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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  Great decision - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Vangoalot - May 26 - 9:23 pm

  This is our second minivan. You get to know which features that you use daily, and the Honda has them all plus more-- and it doesnt feel like youre driving a large vehicle. It is very peppy, and the features are well thought out. I seldom takeout the 2nd row seats, so having the 3rd row easily fold flat was a big deal to us. Comfort in the 2nd row plus the extra jump seat just made sense! My wife and I seriously compared the Sienna and Chrysler Town & Country, and also looked at the other competitors but the Honda won hands down. I dont have small children, but the design makes sense. It still has plenty of room to haul, but it feels more like a luxury car (well, it is!) KUDOS, HONDA!

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  Great crossover vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - May 26 - 9:17 pm

  Have had the CRV for 1 month. Couldnt be happier. Always owned Hondas and know their reliability and resale value. The biggest adjustment was going from my 2006 civic 30mph to 22 mph. I know Ill be happy this winter with the AWD. A little surprised a 4 cyl doesnt get better mileage but the confidence and satisfaction with Honda compensates nicely. Bottom line is you get what you pay for and the value of what you get is great. The Hyundais and Kias boast a lower price and EXTREMELY limited 100,000 mi. warranty. But my brother in law is a Mercedes specialist and says he doesnt get many Hondas but the Koreans come in frequently and have bad corrosion problems down the road.

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  My 6th Accord and probably my best - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jr - May 26 - 4:50 pm

  First off, Ive been driving accords for 18 years, and all of them were manuals. I bought my 2001 ex sedan going on 2 months ago from a friend. She got the car in 2002 with 25,000 miles on it; I got it with 217,000 miles. Everything major was recently replaced (timing belt, clutch, seals, brakes, etc). The paint isnt doing the infamous fade/peel like most, its a manual so no worries about the transmission, the engine is clean with no visible sludge, and the check engine light isnt on. The headlights are a tad foggy and the front bumper has some scratches and scuffs, but this thing was well taken care of! Though its 15 years old, I plan on driving this car for several years. I have owned a 92, 99, 91, 93, 02, and now an 01. The 1993 ex sedan holds the title, but this one striving to be the best accord Ive owned!

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  Do not buy a 2013 Honda Accord - too many problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By reviewer24 - May 26 - 3:53 pm

  Im curious as to why people like it, since it is the worst, most unreliable, problem filled car Honda has ever made. I have 20 unreolved problems with my car with the NAV, audio, transmission, seats. The seat is curved like an airplanes seat, the headrest pokes you in the back of the head forcing your head in an unatural position. Honda customer relations are useless. The dealer does not believe the owners when complaining about the problems and even refuse to look at them more than once. Look for "2013 Honda Accord Radio problems" in you tube. Also, look at this thread: http://www.hondaaccordforum.com/forum/audio-visual-electronics-10/2013-accord-problems-nav-blutooth-51172/

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  2009 Odyssey EXL RN! - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Lorraine - May 26 - 7:55 am

  Very impressed! I love the minivan just like my 3rd child (I only got 2 children)! The engine is smooth, quiet, and powerful. Its the best car weve ever bought! 100% Satisfaction! No complaint at all! Just bought it ~ 3 weeks ago with 1 mile on it when brand new.

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  Well built, horrible gas mileage - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bob doyle - May 26 - 7:28 am

  My Odyssey is built very well, no problems through 25,000 miles. My complaint about the car though is the fuel mileage, its as bad as a huge SUV! Car gets 14 mpg city, 22 mpg highway. Dealer first told me to wait for it to "break in", now he states its normal, wow! I am shocked and disappointed with the mileage. Beware if you buy this vehicle youll spend big bucks for fuel.

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  Over Rated Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Accord Mistake - May 26 - 6:30 am

  I would still be driving my 2003 Camry with 4 cylinder and automatic if the gal with the cell phone had stayed in her own lane! I would be driving a 2007 Camry to replace the 2003 if Toyota had not lowered the headroom by almost an inch! (2003 was the first Camry that fit my long torso). Honda has a good reputation and the 2007 Accord has headroom equal to the old Camry so it seemed like a no brainer but I was wrong. The Honda isnt even close to the Toyota in so many ways. Unfortunately the test drive wasnt long enough for me to pick up on everything. The front seats are way too stiff and narrow...have to drive with wallet out of pants. Highway mileage is 2-3 mpg less than Camry.

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  Love my Civic. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Nora - May 25 - 11:33 pm

  I really like this car! No serious problems yet, the only thing is the sun visors that I have to replace because they break apart, but everything else is perfect for me. Have gotten many complements. My first Honda and I love it!

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  Love this car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By josh37 - May 25 - 5:17 pm

  I just got this car from totaling my Lexus and like it a lot better. I love the inside and the outside and for a 4 cyl. It has a lot of power and for a two door theres a lot of room for my friends. I have not had a problem with this car yet and hope I wont and I have no complaints. I get complements from everybody at school, from family, and from total strangers.

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  From CR-V to Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - May 25 - 3:59 pm

  I just recently brought a Pilot and I love everything about this vehicle because of more space and comfort. I went from CRV to Pilot which was a huge upgrade. The CRV was a great small SUV but wanted something bigger for hauling things for my small business and to tow a camper trailer. It also gets great gas mileage for the sizes of the vehicle and been getting 21 and 22 mpg in town and a little highway mixed. Cant wait to drive it longer on the highway and see if it gets 26 mpg. It looks similar to the CRV but its nicer inside and outside and it drives quiet and rides softer than the CRV.