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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  2000 Honda Road Trip - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By AWagner12 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was a great choice for my family. It rides like a car, yet looks nothing like one. It fells rock solid while driving. It feels on a par with many SUVs on the road. Gas mileage is not great, but its not a pig either. The only problem I encountered was with the door seals on the sliding doors. The R/S door sometimes sticks so bad it feels like you may break the door handle both in/out if you force it. The dealer says silicone spray is the best way to fix the problem. I had a pollution control go bad after the 36,000 mile warranty...but it was covered by law. Due to the safety rating I will most likely buy another new next year.

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  The Odyssey is good but needs improvement - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Fred Hahn - December 13 - 3:40 pm

  Good car. Better than our Buick Rendevous. Smooth ride, good power, good pick up and steering. Feels secure and sure-footed. Snow driving was fair -- not nearly as good as the Rendevous. Why dont they make an AWD model? Wake up Honda! NEEDS telescoping steering wheel (This is supposed to be a touring model right?)You just cant get extremely comfortable. There is no mute button for the radio to be found! We got kids! ARGH! DVD system is nice. There is no random CD setting on the sound system (painful), again, this is a touring model! Arm rests are too small, not built for Americans. But the American vans were bad too! No coin separator holder! When rear seats are down there is 0 rear storage

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  Radio/CD Panel - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CA Civic - December 13 - 2:50 pm

  Traded in my 98 Camry for a 07 Civic for better gas mileage. So far I love my Civic and its fun to drive, especially past gas stations. Only concern I have is that lately the radio/CD panel tends to get hot to the touch, including the buttons to switch stations. When I pull out the CD, the CD is also hot. Not sure where heat transfer is coming from. Also have a rattle on right door panel that I cant seem to locate; sounds like a piece of plastic vibrating. Other than that I love driving the Civic and actually enjoy road trips.

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  Broken Climate Control at the 10th day - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dc - December 13 - 10:40 am

  I bought a new 08 Accord LX-P on 10/20/2007. Ive been buying Toyota for the last 20 years and was excited about switching to Honda. Weather turned cold this week, so I turned on the heater in the car Monday morning. The heater shut itself off after running for a minute. It stayed shut off for about 20 minutes and came up running again on Monday morning. Tuesday morning there was no heat and the fan was not running for the entire day morning. When I took the car to the dealer for service, the heater worked again. It seems like the heater and fan only work when the outdoor temperature is warn. I will not buy a 1st model year car again.

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  HONDA PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rOBERT lEWIS - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought on 6/2/2002. No problems. So far, have driven 65,000 miles. All over country and Canada. Only oil changes, transmission fluid. Lots of power. The interior is very well thought out. The access to oil filter change is excellent. Drives very smooth and quiet for a SUV.

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  so far so good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jaycee1964 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Ford buyer for ever. Had one bad experiance with Ford dealer and trader my Taurus for the Pilot. No problems so far.

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  Honda Pilot Review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Magapatton - December 13 - 10:00 am

  First time Honda buyer, pleased with vehicle. It meets all expectations except for outside temp gauge which seems to be 10 degrees off and not pleased with passenger seat not enough adjustments to make it more comfortable. Pleased with regular gas usage. Great for economy in an SUV. Lastly dealership claims not enough knowledge provided to them about this new vehicle.

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  This Accord is not a good vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By johnlong - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This Accord has a bad engine because it is made in the usa and not in japan. The seat belt connecting compartment broke, terrible safety feature in the car. Car is too expensive.

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  Odyssee - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry B - December 13 - 6:31 am

  Very reliable with excellent gas mileage for such a large vehicle. Very few maintenace issues encountered over 4 years. Have owned two and will probably consider getting another one. Recommend with anyone with a family. Lots of features.

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  So Much Fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Matt - December 12 - 9:10 pm

  As a recent college grad, this was my first new car purchase. I spent months (literally) trying to find a something fun/practical/economical/sporty/stylish /etc. all wrapped into one. Before, I drove a 95 Mazda Millenia which was great. My first Honda experience has been amazing so far. I was warned the Si was a true sports car. This is not a lie. Gears 2 through 5 really have some power, especially in the higher RPMs (redlines at 8000). With a little time, the clutch is fairly user friendly. Navigation system is easy to use and the sound system is better than advertised (built in sub really kicks hard). I bought this car to have some fun and so far Honda has delivered.