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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  transmission troubles - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaham - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this van for almost 3 years nad have had the transmission replaced two times (under warranty both times). I have been dissapointed in the engine quality for a Honda, other than that super vehicle.

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  A good car, except - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Cyrus Griffin - January 6 - 11:23 am

  Honda has always built good cars. And this Accord is no different. Except the mileage rating on the hybrid accord is way out of balance with the actual. The best I have been able to attain, with careful driving, is 7 to 10 miles per gallon less than advertised. For a major car manufacturer of hybrids this is very bad.

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  compact - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Hondaparts03 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  89 to 91 civic si, are just simply fun. I owned one since 91. No trouble at all, until around 100k miles, i changed the cv joint and alternator. Thats about it. Just last summer, i changed the motor into a B16. 2000 Si motor. Everything fits great. Now i have 160 hp VTEC. 13K miles.

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  06 Odyssey is a very nice van. . . - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By dmaxwellh - January 5 - 4:13 am

  The vehicle drives well and is quite comfortable. We have had no quality issues in the first few months and 3000 miles. Our mileage has averaged 19-22 mpg. I was surprised that a few simple items have been overlooked by Honda, such as an auto-on/off feature for the headlights and an auto-lock feature for the doors. These should be standard across the model lineup! I also believe that for such a safety-minded vehicle that power adjustable pedals should be available on each model, as well. Overall, my family has been pleased with the Odyssey. By, the way, our first venture in to snow was not too successful, thus new Blizzak snow tires have been ordered!

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  Soccer Family Tranquilizer Gun - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By familyvanman - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The EX/L model with the DVD entertainment system is like shooting the kids with a tranquilizer gun. Total silence!! We purchased 2 extra sets of headphones for the back (4 total) and I can listen to country music in front and the kids can either put in a DVD or some crappy Rap CD that I dont have to listen to and theyre happy...and so am I!!! Whoever thought up the ntertainment system was a genius. The fold down rear seat gets used all the time at the soccer fields. When it rains, the back hatch serves as a perfect cover. The only problem since buying the Odyssey is that we had to replace the climate control system.

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  The First Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By BOH - January 3 - 8:33 pm

  Just purchased the vehicle and decided to break it fast (fast at startups, etc.)in order to get a faster car. It worked fine with all the Toyotas I owned, and appears to do the same with this one. This is contrary to what is being recommended by Honda, s-l-o-w starts and no acceleration the first few hundred miles. I like the the stiff suspension and very tight steering feel. The car came with 27 lbs. of pressure in the Michelins, which was raised to 32 and 30 respectively to improve the handling. Pretty solid all around handling car. Time will tell if I decide to keep it for a longer haul.

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  Major Brake Issues - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sammy - January 2 - 10:43 pm

  My fiance and I purchased an 09 EX 4 Cyl. without navigation in Sept. 2008. The car rides great and is fun to drive. The gas mileage is terrific. Honda has refused to address a major brake issue as of yet. We have already had to spend nearly $200 for new rear brake pads in 16 months. Brake pads should not wear out that quickly. Honda has had many complaints and the web is filled with comments on the issue. Lets hope Honda does the right thing.

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  1st honda, not disappointed - 2004 Honda Accord
  By pkp144 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  this is my first honda, and im not disappointed. vtec v6 is unreal. all the creature comforts you can ask for. why would anyone buy the tsx and only get the 4cyl. when for less money you have a v6 loaded accord, simply for the acura badge?? doesnt make sense. honda did not disappoint, and the dealership was excellent.

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  disappointing - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By unfortunate - January 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever purchased. In one year we have needed to replace the altenator, have the sliding doors adjusted twice (and still not right)and replace the pilling interior fabric (which Honda has not yet done). Based on the perfomrance of this car and the manufacturer, I will not buy another Honda again.

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  Great Honda, Great SUV, Not an Acura - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By steven mcdonald - January 1 - 10:37 pm

  This is a very high end Honda, but this is not the quality of materials (the leather seats), or the fit and finish (particularly the rear hatch seams.....), of my Acuras. I assume it will have the same reliability as the 8 other Honda products I have owned. Details: average mileage is ~25 MPG; when you go over 78 MPH the turbo is on all the time, mileage drops fast (to around 22 MPG?); transmission is good, even acts like it is shifting when you push it hard (I like it?); rear seat room is awesome; handling is awesome; the leather on the front seats is weak, really weak, it will wear fast; get the all weather floor mats, they are awesome; the fit of the rear hatch baffles me, it is so bad I can almost get my finger in the seams....weird; the infotainment system is aggravating at best, very confusing; bluetooth is crazy, out of control, takes control of your phone even when you have deleted your phone; Android Auto works fine, but be prepared, Android Auto messes up your phone bad; Apple Car Play also works fine, but that product is terrible; love the deep white Touring color; AWD is awesome and seamless; There is a slight vibration at 78 MPH, I think it is the turbo not being isolated - I am getting used to it, so not a problem; we have 6K on the CRV. This CRV looks so much better than any of the previous versions, that is why we took a look at it. We do love it, quirks and all. We have 4 grown kids, and 2 grandkids, and we think this will make a very nice hand-me down at some point in the future - as did my 99 TL, my 05 Odyssey, my 08 Fit, and my 09 TSX - and 92 and 93 Accords....ugh....yeah, that is not all the Honda products, but most of them.....