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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  A winner for Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Hilbilly - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Just took delivery 2 weeks ago and have already put 700 miles on our new Odyssey. We Also drive a Corvette and a Cadillac Escalade so were used to power and luxury, but this car/van is extremely practical and remarkably usefull. Were impressed with build quality and ride although this is clearly not a luxury car. After struggling to get 16 MPG we love the 25 MPG with this one. Whats notable is the way it feels on the highway. At speeds of 70 plus its very stable and one feels like its not going that fast.

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  We love our Odyssey! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mrs.&Mr.T. - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Odyssey lives up to its well deserved ratings. Handling is excellent.Very responsive, and love the european road feel.Gas mileage is acceptable.The Odysseys ride is noticebly smooth. The fit and finish is superb.Interior room is well thought out, and feels almost spacious.With third seat folded down, ample room for almost anything a family of four would need to take on vacation.The entertainment package is teriffic for the kids,leaves mom & dad in peace on long trips.

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  Flawed Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ken Ames - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Poor people engineering and finish. The dash board has rattled since the day I drove it home. Two attempts to correct it failed. The console is loose. I was told that it was "poor design by Honda". The first time that I tried to pull one of the second row seats forward the release bar came off in my hand. Driving with the front windows down is impossible because of the sound created. Space and time do not allow for all of the inattention to common sense detailing. I previoulsy owned a Ford Explorer for 8 years and 176,000 miles that was much smarter.

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  Almost Perfect! Only a few tweeks needed! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By JPoocha - May 14 - 9:45 pm

  I have an Odyssey Touring Elite! The likes: 1. Incredible hauling capacity for 8 passengers and the accompanying luggage. 2. The third row is very comfortable in comparison to the competition. 3. The standard HID headlights and safety features on the Elite model are life savers and should be standard on all models in my opinion. 4. The front warning collision system is incredible fast to alert drivers of a possible collision. 5. Very low maintenance costs. 6. Incredible sound on the optional audio system standard on the Elite. My Odyssey now has almost 60K on it in just 1.5 years of ownership. The Odyssey is excellent in so many categories I am able to overlook the following issues: 1. The front passenger seat is only a 4 way power. Honda should make this at least an 8 way power on its upper trim models like some other minivan manufacturers. 2. The front and middle row seats need extra cushion! I use this vehicles for long family trips so I extra padding could make the trip much more enjoyable. 3. The radio interface is just clunky and horrible. The entire system should be redesigned to make tuning and adjusting settings much easier. 4. Honda skipped adding armrests to both sides of the middle captains seats! The only workaround is to place the optional sliding middle seat in the second row down to utilize it as an armrest and for its cup holders. Just odd and it screams bean counter at Honda. On an Elite trim level armrests should not be omitted. Despite these problems, I love the Odyssey. I hope Honda addresses these problems on the new 2017 model so I am not forced to go with another brand offering all of these features it desperately needs to stay competitive.

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  225000 miles and still running strong. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By msyalor - May 14 - 2:00 am

  What more can I say. Minimal maintentance, and when you do it can be expensive for parts. Starting to burn a little oil, but original engine, never touched. Replaced starter and radiator, and the basics. No major problems. Still gets good gas mileage. Engine is very strong for a car this old with this many miles. Rides better than my 2001 Civic.

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  Decent car with some reliability problem - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Tushar - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this new in April 1995 and put 95k miles since then. Biggest complaint is the ABS unit broke twice after 3 year warranty expired. Cost me $800 each time for after market part. Recently the oil leaked completely so had to do a major servicing and since then the original smoothness and quietness is lost. Lot of engine vibrations in first 2 gears. Better after 30mph. Maybe mine was one of the bad apples. A/C worked fine for first 3 years but now it seems to have gotten weak. Dealer says cant do much about it. Overall not very happy with the car. Prefer Toyota and have bought a Sienna Van recenlty.

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  Some Good, Some Bad - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dagwood - May 13 - 4:46 am

  I like this car, but the manual transmission has become frustrating in cold weather. Difficult 3rd gear shift and it will occasionally throw the stick out of gear. This is not uncommon with this transmission in the sedan, coupe, S2000, Civic si, and Acura TL. I love everything else about the car and I still like the 6-speed even with this problem - I just wish Honda would solve the issue. Comfy seats, good accel and passing power, nice ride, decent handling, nice stereo, heated mirrors & seats. I put Dunlop Wintersport M3s on the car and the are wonderful - better than the stock Michelins. Im not a huge fan of the look of the rear end of the car, but I like it better than the 08s.

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  weve been through a lot together - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ghst99 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car way back in 97 with 75000 miles already on it. I drove it from California to Massachusetts and all the way down the East coast a couple of times then to Texas. In my time in the North East it handled great in the snow, The Body rusted a little, I had to change the brakes and cv joints once. It passed inspection everytime and I recently sold it for 2500 with 140000 miles on it! Great car, great resale value. Good bye old friend.

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  awesome car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Kristeye82 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after having a car that broke down all the time. I was pleasantly suprised that I have had absolutely no problems with it, even after a whole year. I have a half hour drive to work everyday and my civic is extremely reliable! I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone.

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  Fun To Drive / Poor initial Quality - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By carandkidsx2 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Things that have gone wrong in the first 6 months:DVD player replaced due to faulty sensor,faulty oil pressure sensor replaced,drivers power window switch(auto down feature) broke,drivers seat loose and dealer cant find fix,passenger side seat recliner broke (part on back order),rear seat A/C vents fragile and have broke twice,left front A/C vent loose and wont stay in the position you want, clunking/thunmping noise under the hood when you turn on A/C,battery died (dealer replaced).I truly believe these are teething problems,as we have one of the first made.I will NEVER buy a first year model again.