle into the center of the van making for a very uncomfortable ride. I contacted the 800 customer service number, but all they would do is say (very nicely) they could not do anything about it. The Service Manager of the Honda dealer admits the seats are crooked, but after contacting Honda Engineering, says that all of the Odyssey seats are like that. Doesnt anybody notice this about the seats besides me?

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  Ritzs Review - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Jritz - May 3 - 10:00 am

  The 2001 Civic Ex is a great car if you are looking for a car that is dependable and gets great gas mileage. I keep track of my gas mileage and the worst i have ever done was 30mpg and the best was 41mpg. If you want a car that goes fast DONT BUY A CIVIC! I have not had any problems with it. So far SO good!

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  still holding up - 1998 Honda Accord
  By rholloman - May 3 - 8:38 am

  This is a great car even after hitting 300,000 havent had any major problems. The most expensive thing i had to replace was the Cadillac converter. Its very good on gas. I would buy any Honda car.

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  One of the best cars ever! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By richard - May 3 - 1:44 am

  I just bought a 94 Accord ex from my Buddy for $600 it came to around $750ish with title fees and whatnot, the car has 188k and runs like its brand new, I need need to do minor work to make this car purrfect, I order new headers cause 14+ year old headers are rusted and make a funny noise. I just bought new headlights, spark plugs, & a fuel filter one I get those installed I plan on keeping this car running for another 100k

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  Im convinced - 2002 Honda Civic
  By booradley - May 2 - 8:30 am

  I love this car. Dependable, comfortable, and super fun to drive. I had only driven cars with a V6 engine before this, so I was somewhat skeptical, but have been pleasantly surprised at the power and peppiness of this engine.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By James - May 2 - 12:25 am

  Just bought my CR-V last month. It rides decently. However, you can feel the wind push it at high speeds. Does feel a little boxy but handles decently. Has some of the benefits of a traditional SUV but still gets good fuel economy without sacrificing interior room. However, reliability is a question that I have noticed in less than a month. The drivers side headlight just went out with only 35,000 miles. Also it seems the rear door latch is starting to give out. The warning light for the rear door keeps coming on the dashboard while driving even after reconfirming the rear door has been closed. Hopefully this is not the beginning of issues after the warranty runs out.

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  love my honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By grj - May 1 - 10:37 pm

  I love this car. I didnt even do maintenance for 2 years because I didnt know what to do! Now I get regular filter changes/tires/oil/and it needed some transmission fluid when I noticed it made a weird squeaking noise. Read the user manual would be my advice, to avoid costly mechanical charges. DO change air filters a lot (every 3 oil changes), it improves the fuel economy. I only had to change the battery one time, and Ive had to jump start it many (when it was the old battery) because I kept leaving the lights on. The factory battery lasted 5 years which is really quite something!.

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  Could be improved - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Liang Zhang - May 1 - 12:36 pm

  Touch screen not easy to use when driving. Acceleration not good enough when ECO on. If turn off ECO MPG lower to 10 or less. Backup camera vision is poor. No option of blind spot radar in all trims. Right turning camera is useless.

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  Thank Goodness for Warranties - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tiaa - April 30 - 10:30 pm

  I love the look of the van and the way it handles like a car. We bought the van new and have had several problems. First within the first year the power steering pump had to be replaced. I was told by the dealer they had to replace a lot of them but no recalls were issued. Next the emergency brake was leaking inside the van all over the floorboard and had to be fixed. The latest problems have been the struts and the transmission. The back struts have blown and had to be replaced. I am now waiting for a call from the dealer to have the transmission case replaced because it is leaking. I have 31,000 miles on the van and am still under warranty, thank goodness.

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  Honda ex sedan 4door (4cy,Auto, leather) - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dinola - April 30 - 9:55 am

  This car has been very reliable. Gas mileage has been a consistent 24-28 MPG. Have not done anything to it except for brakes and Tires. Perform the normal services at 30,000 and 60,000 miles. Change oil regularly. The car is a 4 cyl automatic. It has plenty of pep. I find myself getting tired after sitting in driver seat for any length of time. Good Car. My son is now driving. Airbags all the way around.