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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  Osdessy not my car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jpreif - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found the the Montana is a better car to drive than the Odessy. The Gas mileage is 25% better in the Montana. This will be my last Honda.

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  Junk - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By dr john - November 9 - 10:56 pm

  I should have bought a Grand Caravan. I song and dance about reliability. Not true just a bunch of fiction from consumer reports and others. The most problematic vehicle I have owned except maybe my 68 GTO. Check engine light never stayed off, catalytic converter replaced 3x, EGR port, two transmissions after warranty was up. Sliding door repairs constantly, electrical problems and irritating road/wind noise. I am not sure what the deal is with the front brakes wearing out so often. Most of these problems were recall issues and the dealer failed to tell me. Called Honda and they refused to honor any help with repair bills. My wife and kids are stranded 5 hours away now. Tranny went out again.

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  My first Experience in a PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By karenazn - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Road trip 600mile.I got only 12- 14city/19mpg highway. VERY NOISY road/tire noise in 2nd/3Rd row where your childrens sits! Poor gove compartmnt design, your legs hits it when you stretch or try to put your legs agains the wall. Noise/squeeks behind the dash or radio. Wind noise is usual, but you will hear it loader than the highlander and sequoia. So if you looking for a quiet,nice,car for trip= this is NOT the car!!!! 2nd row seats is not even as roomy as a honda Accord. 3rd row seats are for children under age of 10. 4-YEARS of engineering a pilot and this is what they came up with?

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  Auto-Idle is a dud! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - November 2 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased 2016 Honda Pilot Elite in September, 2015 and now has 6,700 miles on it. The auto-idle quits working and I have had it in for repair 4 times. The last two times I have been told that the system thinks my battery is low but when the battery is checked I am told it is excellent. They then have to reset it and it then works fine for a short while. Dealer said they cannot do anything about it until Honda does a software upgrade to fix the problem.

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  Riding - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By John Miller - October 29 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had four adults and two dogs get sick from riding in the back seats. Im going to take it to a dealer about it, but dont think anything will be done about it. Hope Im wrong. The seats are not very comfortable. Took a 5,000 mile trip was stiff from riding. We got out every 200 miles for a rest. Gas mileage isnt as good as my old van was. Passenger side needs more leg room.

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  A/C Compressor "Black Death" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Beth - October 29 - 1:27 pm

  I have been a victim of the A/C compressor defect, along with countless others. I have a 2005 CR-V, which had the first compressor go bad at 56,000 miles. I bought it new from Coral Springs Auto Mall in 08/05. In 05/08, the A/C system failed to blow cold air. I took it in and the dealer told me that the compressor "exploded" and shot filament through the whole system, hoses and all had to be replaced for 3200.00. I am a single mother, and could not afford that. I called my own personal mechanic, who told me that my compressor "locked up", brought it out, and showed me what happened and how it worked. He fixed it for 1300.00.

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  Problems! And More Problems! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By B.J. - October 20 - 7:58 pm

  I bought this car with only 70k and its the worst Honda ever made. Dont get me wrong, I love Hondas and Ive had two previous little civics that have lasted me well over 200k. But wow I never thought that Honda would fail me, till now. Had to fix transmission at 75k! I have older Hondas with more miles and with the original tranny! Had to change the muffler cuz it rattles really bad every time u go over a water puddle. Lots of road noise and rattles. Changed both bearings. AC is weak! Overall only thing worth is the style of the car, but that really fooled me. Terrible car, and this is coming from somebody with a civic forum acct as well. Be careful. Worst Honda ever! Do the research, trust me!

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  The Edsel of Hondas!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By marymack - October 17 - 2:40 am

  Worst Accord Design Ever! And this engine is going in the 2009 Pilot??? Ive owned six previous Accords and LOVED them all. Ive have a 2008 Accord V6 EX with the infamous VCM engine. After multiple trips back to the dealer and various "fixes" (wheel balance, turned rotors, computer upgrade), the ride in this car is torture. The drivers seat redesign gives me a back/head ache after only a 10 mile highway drive to work. The VCM engine causes constant, violent shifts, shimmy and vibrations. So glad that I found this forum because the 2008 Accord V6 VCM engine is Hondas best kept, dirty little secret. Lets spread the word and force Honda to acknowledge this engine design nightmare.

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  Glorified Junk - 2008 Honda Element
  By WetMonkey - October 9 - 1:50 am

  This is my last Honda!!! For the last 25 years I have bought them all (Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Subaru, Caddy...etc) but never witnessed a vehicle in this size to only tow 600 pounds? This means weak Transmission and lack of suspension support. They sure made it big enough to stuff whole garage full of stuff. Plus the sheet sounds like it was make of coke cans. The car is noisy and cant decide to stay in 4th or 5th gear. From what I know, all Hondas have this problem. WEAK and noisy. AWD system does not do so well compared to my Suby. The front wheel always slips during rain or snow and engages the rear tad late...whats the point. Prone to roll over. Complete design flaw

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  Buyers Remorse - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By G. A. Arce - October 8 - 6:01 pm

  I bought two brand new Honda vehicles within the past 6 months. The first one was a Pilot AWD EX-L and the 2nd one the 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey has been a disappointment. The infotainment is glitchy sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. The rear doors may not completely close and may require several attempts to get them to close. The front seats are harsh and uncomfortable. The seats on the Pilot are more comfortable. Acceleration in the Honda Odyssey is lackluster, I just can feel any the power. The Pilot is quirky even on ECCO mode. Forget about using ECCO mode on the Odyssey. The ACL is a pain and have caused some near misses like suddenly braking when trying to change a lane at freeway speeds. It also lacks enough USB ports and the gap in the middle console is hideous. I am not a fan of the push button transmission and emergency breaks. I would rather have then in the foot area. I should have bought another Honda Pilot instead of this land yacht.