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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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Patty - August 26 - 1:26 pm

  We purchased vehicle 5/31/06 and have taken it on a 600 and 1700 mile trip. Its pretty comfortable to ride in and looks great. We had a trial period of 3 mos. of XM Satellite Radio and thats all we listened to on our trips.

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  New CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Shawn Higgins - August 26 - 6:12 am

  Although it was an odd situation at best and far from the expected norm, when we left the dealership, we never made it home. The master cylinder was bad and would not release the brakes after traveling a short distance. At first we were not certain what was going on, but after the third time we had it towed back to the dealership and they checked the calipers and all the brakes. The replaced a few things and still it persisted. They ended up having to change out the master cylinder three times and since then it has worked well.

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  A Good Basic AWD - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Holidaybarb - August 25 - 7:02 pm

  I wanted a reasonably priced AWD to replace my beloved 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. The CR-V is exactly what I expected. It runs well and reliably. The gas mileage is about 25MPG - in a good mix of city and highway driving. At first it was hard to adjust to the sounds of the 4 cylinder engine, but I think it actually has a little more pick-up than the Pathfinder did on hilly merges. This is basic, sure-footed, reliable transportation. Its good in the rain and easily gets me up my big hill driveway in the snow. The rear cargo area holds a lot of stuff. And the silver color looks pretty good too.

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  I had very good time with this vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By My 2nd accord - August 24 - 11:39 pm

  I saw many reliability issues discussed in this board. I thought that was strange, because I only had good memories with this car. The, I remember that I did have some problem with brakes with this car. They wore out too quickly. In one case, the pads were completely gone before 25,000 miles, and rotor was slightly damaged. So I paid like $300 for repair, while vehicle was still under warrantee. I need to change pads again, I have 60k miles now. But I had no other problems, and quite enjoyed the ownership. The engine is powerful and handling is quite good. After 5 years since introduction, this car still looks pretty!

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  Love-Hate Relationship - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kris - August 24 - 8:16 am

  I owned a Town and Country Limited before this van, and had nothing but problems, so I traded it for a Honda - no problems, right? Wrong. Had problems with DVD player (wouldnt play video - bad cable), Navigation system (voice recognition didnt work), glove box wouldnt open, PAX tires (hard to keep balanced and fast wear), vibration in steering at high speeds (Still not resolved), Airbag light came on (no explanation except known problem). All have been covered under warranty, but what a pain. That aside, I still love the van. Its comfortable, gets reasonable gas milage, and can an haul almost anything I need.

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  Running the Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By KrissQ8 - August 23 - 8:35 pm

  Ridge fits / loads up in the garage next to my ladys Pilot. Many US Need a mans bed in their life- rugged hauling, tool boxes, enough room for the Fam, sedan handling / trunk, AWD for the harshest weather, light offroading, haul motorbikes in the bed, ability to tow more than 2000 pounds. Ridge features reel me in over other midsize- wasnt buying another SUV, wouldnt have traded for another car. My Prelude and old truck merged. -My cool bike rack spring loads across the bed -Getting Torza Hard Hat Premier tonno cover Non navi model stock deck doesnt play .mp3 in any way, so I keep 6 burned CDs in it. If cant make use of Ridges spec offers, would step down to Element.

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  Noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Andrea - August 23 - 11:53 am

  This car is extremely loud inside when driving over 40 mph. The noise isnt too bad if your driving under 40 mph. However, the kids have to blast the DVD just to hear over the roaring and vibration when driving down the freeway.

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  Just one little annoying thing... - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By krjacj - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  This is our first Honda, and so far, it has been a great vehicle for our family of 4. Gas mileage averages 19-20mpg. I immediately liked the exterior boxy styling and more rugged appearance than the old Pilots. Drives well and feels very solid on the road. The only issue weve had is the slope of the rear cargo area when the 3rd row seats are folded down. Some things roll out easily due to the slanted surface. The optional cargo net became a necessity after a gallon of milk rolled out and crashed onto the driveway.

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  Nice van, a few problems - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By shelly - August 20 - 7:56 pm

  I have mixed feelings about my Odyssey. I love the convenient features but I have had a few problems. We had vibrations/noise from the drivers side front area. After a second trip to the dealer it seems to be fixed. The steering column needed to be lubricated. I guess there is a "bulletin" out about this problem. Also, I had to have my rear bumper repainted because paint was peeling off! I had my front grill replaced due to a paint bubble. I hope this turns out to be a reliable vehicle after all these problems are worked out because I didnt expect this when purchasing a Honda at this price!

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  Overall a good car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RHenry - August 20 - 2:02 pm

  I got this suv after totalling a 2004 Honda Civic. I wanted a safe car and this one has really good safety ratings. The A/C is much better than the 04 Civic. The hand brake is in a weird spot, not inconvenient, just an adjustment. I thought that I would get better gas mileage than I am getting. The paint color is the same as the 04 Civic (that dark silvery color) it hides dirt well. I get a lot of glare in the front windshield which is annoying. The seat fabric kind of stinks-I have a dog and ended up with dog hair that would get stuck in the fabric and I had to remove each hair indivually, also I somehow have a couple of stains that wont come out of the black upholstery.