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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  "CRV" means car really vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By R Martuscello - September 29 - 10:20 am

  This is not our first Honda CRV but it may be the last. We purchased a new 2015 Honda CRV and the dealer did not have the integrity to say that there was an issue regarding the vibration or shuddering at lower rpms. Honda has a video concerning the problem which had I known about would have at least alerted me to the problem. The dealers know but most if not all consumers do not know about the video. Can not believe a manufacturer for which many have high regard would dump such vehicles on the buying public. Honda let us down after getting our cash. My word to the wise: DO NOT BUY A NEW HONDA CRV. You have been warned.

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  The Pilotmobile - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By bearspaws - September 29 - 9:00 am

  We were going to buy an Odyssey touring van but I drove the Pilot and liked it better. We were looking for something that would haul more than 5 and have legroom too. The Pilot is perfect; plenty of power, handles great, very quiet and nice to drive. We chose Nighthawk black with grey interior. I love it!

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  2009 Honda Accord EX-L without Navi. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By MattB - September 29 - 6:50 am

  I have had my Accord for a few months now. I honestly dont know what everyone complains about. I drive pretty rough (college kid) and my MPG is always around 25. When I drive home it is nothing for me to get 30+ MPG. GREAT gas mileage on mine! There was a rattle in the sunroof, brakes squeal after a few months. Notified Honda, USA about it. Both suddenly stopped after a week. Backseat is very comfy, but driver seat can take its toll on me when driving home. VERY smooth ride, for those that care the exhaust is pretty good, leather is a good quality leather unlike Hyundai, the build quality is... wow amazing! I would def. buy another Honda (this is my first one). Paid $26,500.

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  Should have bought a Mazda3 5 door. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Douglas Parent - September 29 - 2:00 am

  One year into ownership, purchased it new. Ive owned 3 previous Hondas and 1 Acura so I thought it would be a no brainer. The ride is pretty rough, the steering and handling is excellent. The seats really are not bad at all, a 2 hour trip to LA and back is not difficult for a compact. My mileage is around 325 per tank. I drive it kinda hard, my last car was a VR6 GTI and I MISS THAT CAR for the overall driving experience. I have 16K on this one. Drivers side visor just broke and I hardly use it. Automatic transmission was not a good choice for this size engine, not smooth and robs power. Im a stick guy anyway, oh well. Time to sell this and get another hatchback, there are lots of choices.

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  Honda Accord, the new Impala - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - September 29 - 1:53 am

  In my opinion, with its redesigned Accords, Honda has perfected the classic American large sedan. This new Honda feels like a very well put together Chevy Impala. It’s designed for American roads and American families so I suppose that’s fine. So far, and I have only had it a week, I find it like driving a barge. I don’t care for it but it’s not so bad that I can say I hate it. It’ just not fun to drive. It’s fine on the interstate but parking is clunky and I don’t long to drive it like I did my old BMWs. Alas, now I own it. I wish Honda had a return policy.

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  Two issues, one compliant - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Doug - September 28 - 5:46 pm

  I own a 2007 Odyssey with 20,000 miles on it which I purchased new. Ive had two mechanical issues so far. The first was with a noisy power-steering unit. The noise was caused by a faulty power steering fluid reservoir which allowed air to get into the system. The second issue is with the transmission. It shutters at 20 & 40 mph under very light pedal applications. I had it to the dealer once so far without a fix. I believe it is an issue with the cylinder deactivation system. A friend had a similar issue and had their active engine mounts replaced. I may start there with the dealer on my next visit. Fuel economy is poor. Avg. 16/17 around town & 18 on vacation trip loaded down.

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  The car is great! Bridgestone tires awfu - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Frank - September 28 - 5:23 pm

  I like everything about the Civic EX. The Bridgestone tires Honda put on it are pretty bad though! The dealer said Honda got a big discount on Bridgestone tires and switched from Michlein. I took the Bridgestone tires off and replaced them with Michlein Sport tires that Honda puts on the Civic SI. It now tracks and holds the road MUCH better. Dont expect much from the Bridgestone tires on water or Snow....you will be in deep trouble. This was my 20th Honda/Acura product!!

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  I should have bought Camry - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Siggy - September 28 - 3:50 pm

  While the car is not bad, there many things which are extremely cheaply made. My car just past the basic warranty started to have trouble with rear door actuator. Honda wants $300.00+ to replace it. I had many different cars with power doors like Mazda, Toyota and Nissan and never had so many annoying problems. I should have paid the $500 more and bought the Toyota Camry. There is a reason why Toyotas are rated excellent by Consumer Reports and Hondas are average. The old saying applies here that cheap becomes expensive. Also Honda does not stand behind its product. The actuator issue is not new, they even settle a class action suit for millions of dollars. It was on a different vehicle made by Honda, but I am sure that the parts are made by the same manufacturer.

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  What a Disappointment - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Momof2 - September 28 - 2:09 pm

  Ive owned Hondas in the past and found them reliable, so I blindly chose the Odyssey when it was time for a minivan. Big mistake. This huge "mini" van drove like a bus, was difficult to park, and had problems the dealer was not able to fix. At 20K miles, the rotors warped, the front tires had to be replaced, and the front wheels were constantly out of balance. At 25K miles, the engine mounts failed, followed by the torque converter and the A/C. It vibrated all the time while driving and the dealer could do no more. Reading the reviews on this model year, I found Im not the only one with these problems. I just traded it in on a Sienna and have never been happier.

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  My First Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ben-gal-fan - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Even though weve only owned this Van for 1 tank of gas, the wife and I love it already. The odyseey has great acceleration when called upon. I looked at the Sedona and Entourage but I came back to the Odyseey for the exterior good lucks, and the classier interior vs the others. I liked the 2007 Nissan Quest, now that they have moved the instrument cluster back in front of the driver, but it was very pricey compared to the Odyssey EX. Unlike others, im perfectly happy with the gas mileage. We got 22mpg from our first tank and Im sure that will improve over time. In my opinion this is by far the best looking minivan both inside and out. It drives as nice as our 2004 Accord and we love it