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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  2005 Odyssey EX - 16 months in - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pachiefman - September 12 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned several vans over the years, Toyotas, VWs, this Honda.This EX ranks right up there at the top. It runs well, handles better than my previous Toyota although my Previa was the best van out there in 1994. Ive always required a vehicle that can tow a small trailer. This one does, although the towing package, consisting of enlarged trans. & pwr strg. coolers, a wind deflector, and the hitch and harness for lights can be expensive, depending on if you can install it yourself.

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  little fast truck - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kiko - September 8 - 3:06 am

  Bouncy ride which is probably what is expected from an SUV. Felt that the acceleration is very good compared to my 1990 and 2001 Accord. Not as comfortable as the Accord. Very stable on the turns and curves and can handle the turns at a good speed. Steering feels like there is a subtle bias towards the left although when you take your hands off the steering wheel it goes straight. Wheels appear to be aligned by the even tire wear.The brakes are well adjusted and very good stopping, better than my 2001 Accord.Probably I got to get used to the SUV feel instead of comparing it to a car. Noise level is minimal to me.

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  Nice Ride! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By anissa - September 7 - 3:28 pm

  I love everything about the Honda Pilot and love the new design. Very good quality SUV. My only complaint is that the stereo system (FM & AM) radio reception is terrible. It constantly fades in and out and makes listening to your favorite songs annoying. So while I currently have a 3 month free membership to Sirius XM, I enjoy that. Sadly, if Honda doesnt do a recall on the antenna in the car, Ill end up being a lifetime member of Sirius XM which I had not planned. They dropped the ball on this one EASY thing.

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  Shed be 5 stars if she werent so noisy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Byrnes - September 6 - 2:36 pm

  Although we have had her for just 2 weeks, and we are still learning about her, we find her to be a good addition to our family. In fact she is just about perfect for an all around vehicle, provided you arent looking for high end performance. But she does have a down side. She is noisy on the highway. Tire noise makes you pump up the volume, whether you are having a conversation or listening to the radio. If Honda added some sound insulation this would be a 5 for us.

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  Most uncomfortable vehicle I have owned - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - September 5 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased my CRV in November. After driving it for about 5,000 miles, I have decided that I cant stand this vehicle and will be selling it. The ride is too stiff, the seats are uncomfortable, the dash board slopes away from the driver. I drive a lot and while I like this vehicle, I am not comfortable in this car. Too bad the dealer would not allow me more than a 10 mile test drive. If I could of test drove this car for a couple of days, I would not have bought it. But live and learn.

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  Just make the cheap payment - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Steve - September 4 - 5:40 pm

  Ive put 20k on mine in one year oil changes only. Nothing goes wrong with these little cars. Road noise on rough highways make Bluetooth phone useless. 30 bucks gets you cross country on highway with cruise and eco set. Kick back and dont worry about breaking down.

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  Si review - 2000 Honda Civic
  By gacivicsi - September 3 - 10:00 am

  the car was a great buy new. it has held almost all of its value over the last 3 years. 1.6l engine lacks torque, but that is to be expected. fast enough to get the job done, but will not really get you in trouble. understeers in the wet.

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  Great Car - Horrible Gas mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bo - September 3 - 8:36 am

  The car is great. It looks and drives very well. Comfort inside is better than expected. Worst issue is Gas Consumption, this thing averages 18 MPG for city and hwy combined. This is with normal driving . Honda does not care or want to do anything about it. So beware, if you are trading in your V8 for a mileage vehicle, this is not it in my case.

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  gone! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By former owner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  My power sliders failed me three times, even after mechanisms were replaced by dealer. I do not recommend the EX better stay with the LX. Also...you will need a good set of snow tires if you have to drive in New England, as handling is terrible in snow.

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  Decent Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By PLambert - September 2 - 4:04 am

  This car looks great inside and out. The interior is quite spacious with good trunk space. Gets about 32 mpg on freeway and about 23 mpg around town. Bought the car used about 7 months ago and currently has about 92K miles. We have the 4-cyl engine and doesnt require any additional oil between oil changes. This is certainly not a luxury vehicle. Theres a fair amount of road noise and the ride is not as smooth as youd expect. Acceleration and handling is decent, although there is some body roll when making sharp turns. It also has a wide turn radius and rear visibility isnt great. If you want a smooth, quiet, luxurious ride, dont buy this car. If you want a car with a decent driving experience thats spacious, safe, reliable, and looks great, then consider getting the 4-cyl Accord.