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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  Good but ... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By nosema - January 13 - 1:03 pm

  Very good design.. But poor MPG and shimmy brake make me not so comfortable when I drive it.

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  Poor - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Richard M Boudreau - January 12 - 4:55 am

  I could do without heated seats and instead, HEATED MIRRORS! This is New England

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  Not Pleased - 2000 Honda Civic
  By av - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Within 18 months of buying it, it started jerking while driving, and stalling. No one knew what was wrong with the car. Took it to the dealership about 4 times and finally filled out the lemon papers. Has anyone else had the same problem with the 2000EX?

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  Could it get any better than this??!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ppakrb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The comfort in this van is unbelievable!!! The room and space is excellent. Its made for every size person in mind. The heated seats are very nice for the cold weather.

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  Unsafe windows - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By MomofTwo - January 10 - 9:43 am

  The main drawbacks are a safety issue and Hondas response. The drivers side window has an auto- up feature. This feature lets you put up your window with a flick of a switch. The only way to stop it is with the switch. There is no sensor stopping the upward motion and even if you press down on the window it will not stop. This works even when the window lock is on and the keys are out of the ignition. Hondas response was that "this is how it was designed, it is not a problem and we dont see a need to change it". Honda also stated "If we had any issues/concerns they needed to be settled when vehicle was purchased". other eg:XM,HVAC.check everything closely b4 u buy!

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  Great truck. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kula_Jon - January 10 - 12:20 am

  Im not sure what others are saying but I tow my landscaping trailer and carry a full load of tools in the "trunk" and I have no problems what so ever. Its not a racing car but its so quiet that Im usually going 60 before I know it. Everyone who has driven with me has commented on how nice it rides. It isnt the usual truck configuration but once I got used to it, I love it! Most naysayers seem to be comparing this to a 8 cylinder behemoth. Its not, its a smallish 6 but, like I said, it powers me and my equipment along just fine. I drive up a loose gravel driveway, for one of my jobs, that has a steep angle.

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  Hmmmmmm, takes some getting used to. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bob PDX - January 8 - 6:34 pm

  So, I really like the ride, power, comfort and styling etc. The button controls are all fine but the MM electronic display is overly complicated and is at times senseless. I understand the issues of distracted driving and how manufacturers and laws are trying to mitigate this but...............not being able to enter an adress or use many Nav features while the car is in motion is absurd. One can use voice but this is not always practical. While it may not be a good idea for a diver to get to wrapped up entering an address underway why in the heck should they prevent a passenger from doing so. I mean it is a n 8 passenger vehicle not a 1 seater so it makes perfect sense to let someone access the Nav while driving. Another example is prohibiting any access to the sound controls for the audio. The only way you can adjust bass or treble, fade/balance is to put the car in park. Again, why the heck do they assume that only the driver is in the car with no passenger available to do these things. I have found the overall audion quality to be very poor and not what I expect at all. So there are some things that bug me for sure but with this said I love the vehicle as it is great in some many other ways.

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  Needs some improvement - 2007 Honda Fit
  By cowtowner - January 8 - 5:16 pm

  After driving this vehicle for almost a year, as of this review - 2-21-07, I have a few minor complaints. 1. The display for the radio unit does not show very well on a bright day. This appears to be a non-standard size unit. I would replace it if I could buy a off the shelf unit and just plug it in without a custom adapter kit. Honda needs to change this design. 2. The top of the windshield needs to be better tinted or make the windshield smaller. Both the driver and the passenger have to use the sun shade to keep out excessive sun light even when not driving into the sun. 3. The head lights seems to be aimed too low.

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  Hidden Cuts but paying more. - 2010 Honda Accord
  By J.P. - January 5 - 2:03 am

  Fun to drive. Great gas mileage, a little noisier then some of my other Hondas I have owned.

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  The "Surprising" Loud Honda Accord - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jmbogner - January 4 - 9:56 am

  2013 Accord Sport that developed a loud rattle from 20-30 MPH in the drivers left hand dash. I took it to the shop and they attempted to fix it. They realized that the car had two cabin temperature sensors installed (supposed to only have one) and both were malfunctioning. So it took two repair visits to rectify this issue. I am now sitting in the service shop where they need to tear off my entire dash to fix a loud rattle in the center dash that they expect will take two days to fix. So I have been in the shop 3 times in the past 7 weeks of owning this car and it still is really loud. I really thought that Honda was pushing the quietness of the car but they completely missed the mar