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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  Nice But Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By carolyn - May 16 - 3:37 pm

  I bought this 07 Odyssey New. I have had it 2.5 yrs they have rebuilt the trans once, replaced the power steering pump once and it has always had a lack of power steering. They say there is nothing wrong with it of course. It gets good gas mileage! But, the power steering is terrible. This is my first and last Honda. I have truly been disappointed with it.

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  The Van to have! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Ryan - May 16 - 2:10 pm

  If you have to own a van hands down this is the van you want. Lets face it. It is a Honda! Bought our EX-L new in 2008 about 2500 under invoice. Extremely reliable, fun, looks great feels great. We only have 1 child (9) but love to travel to Florida and elsewhere. Plenty of room and I can easily get 27mpg cruising 75mph on the interstate. Headlights are phenomenal, design is great. Im looking for a 2010 right now. I catch a lot of crap from friends for "driving a minivan" but this is a sweet ride and great resale.

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  2010 vs 2004 Honda Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By jnbxu - May 15 - 7:46 pm

  Having owned a 2004 Honda that was a fantastic SUV with 90,000 Miles and paid for, I opted to trade in my 1995 Ford Exp(cash for clunkers) for a 2010 Pilot ex-l. My wife now drives the 2004 and really loves it. I prefer the 2010 due to added size, electronics, meters with MPG, tire pressure mothree tripnitors, sun roof, storage, back up camera etc. I still love the 2004 and enjoy driving it. I could get up to 25 MPG on the 2004 and even though not yet broken in I have gotten up to 22 MPG on the 2010. The 18 to 20 MPG for combined driving is accurate. I never had an issue with the 2004, 85K miles on OE tires, 90K on brakes, OE battery still operational. Hope the 2010 does as well.

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  Disapointed - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By NM467 - May 15 - 7:12 pm

  Bought this because my 2004 was a great van. The interior design is truly great, easy to live in and great for the family. The disappointment comes from the brakes(soft), transmission shutter, power locks that have a mind of their own and squeaks in the interior. The road noise is bad also and that was supposedly improved. The squeak not yet fixed, transmission reprogrammed not fixed and the locks cant be replicated when at the dealer. I have also had the drivers seat cushion replaced because of cracked leather this from a Honda with less than 17,000 miles on it. I bought this van to drive for the next ten years and at this rate I doubt It will make it to be paid off. Hondas rep is damaged!

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By svimburg - May 15 - 11:29 am

  I have had my Honda for nearly eight years and have really enjoyed it. So far repair costs have totaled a mere $100 and that was at an out of town dealership on a Saturday afternoon! Very comfortable, precise handling, good visibility and the radio and HVAC controls are easy to use while driving. It is a little slow off the line but the mpg is outstanding. I regularly observe 34 mpg highway and even had one 38 mpg trip. The paint and interior have held up well and still look good. I feel confident that Ill enjoy driving this Accord for another eight years without any complaints.

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  Purchased new - 2010 Honda Civic
  By lovemycivic - May 15 - 7:32 am

  I just purchased a 2010 Civic Ex Coupe and I love it! Hondas are the way to go! More bang for the buck, reliable, sporty, and fun to drive. This is my third Honda and Ill never buy anything else:)

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  Never buy a Honda again - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Sucks - May 14 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased 4000 miles in the shop week 2 left rear bearing went out, wk 3 needed new tires, airbags defaulted, most uncomfortable seat/steering wheel adjustment, battery, poor stereo/cd audio, I purchased the LX for me and ab ex for my daughter. I will take a Nissan any day, the customer service was good, the car disappoints.

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  A great vehicle - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Robert - May 14 - 5:59 pm

  Weve owned ours since purchasing it used with just over 7K. It now has just over 44k and weve had no issues with it. I had the 40K maintenance done and that included new transmission fluid. You cant expect a transmission to last a long time without changing the fluid! I like the 4 wheel disc brakes and power.

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  Still worth the money - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bobdacat - May 14 - 5:29 pm

  Bought van brand new in Sept 2000. We got 119,000 out of transmission, Honda covered 75%, 500 out of pocket. Did have to replace the computer at 145,000. Check engine lite for evap code and catalytic converter inefficiency. Nothing that needs to be fixed on that yet. Still van is primary vacation vehicle. excellent on long trips, 2 NJ to Fla trips, numerous trips to Va. Tons of room, didnt know it wasnt comfortable until we bought an 2005 Accord EX. Pushed this van to the edge of its operational envelope. Despite the tranny and computer, van was well worth the money, got more than its value and its still trucking along at 10.5 years and 148,000.

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  Tranny Leak - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Val - May 14 - 3:47 pm

  After 1 week I got it the tranny leak on the transaxle left side. Honda dealer wont fix it because I brought it as-it.What a big disappointment! When you brought a car from Honda dealership, you think they maintain the quality. I will never gonna buy a Honda car again!