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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  Joes Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Joe and Shirley - March 10 - 5:44 pm

  One of the most reliable vehicles we have ever owned. It has been a pleasure to own.

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  The best of the minivans but why no HID? - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Iconoclast - March 10 - 3:27 pm

  We bought this in November for our family. It has a great engine with plenty of power. The inside is nicely equipped. The seats are the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive owned. The controls , ride and handling are great. The brakes could be a little bigger but Ive never routinely driven a minivan. My only complaint it the lack of HID headlights. At this price point that should be standard. Also only the Grand Touring (highest) trim has the informational display. From other cars it is nice to know such things as oil life and tire pressure. Dont bother with the very expensive rear entertainment center they can break and for a tithe of the price you can get a dual screen dvd.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Kelli - March 10 - 11:16 am

  Weve had a couple of Honda vehicles previously -- a 2004 Odyssey and a 2007 Element (which I traded in for this Pilot). Both have been excellent vehicles, so it was an easy decision to get another Honda. I adored my Element and it drove fantastic, so I actually didnt have any intention of trading it in for a Pilot that day. But as I looked at the new body design, I loved it. Ive previously not been a fan of the Pilot. Then I looked a bit more at the interior features - really comfortable, liked how the rear entertainment system worked, and was impressed by the way it drove.

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  Good but not up to the hype - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Former Honda Owner - March 10 - 8:47 am

  We would have enjoyed the car more if Honda owners didnt hype the brand. The paint was a mess from new. All four seat belts hang onto the ground after a year. Rear differential makes car shudder in turns. Transmission clunks from first to second and back again. Uncomfortable seats and fabric. Shudders on acceleration. Very expensive brakes. Takes forever to get in to dealer, they must be fixing somebodys Honda. Having said all that, the car was pretty good. Id consider another but you shouldnt buy the hype. Its a car, they break. Id love to sit down with every person who said, "Buy a Toyota/Honda, youll never have a another problem. Ridiculous thing to say.

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  A tank in snow - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Fit for Anything - March 10 - 7:47 am

  We live in northern NY and for the last couple of winters have put some very aggressive snow tires on. Its a tank. Easily beats big SUVs off the line at snowy/icy stop lights. (Yeah, cheap thrill, I know.) Interior room is amazing. Only complaint is the seats are painful to sit in for much more than a couple hours at a time.

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  Nice Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Travis - March 9 - 11:58 pm

  Purchased new and currently have 82K miles on my 4cyl SE. Purposely bought unit made in Japan. Recently had the rear brakes done. Had to replace dash cubby door under warranty at 35K due to getting stuck and not opening. Otherwise, zero issues. I travel for a living, often 300+ miles at a time, and have been very pleased so far. Routinely get 34 mpg on road trips - impressive for a car of this size. Interior is well-laid out. Road noise is noticeable, but not annoying. Ride is firm, but not bad. Seats are firm, but fine. I expect to get 200k+ and, as of now, would certainly consider another Accord next time. 2 minor complaints: doors dont lock/unlock automatically in drive/park no mp3 jack

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  Do Not Buy a Honda - Many Problems - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - March 9 - 9:15 pm

  This car is a lemon and has transmission and engine problems. Torque Converter problem with transmission is a known problem they cant fix. They keep getting service updates for the computer but still can t figure it out. Seems like Honda is on its way to Toyotaville. So many problems covered up so the reliability of Japanese cars is now just history. Too bad.

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  Fantastic Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Eric - March 9 - 8:59 pm

  Bought this car back in 07. Best value for my money hands down. car is up to 130K miles and drives like its brand new. all systems (electric, sound sun-roof, & leather) work beautify and never had a problem. Passengers and friends dont believe that I have 130K miles or that the car is 5 years old. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  2008 Accord Rear Brake Issues - 2008 Honda Accord
  By HondaJunk - March 9 - 1:52 pm

  Have enjoyed driving the vehicle until recent quality issue with rear brake pads. At just 15,000 miles, the rear brake pads need replacing. Honda America claims that this is normal for Honda as the Accord has a unique design that shifts the weight of the vehicle to the rear when braking. Thus, 80 - 90% of the braking is done using the rear brakes. Amazing. Has Honda defied the laws of physics?

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  Thought I had a good Deal - 2002 Honda Passport
  By berndie10 - March 9 - 10:31 am

  I liked my car when purchased & thought this is a good car turned out to be a bummer.After only 4 months the transmission is not shifting properly & the closed system makes it impossible to check fluid level. What a bummer.