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:

• 

  nice car with no power - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By JackS - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for over six years before I ran into a deer and traded it in. Very reliable!! No maintenance problems over 118K miles. Flip down seats were great. Big problem....the four cylinder engine will not accelerate to save your life. Get a later model that has a V6. I was almost killed on the highway because of this

• 

  Honda Navi needs to be reevaulated - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By fred schweinert - May 23 - 5:45 pm

  The Navi on the 2016 is very difficult to "navigate" when driving. They took away all the touch screen apps and in our opinion it is a safety tragedy waiting to happen. The voice recognition is terrible and we find ourselves using our cell phone navigation after investing thousands of dollars for what we where trying to avoid....using the cell phone!

• 

  After 2.5 years driving - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jiechi - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a good van and serves family needs well. Some minor problems here. Auto sliding doors were stuck several times but all worked later magically. Gas mieage is very low (17/21). Fuel capacity seems at 15-16 gl but not the 20 gl spec. Anyone has this problem? Seats are too soft. Rest arms are not much useful (too small & low). Persistent nozzle spray type noise coming from engine compartment @ 50mph cruise is annoying. Service rep says its not gear grinding but injection related with every 01 model year. Surprised! Other than these, its a perfect van.

• 

  The title should go here - 1995 Honda Civic
  By froggy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Well... its been a few years since I bought my Civic. It has never left me stranded and if I didnt drive like a maniac woman, then it would probably be in better condition! What can I say its a Honda, its not going to die, unless you beat it to death, and even then it still wont die. I too have noticed the rough tranny shift in the autos. Thinking about swapping out the engine and transmission soon because I need more power! Not sure, might just buy a new car.

• 

  great car, but Im selling mine! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By rebaaron - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 97 and its coming up on 174K miles. The first 130K were great and then repairs started happening (as I would expect) - and theyre expensive! The car developed 4 major oil leaks, the brakes needed replacing which is expensive on these (4-wheel disks and press-on rotors), and last week I had a suspension spring break which evidently is common. This is my second Accord (86 which lasted 190K) and its a great car - but time to move on!

• 

  2 car seats and an adult in the 2nd row! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - May 22 - 12:56 am

  With a growing family we were in the market for a large crossover. Viewed all the typical competitors and the Honda was honestly last on our list. The deciding factor? We had one requirement that eliminated all of the other crossovers. We wanted to fit a rear facing infant seat, another car seat and an adult in the second row. The Honda was the only car that did it safely and comfortable. We are amazed that so few cars can do that other than the GMC Yukon which is much too large for city driving. So far the ride is fine. Fit and finish leave much to be desired. Already have one panel that doesnt fit right but I hope Honda can fix it.

• 

  2008 Honda Civic LX - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Gary - May 21 - 7:26 am

  I paid $16,840 plus tax, a good deal with 4.5 % financing/3-yrs. Peppy car with 140 hp, smooth shifting, great service hours at Honda dealership, car has great looks! Rides quieter than reviews suggested. Trunk spacious. Hybrid model does not allow rear seat fold down.

• 

  Terrific Car, But Too Much Plastic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Howard R - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have my Civic one month now.As always Honda reliability is number one. Only one complaint. Interior has too much plastic finish and as a result, I have a rattle somewhere under the dash near the steering column.For such a beautiful car, what an irritation.The car performs well and the ride is very smooth. Gas mileage is great. This is my fourth Honda and I wouldnt drive anything else.

• 

  V6 Navi Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dropzone - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I waited for the Nav system to finally buy this car. I was more than impressed by the features. A friend has a Mercedes S600 and the Nav system is archaic compared to the one in the Honda. I finally read the directions and unearthed all the features and voice activated commands, it will do everything but make a cup of latte.

• 

  Not So Great A Car, just OK - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CMJLB - May 20 - 10:00 am

  First Honda. Purchased this car mainly because of design and reputation. Hate the ride (rough and loud on freeways). Has serious blind spots rear quarter and front. Stereo leaves much to be desired. Gas mileage first 4000 miles is terrible, much less than my Solara. Rear seat room very minimal. Moon roof control can only be operated by driver and is not auto one touch open/close. Engine hesitates during quick acceleration.