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:

• 

  My Honda Minivan 2005. Mi. 4000 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aloysius - September 27 - 10:13 am

  We love our Honda minivan. The riding comfort on the leather seats is perfect. Heating and air conditioning and radio controls too far from driver seat. clock very difficult to read.

• 

  Not again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By notagain - September 26 - 9:13 am

  All aspects of handling have been great. The interior design is not comfortable on long trips. VERY NOISY. The driver seat is great if you are a small person, but the steering wheel cannot be adjusted in or out, so if you have long legs and torso, you would need exceptionally long arms to reach the steering wheel. We have the need for eight seats but the middle 2nd row seat is just a joke as a baby seat wont fit there nor can anyone over 5 sit in comfort without cramping the seats on either side. Getting in or out of the the third row of seats is just passible for small children, just dont make this a teenager passenger vehicle (soccer team?).

• 

  I thought I loved my Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Joe.G - September 21 - 4:00 pm

  I thought I was buying one of Hondas best, but found some issues afterward. The pull to the right should be addressed. This will eventually wear out your tires. Honda should fix this. Also, gas mileage is not what its advertised to be. Its a guzzler. Overall, I should have kept shopping. Well see. Some plastic pieces are already coming off in the door area on both sides. Vehicle only has 2100 miles on it. Trunk space is a problem with all seats up. Oh well...

• 

  2017 Honda Accord Hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By C Wilson - September 21 - 10:49 am

• 

  2012 Odyssey Touring - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By Stan F. - September 20 - 10:52 pm

  Have owned five Odyssey minivans since they were redesigned in the late 90s. This unit has been by far the most reliable, trouble free one. Highly recommended. Always had issues with the "lightning rod" design, introduced in 2011, which I thought was downright ugly. So sad to see that Honda did not get rid of that design element in the new 2018 model... an opportunity to reinvent itself.

• 

  Compromises unnecessary - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Golden Eagle - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 4 accords, 2003 is the most tech advanced. Very tight car and great fit and finish. Suspension is very disappointing. It sags under full load of 4 adults and with 2 adults, has more body lean than I like. The steering while positive is numb. The voice system is useless and could have been invested in better supported front seats, steering wheel lights,etc.

• 

  new look to a familiar ride - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By john connell - September 16 - 5:34 am

  This is a great everyday driver, the ultimate do everything, versatile vehicle.

• 

  Very good, for the most part... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By STiPilot - September 15 - 11:03 am

  The Odyssey is overall very decent. Upscale feel on the inside. Car is quiet and smooth. Satisfying power and surprisingly very good handling. I also own a Subaru STi and CBR1000RR bike, and still am pleasantly surprised at the Odysseys acceleration and car-like handling. The Nav system is also very impressive and fast... this and the 630+ recognized voice commands are tres cool!!! Even my wife who was reluctant to buy this extra technogear now wonders how she got along without it. Heres the bad parts: Consistently disappointing gas mileage 16-17 mpg even when driven by my wife, who doesnt live life past 4K RPM. Sunroof is already broken, too.

• 

  1998 Honda Civic EX Coupe - 1998 Honda Civic
  By cristina72 - September 15 - 10:50 am

  This car doesnt seem to handle well in the rain regardless of the new tires it has that are made for wet roads. Im quite shocked considering this is my fourth civic, but after 4 years with it, Im ready for a change. I find it too small and not a good choice for someone that will have more than one passenger in their car at a time (other than children or short people) as there isnt much leg room in the back.

• 

  Compare to Sienna - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By TVG - September 13 - 11:36 pm

  This is a excellent riding vehicle with many worthwhile safety features. Although the engine has an ECO mode the overall MPG is only 15. The lowest mileage has been 12 and the highest is 22 during the three months we have owned this vehicle. Our previously owned O4 Sienna got about 5-6 mpg more for the same type of driving. Access to the third row seat was easier in our Toyota Sienna. The PAX (run flat) tires are nice to have but will cost significantly more to replace that conventional tires. The navigation system is easy and fun to use but frequently comes up with,"entering unverified area" on some of our routes. We liked our Sienna better but this is still an excellent minivan.