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:

• 

  luv that new "V" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rhodyv - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle because I was too cramped in a regular car--causing medical problems from my long commute. Indeed it is a great balance between the added room and comfort and the lack of the need for a private oil well that comes with some SUVs! Nice exterior look, and a great, smooth drive.The interior is a bit plain and "trucky"-- some curvier lines in the dashboard and more luxurious cloth for the upholstery might solve this problem. I bought the AWD for added assurance in bad weather---drove very well on flooded roads I encountered just after purchase--need to wait til next year for snow. Despite the good mileage for an SUV, it could use a bigger gas tank.

• 

  Standatd Complaint List - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Todd - January 26 - 2:29 pm

  This has been a great vehicle so far, but we do have low mileage ~ 50,000 miles. Sliding doors stick, rear gas tank slosh, crappy stock radio, interior noise level high, front drink tray vibrates since it is only connected on one side. These are fairly easy to ignore for me since I have only had to service this van for oil changes, brakes, rotors, the usual wear and tear stuff. I am extremely nervous about all the other owners who have lost the transmission. I am waiting for it to go any day now and just hope that the extended warranty takes care of this very expensive repair. Its paid for, so all I can do is ride it out and hope for the best.

• 

  Honda Civic Hybrid 03 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JohnC. - January 25 - 12:53 pm

  My wife and I really like this car,with 50000 miles and still going. I took a 300 mile trip, not on the interstate highway and got 56.3 miles per gallon driving a couple of miles over the posted speed. Driving 75 MPH on the interstate drops the MPG to around 42MPG. I also get around 50MPG around town.

• 

  Great car, lousy tires - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ibjc - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, lousy tires, terrible traction in snow and rain. Poor tread wear and noisy. Would recomend having dealer change them before buying.

• 

  02 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By laburn77 - January 24 - 12:34 am

  Bought my 02 Ody EX with 79K miles and 10K later I am happy with my decision. Had to replace EGR for $100 but that was pretty minor. Averaging about 21 MPG which is decent. Roomy and folding 3rd row seat is the best.

• 

  Know what you want - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By road rat - January 23 - 9:10 pm

  Just purchased a Honda Pilot recently. The interior lacks the creature comforts that Toyota gives you - like a front passenger seat that is electric. We like the Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander because it is a bit larger and the 3rd seat can actually seat a person. I still like my Toyota Sequoia better - go with it if you want a smooth ride and dont mind paying big bucks for gas. The DVD entertainment system on the Pilot is great for the kids though.

• 

  Fun little car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By matt - January 23 - 3:10 pm

  The Fit is fun to drive. It also has an amazing amount of inside room. Im 62 and fit pretty easy. The engine is small, but I have no trouble hitting 80 on the interstate. Even there the tach is only showing 3,500 rpm. So far Ive been getting almost 40 mpg.

• 

  Thats all..folks! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By M.G. Rice - January 23 - 2:18 am

  Rear fold down seat is not split. An incredibly ignorant design

• 

  SUV for me - 2006 Honda Element
  By Melinda K - January 21 - 3:56 pm

  I wanted to make the jump from sedan to SUV. Toyed with the Scion XB but found the ride too stiff. And despite the great gas milage, the XB has a horrible EPA rating. (2/10) Enter the elemnent. With and improved EPA rating of 6/10, it has awsome room and utility. I get lots of complements. I cant seem to get the gas milage that most people are reporting. (only about 20 mpg) Sound system is great and I can spend the weekend at a muddy soccer field with the kids and not worry about destroying the interior. My husband, who originally didnt much care for the car, found he really liked it once he got in it and drove it around and saw all the cool features.

• 

  Somewhat disappointed - 2006 Honda Civic
  By brandonavich - January 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car on a whim, remembering my CRX Si from years ago. I hoped it could match the fun-factor that car had. Instead, this model feels a little nose heavy, and Honda has taken the "soul" out of the Si line. It has never left me straded, but there are little things here and there that i have had to visit the dealer for. It scoots ok when you ring it out, but is cumbersome in city driving due to its lack of torque. I would be happier if they got the weight down a little and increased low end torque so i am not revving to 4k rpms just to get up to speed. overall, a decently quick mode of transportation, but there are better choices out there.