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:

• 

  Solid Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By mpiazzisi - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had many vehicles. American, German and Japanese. My American built Honda is the most reliable car I have ever had. Not in the shop one in almost 3 years. Except for new tires, after 45,000 miles.

• 

  A/C Fan motor - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K - May 1 - 5:02 pm

  Since I bought this odyssey I have experienced problems with the fan motor roaring like a bearing going bad. Turns out to be leaves getting into the fan motor. Honda cleaned it out the first time for free. Said not to park near trees (really). The second and third time I had to fight with them to repair with no charge. I wrote Honda and expained that this has to be a design flaw but they obviously do not agree. They refuse to put their answer in writing. This problem happens regularly every three to four months. Since I have owned over 12 new vehicles without this type of problem I strongly feel this is a design problem. I like the new touring 2006 models but I am hesitent to buy.

• 

  A truly great mini-van. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Ihnow - April 30 - 11:21 am

  The Honda Odyssey has been everything I had hoped for. I only have two gripes. The tilt steering column does not come down as low as I would like it to, and no power passenger seat. Vehicle cant be too bad if these are the only complaints.

• 

  White lightning - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By Susan kenton - April 30 - 9:13 am

  Check seatbelts in 8 passenger. Play DVD . check spare tire.

• 

  Decent, but rotors keep warping! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By edsnooper - April 29 - 5:05 am

  I bought this car because I wanted reliability, and while the engine is reliable the brake rotors keep warping, casuing a strong vibration when stopping. Also honda sent me a notice after 10k miles that they had determined some of their cars had problems with the transmission, and that they were extending the warrenty to 100k. I guess that is pretty decent, except if I thought the honda would only go 100k, I would have sooner bought a cheaper and bigger/more powerful american car... I would think twice before buying another honda...

• 

  Great car for commuters - 2006 Honda Insight
  By cha11 - April 28 - 2:17 pm

  Great car for driving to and from work. This car pays for itself by cutting my gas bill $100 a week. Couldnt be happier with the performance.

• 

  GREAT car but ... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tokelau - April 28 - 12:31 pm

  I bought a 2015 CR-V 2 months ago. On freeways and when moving the car is smooth, quiet and very pleasant to drive. Happy and fluffy thoughts are however blocked by 2 things. The vibration when in D, not moving with a foot on the brake pedal (as in, when stopped at a light) is very annoying. Clearly, the idle speed (~525 rpm) is close to a resonance frequency which transfers too much energy into the driver and the passenger seat. The passenger seat shakes and the steering vibrates and the driver feels like hes getting quite an unpleasant whole-body massage. The second is the buggy Honda Link suite of apps. Change music and use the navigation app at the same time? Youre out of luck.

• 

  RIP the "great pumpkin" - 2003 Honda Element
  By UrgentOrange - April 27 - 2:04 pm

  I had a wonderful time with my orange 2003 Element. The combination of reasonable fuel economy (for an SUV), a large amount of carrying space and versatility made for a great experience. Great for passengers and cargo alike. Im really going to miss putting my bikes and kayak in the back of it. Unfortunately, I had to say goodbye to it as I recently experienced a rollover accident, and the car is totaled. **It held up very well under the circumstances**. The car did a complete rollover and landed on its tires. I was lucky, plus wearing a seatbelt, and walked away without injury.

• 

  Civic Review - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Nate - April 26 - 4:50 pm

  My Honda, which I bought because of its flawless reputation, has been nothing but good for me. MPG is great, up to 36 on the highway. Add a cold air intake and better wheels and tires and you got yourself a ride! The power of the engine leaves some room for improvement, but you cant complain about 127 stock horses under the hood of a 4-banger. My only other complaint is the paint job. The finish ships if you look at it wrong. Overall a great car though! Wouldnt trade it for the world.

• 

  Great Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By AL STEIN - April 26 - 9:34 am

  I have owned this car for 10 years and it has never given me any trouble at all. If you need a no worries around town car you can not go wrong. Fun to drive, sips gas and my 5 speed manual has enough zoom to keep all but sports car types happy. Unless I need a sedan for my new child I will buy another Civic for my next car (if this one ever dies!!)