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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  Fun car, with annoyances - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Alexa - December 26 - 8:11 pm

  I was spoiled by my Toyota Echo - 40+ mpg. The Fit cant touch it. Its mpg readout claims 34 mpg, but it lies. Very inaccurate, and since Honda does such a good job on everything else, I cant help thinking it is intentional. I get 29 mpg. Other annoyances - no cubbyholes for sunglasses, car reg & ins, phone charger, etc. BLACK upholstery (hate it, but only option for 09 Sport) collects tons of hair from my blond, long-haired dog. On the other hand, I feel safe, with crush-zone front and lots of airbags. Fit is peppy, has great easy-to-read, well-lit gauges, good sound system, cruise control. It hauls lots of stuff easily.

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  Great Van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By T Riggs - December 26 - 7:40 pm

  This is our 2nd odyssey since 2000. We have been very happy with our Honda van. The only negative is that it is not very quiet on the road. I expected not to hear much road noise with this priced van. Should also have had backup sensors for the price. The entertainment package has given us no trouble and is still going strong after 71/2 years. You do have to put a new timing belt in at 105000 miles.

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  Good now but some bumps along the way - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Speedwell - December 26 - 5:02 pm

  Half-way home from picking up the van, the VSC system failed. Lucky there is a switch to disable on the dash. Took a week at the dealer to figure out the problem and now some 1500 miles later, everything is OK. The Touring has everything as standard and it all works pretty well except the voice assist on the nav system is hard to hear at highway speeds (volume at max) due the fact that there is a lot of noise in the cabin at 60 mph +. The voice assist on the bluetooth phone is much louder however (kind of strange).

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  Soccer moms yes, outdoor enthusiast no - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By LWT - December 26 - 12:21 pm

  The interior is excellent. Vents for even the 3rd row passengers, 3 climate zones (driver, passenger, rear), plenty of cup holders, 3 power outlets, and lots of nooks to hide stuff. The benches are very short though! Not a lot of thigh support. You sit down and almost feel like your legs are dangling. Road noise is a problem also, even though I bought the EX-L which supposedly has thicker glass to cut down on this. Havent noticed the same pulling to the right that others have (1500 miles driven), and the mileage I get is no where near advertised. I avg. 19 hwy, 16 city. The Pilot is very wimpy on trails, and I have yet to take it out on the sand (Im a little scared to do so).

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  Acceptable...Not Incredible - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Chuck M. - December 26 - 10:48 am

  The 4 cylinder engine in the is EX rated at 190hp instead of 177 in lower trims. The car has nice acceleration and a strong transmission. Bigger inside than Camry and Fusion, and its great for tall drivers. Im 6 3" and I have plenty of headroom with the sunroof even when wearing a ball cap. You can have someone you dont know sitting in the passenger seat and youll both be comfortable due to lots of hip and shoulder room. I was disappointed to find out the EX trim does not come with an outside temp display in the odometer. Only EX-Ls come with that. No fuel computer either unless you have the EX-L with nav. It does have a USB and a 6-disc changer but the stereo is eh. My biggest complaint far and away is the A/C blower. Its very weak. The dealer and 2 other repair shops verified thats just how Hondas are. Bummer but Im gonna keep the car anyway since I got it 2k below book value. Happy Shopping !!

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  Great vehicle with few problems - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dan - December 26 - 2:39 am

  Ive had my Accord since the fall of 1999 and it has performed admirably over the years. 178000 miles and only a starter and alternator for replacements with regular tuneups. Still gets 30 MPG and the ride quality is great for a car of its time period. Really could use ABS living in Minnesota winters, but you can do without if youre a confident driver.

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  What do you expect?...its a Honda. - 1999 Honda Civic
  By nano - December 26 - 12:03 am

  I was in high school when this came out. I knew I had to have me one, finally after 10 years I put my hands on one. Let me tell you that all the waiting paid off. Fantastic little engine, great interior, great handling, electron blue pearl. I have, am and will be a Honda fan, thanks to this car.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Lee - December 25 - 5:20 pm

  Ive had the car for six months and have driven over 10,000 miles. Although I have never been able to obtain the advertised 47/48 MPG, I do get at least 42 with the highest logging in at 45. It really does make a difference how you drive (how you accelerate/deccelerate, extra weight, using the a/c, etc...)I am very happy with this car. You dont need to understand the technology behind the car, just know that at $2.50 a gallon this car is a money saver.

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  My 1st Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - December 25 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased my 06 Civic EX Sedan 11/9/05 and it was love at 1st sight. The cars overall look and brand quality it was attracted me to it. After I went back to the dealership for a test drive and closer look is when I knew it was for me. I am over 6 ft tall and have a lot of room in the car and the seats are comfortable and are easy to adjust. The interior of the car speaks for itself (Wow Factor). It was cleverly thought out except for the parking break. Even though the engine is a 1.8 4 cylinder, the Civic moves quickly on the highways and handles great and is eassy to park. The exterior of the car is stylish and looks great. I get a lot of looks from others and I LOVE my new Honda.

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  No Heat - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By tom - December 25 - 12:26 pm

  the 2017 Ridgeline interior heat is poor. When you stop the interior heat drops off. Honda stated that this is a design of the vehicle and has no fix. Do not purchase for use in cold climate areas.