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:

• 

  Underwhelmed, poor MPG - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By src - December 4 - 4:10 pm

  We bought Odyssey after driving a 2001 Caravan to 138K miles. The Caravan rode better than the Odyssey and got better mileage. Sorry, but its true. Weve taken a couple of long road trips (3,000+ miles) and the Ody does well, but it does seem louder than it should be and the mileage is very poor. The "3 cylinder" fuel saving pitch is a joke. Why cant it beat my 2001 Caravan in MPG? Im very disappointed in the mileage. My wife an I are Realtors in our 40s and she wanted navigation because the map books are becoming harder to read when getting around. We do like the navigation but it seems to be 2 or 3 years behind in the streets included. Most newer neighborhoods are not in the GPS.

• 

  Had to let her go - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By knee-dragger777 - December 4 - 2:44 pm

  I thought I would share my experience with this vehicle. I am now leary of Hondas reliability reputation. I bought the car new in 9/01. I put 112k trouble free miles on the motor, but I have replaced the transmission 3 times. Once at 40k, 2nd at 80k, and again at 109k. This is not indicative of Honda reliablity. Each time it was covered under warranty. I have never towed anything(didnt even have a hitch on it) However, I have a feeling the next one wont be and I cant justify paying $2,500 to 3 for vehicle only worth about 6. I had to sell it. Great family car for our "party of 5". My wife was ready to give it away. If you see one of these on the side of the road. Youll know why.

• 

  Very Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rob - December 3 - 1:47 pm

  Purchased at the end of the model year and got about as good of a deal as you can get on a Pilot. Weve owned a few SUVs prior to the Pilot - all were more off-road capable, truck-based SUVs. Bottom line - the Pilot is perfect for us. The car-like handling, fuel consumption and responsiveness trump the abstract notion of off-road capabilities. This a family hauler. After comparing a lot of vehicles, the Pilot had more usable space than anything in its class. The interior is simple, but very nice. Hard to beat in the sub $35k class. Hard to justify additional $8k for MDX.

• 

  Fun to Ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By chivas12 - December 3 - 1:13 am

  Bought this brand new 07 silver CRV AWD EX . Very Fun to drive. Nice interior design. Very Nice exterior design. Previous car was 03 Accord LX and the CRV has a simlar engine layout. I do most of the minor maintenace myself so its not much of a change from doing maintenace on CRV compared to Accord. Its great they re- designed the way the oil filter is attached as compared to Accord, it is not horizontal, rather vertical, so no messy oil spilling out as much when removing the oil filter. Some say the 4 cylinder is low in power. I dont drive like a nascar driver , but on the freeways, I see no lack of power when power is needed.

• 

  Si - 1999 Honda Civic
  By car6564 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Great little car, however, developed electrical problems after only 34,000 miles, dealer couldnt fix it until the 3rd try. I bailed before any other little problems came on, ironically occurred right after the warranty expired.

• 

  Very good but not perfect. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bo - December 1 - 6:13 pm

  Primarily bought the Pilot because of top ratings and I was tired of Minivans and their poor resale value. Had for 7 months and 7,xxx miles. Ride, comfort (we do not regularly use the 3rd row), performance combined are top notch. Felt I negotiated a very good deal at years end - the whole "late in the month and late in the year" discounts and the fact that the dealership was trying to make the "Presidents Award" with sales volume helped. Performs well on regular gas, better on premium. This is a heavy (but nimble) SUV. The mileage numbers on your window sticker may appear larger that your actual mileage. Maybe its not broken in?

• 

  Interior needs work - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By clarke - November 30 - 9:02 pm

  Me and my wife have this van for 2 yrs. Fuel economy stinks, entertainment stopped working after six months. We have the ex cloth w/entertainment. Should have gotten ex-L without entertainment. We have children and for that it is great. Comfort is good. Overall good.

• 

  The Good: The Room, The Bad: The Tranny - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rolland - November 30 - 5:13 pm

  After 10,000 miles in 4 months, I was expecting the car to settle in and drive more smoothly, plus improve gas mileage. But, it didnt! There is something in the automatic transmission called "Engine Braking System." This is a horrid piece of engineering. On deceleration to an intersection, it grinds the car down to a stop by itself without touching the brake. Dont know what this feature is for, but it has been a little dangerous in city driving. I hope there is a "fix" soon from Honda. I think it may be contributing to my less-than-expected gas mileage of 26-30. That said, I am very happy with the rest of the car! Decent power, great cargo capacity! But should have waited for a 5sp manual.

• 

  An offroad interlude - 2005 Honda Element
  By rob - November 28 - 9:51 pm

  I bought my E as a conscession to my then partner. I was pleasantly surprised at what it could do off the beaten path. I am also disappointed in what it lacks in power, towing ability and traction ""out of the box"".

• 

  Glad I leased it - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By NicknMadison - November 27 - 8:15 am

  All in all this isnt a bad vehicle, just doesnt have a few of the things vehicles in this price range should have. Solid and great visibility but the kids much prefer the new Odyssey. We have given up on any American designed vehicle and the Big Three and are definately on our Never Buy list but Honda needs to step it up a bit for this vehicle. Basic items like auto door locks, auto headlights...and hey, where is the ipod jack? I leased this vehicle and will be glad to look at the redesigned in 2010.