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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  Quiet, powerful, and fun as a van gets.. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MLawson - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We shopped extensively, Chrysler, Nissan, Ford and Toyota. We drove them all and found the Honda to be the most comfortable, and by far the best driving experience. The Chrysler was nice but looked dated, and the lauded "stow and go" middle seats were very uncomfortable for anyone over 5 years old. It wouldve been a bit cheaper with the incentives, but I think the resale value of the Honda will balance that out in the end. We vetod the Nissan immediately for the offset gauges and the wierdo radio and hvac controls, although it drove pretty well. The Ford just felt cheap, like something youd rent instead of own. The Toyota was close but felt floaty and a little weak, plus more $$$.

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  Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Steven Bochicchio - September 10 - 10:35 am

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  2005 Honda Odyssey EX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jazz - September 10 - 10:11 am

  This was the first year for the new redesign so I guess you have to expect some teething problems. After picking up the vehicle we noticed that the A/C vents in the middle were not functioning. The dealer had to get Honda tech line involved and they ended up pulling out the entire dashboard to replace the A/C assembly. In the process they seemed to have shorted out the climate control lights so that had to be replaced too. Thru Auguest 2007 we have replaced the power steering pump, rear tailgate struts and the rear seat release assembly. There have been about 4 recalls which have also been addressed. Very noisy on the highway and the gas mileage could be better.

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  Nice Car but Some Complaints - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Elena - September 9 - 9:20 am

  This to me seemed like a nice modest sedan, priced nice, safe, and its a Honda. I recently bought it and am disappointed. First of all I had my husband break in the first 3000 miles and I started driving it a little over a month ago. I got this car for mostly driving around town, a grocery getter for my family. Im a very conservative driver, the gas mileage is very disappointing, I am averaging 12 mpg city and 19 hwy, which is not at all what I expected. I brought it back to the dealer and the mechanic told me that all cars started like that, but it has not increased. I like the car, its very smooth but too much power for fwd. Its been in once for warranty for a leak in the weatherstripping.

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  Very Enjoyable - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pablo - September 8 - 9:30 pm

  Got 25 MPG on first tank of gas during break in, taking it very easy. Now getting 18 MPG in easy city driving. You have to baby this thing to get the EPA mileage (MPG numbers are from EPA, not Honda). Ride quality, comfort and driving experience are excellent IMO. Very well engineered and designed machine. Assembly quality is not perfect, but better than most brands, and good enough for me. Interior area is very well layed out, practical and attractive. One small rattle in sunroof went away by itself after one month. No significant quality problems yet. Small possible valve tick is somewhat annoying but probably no big deal. This van is a pleasure to drive.

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  Honda missed a few "nice to have" - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By mikee - September 7 - 12:19 pm

  I switched from an Acura to the Hybrid Accord to save on fuel cost. The Touring model was the closest to the Acura insofar as interior comfort, technology, and "toys", but do not expect the power or performance of an Acura. Some of the items I miss include: no access from trunk to the interior of car, so cannot carry fishing rods or other long items. Side mirrors are not connected to the driver 1 and 2 setting. "navigation" through the display options is not as intuitive as could be so unless you continually change displays, it is hard to remember how to. Otherwise, the car is what I expected. Looks great, drives great, and offers gas mileage thats almost double that of my Acura (same travel habits and roads)

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  My First Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Dan Rhodes - September 6 - 10:51 pm

  The ride is a bit stiff. Overall very dependable. I particularly noticed that this car felt solid and has remained so even after 50k miles, unlike most competitive vehicles (I have rented other cars for my work).

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  92 Prelude El Paso - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By fernando - September 4 - 10:39 am

  Fun car to drive, limited rear legs space as everyone knows but a pretty good size truck for a smaller car

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  Almost Excellent - 1,200 Mile Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ndmand - September 4 - 1:10 am

  This 2008 EXL V6 is my sixth Accord. I had planned to get the 3 series BMW, but the Accord is a better value. The car is much larger inside. I dont like the dash/radio assembly, but the interior has a luxury look. The major problem is the horrible road noise. The stereo shop will charge me $600 for sound deadening. Acceleration is mediocre. Idle isnt as smooth as my other Accords. I hear a knock occasionally after it starts, but Honda cant replicate the problem. Mileage over three tanks has been 25.43 (mixed): 25.03 (mostly city); and 26.0 (highway). You dont get a trip computer unless you spend several thousand on the NAVI. Fix the road noise and this car becomes really good.

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  Accord Coupe - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hondaowner - September 3 - 11:44 am

  I purchased this late in 05 when the 06 models came out. Overall, its a decent car. after 2 years of ownership, I have discovered many issues with the car. Squeaks, rust spots, loose panels, cheaply put together parts, crappy brakes, mysterious noises, rattles etc. the tires are the worst. tranny is a bit wacky. All together, the car is running. It has a fairly reliable powertrain. Other than that, the Honda Accord isnt what its cracked up to be anymore.