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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  accord reliabile but borring - 1999 Honda Accord
  By contrisor - December 8 - 12:40 pm

  this car will always start and be there when you need it. But the stlying has stayed the same for some years now, and its getting dull very fast.

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  Fonda 1995 Honda Odyssey - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Mom - December 8 - 7:49 am

  I bought this Odyssey in 1995 with 35k miles. In 2009 it has 240k miles. It has been a great car for my family on long trips, commuting, and car pooling with the extra pop up seats in back. My husband regularly changes the oil. Only normal wear and tear problems, nothing major. I love this car/van. No slider doors for me. I really wish Honda had stuck with the model the way it was. So much room in the back to move stuff. I love it so much Im going to make 300,000! WHY did Honda have to change it? It was perfect to begin with.

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  I hate this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By disappointed - December 8 - 7:05 am

  I am extremely disappointed in this car. We had our last Honda (1989 Prelude) for 15 years and it was nearly bulletproof. I had to replace the head gasket after 3 years on this Civic (at about 65,000 miles) and have the head machined – very expensive repair. I’ve spent more money fixing this car since I bought it than I have on an 11- year old Chrysler product with over 215,000 miles on it. The car lacks the power to get out of its own way. I dont know if I just happened to get a lemon - or if there is a problem with this year model, but its not an "automatic" choice for me to go buy another Honda.

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  Totaled my Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - December 7 - 7:22 pm

  My 16 year old son totaled my Honda this weekend when he fell asleep driving. From the look of the car, it would seem that no one could have walked away from the crash. It was totally pushed in in front and then rolled 2 times. The car saved his life. The safety features worked exactly as they were supposed to and he came away with only bruises from the seat belt and an abrasion on his hand from the air bag deployment. I am totally convinced that the CRV deserves the accolades it gets for safety!

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  Will buy again - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jon - December 7 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who was returning to work. I wanted something that was reliable, got decent gas mileage, was able to get around in the snow, and could tow a boat. The Pilot has stood up to all of these demands and then some. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, gets around great in all weather and has been reliable (except when we leave the dome lights on and the battery goes dead). We have used it to tow a boat that weighs about 4500 (Regal 2100 LSR). We started camping/boating and had to add a Suburban due to load and room limits. Now my son drives the Pilot, and we feel comfortable with the safety aspects of the vehicle as well. I would buy a Pilot again.

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  1998 honda crv lx - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By anolden - December 7 - 12:17 pm

  Wonderful, reliable vehicle, just have had constant problems with the front end since it was purchased. Bought at 70k miles and had to replace rack and pinion and the front end has just been awful after that. The handling is not good and have been through several sets of tires.

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  Great Van- Best of Class - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dinky - December 7 - 6:20 am

  Great van! I love the center seat in the 2nd row so that all 3 of my kids in carseats can sit together! Ive had it for over a year now- it has had about 5 recalls and had to have the regulator in the driver side sliding door replaced so that the window would roll down- overall- still a great van! Highly recommend!

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  More than I imagined - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 7 - 1:21 am

  Honda sensing is fantastic!

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  Great for 5 Need more power points - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Gil P. - December 6 - 8:06 pm

  Have driven 18K in a year. From the midwest, have gone to NYC, Chicago, Disney, and many other few hour trip. Awesome vehicle, 2nd one owned, traded in Pilot when family became 5. The use of space is terrific. MPG is as expected. The only downside is the features and innovation have seemed to plateaued. Also, to make space for the Ipod jack, they took away a lighter/power point. This leaves two for the EX-L. And when you have 3 kids, all who want to watch or play some form of entertainment on a 8 hour trip... recipe for fighting. Other than that, Odyssey is the best family vehicle going.

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  Most reliable car weve owned - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By JG - December 6 - 1:20 pm

  Weve owned a Honda CRV then upgraded to a 2003 Pilot...Had numerous problems with the 03 after 6 months. Traded it in for an 07 and couldnt be happier. Gas mileage, eco mode, etc. great! Also hauls large trailers no problem. CONS: (1) area between console very hard to clean! (2)outside noise - all of our Hondas had this issue! (3)Engine sensors can be too sensitive. - Weve traveled across country w/this car and we felt absolutely safe knowing it was reliable. The 07 model is much nicer than the newer models. I would buy another one.