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:

• 

  Excellent - 1997 Honda Civic
  By angelo - April 12 - 8:11 pm

  I like the car because its economy and a small car that I can park anywhere it will fit also very economic.

• 

  Wind Noise is terrible - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ed - April 12 - 7:43 pm

  The noise level in the Odyssey is terrible. You can hear the road noise as if you are riding on the hood. If I was to do it again I would of bought a Sienna!!!!

• 

  Overall a good car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Chris - April 12 - 12:03 pm

  I wanted Honda reliability but was a little disappointed, overall a very good car though. Two guys I worked with have 98s (the year this version was redesigned), while they have a lot more miles, I used that as a gauge of problems I could expect. Alternator and battery failed at only 35K miles ($700) which I thought was pretty bad and it needed brakes prematurely soon after that, but thats been about it - almost 10 years old, needs new motor mount but no other repair issues. Its powerful, fairly quiet, agile, excellent handling and braking. Gas mileage drops al lot if you go 70+ MPH. The clear coat finish on the wheels is wearing a little prematurely being in FL most its life.

• 

  Lovely little hatch - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Miyo - April 12 - 7:26 am

  Whatever the Civic Si lacks in, the originality of the car and the distinctive styling makes up for it. People can make fun of it by calling it a mini-mini van, but in reality, they want it so bad. The interior is unique, with awesome seats manufactured by Recaro (for those of you who didnt know) and the steering wheel manufactured by Momo. Some people may think that $19K is too much for the car, but you have to realize that Honda didnt use any cheap parts or even cheap plastic to build this car. Love the car, love the styling, love the orginality.

• 

  A few bugs... but... Problems add up... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dan3367 - April 12 - 1:18 am

  The usual wind whistle is the window shield trim and windshield gap. Sealed the area with black rvt sealant. Brake pads went out or had loud noise clucking. It was a recall thing, I have a loud clunk in very hot weather when I brake. The dash blower fan went out, the power steering had a howl when turning around 10-20 mph. It was known to the dealer, as most Honda had a bad set of steering pumps and brake pads on Hondas two weeks ago, my transmission at 40- 45 mph when I accelerate and at 20-25 mph when I slow down, it lurches or has harsh shifting feel. Dealer will not give out recall or part issues until you have a problem, in or out of warranty. The seats are very uncomfortable.

• 

  Cant go wrong... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv - April 12 - 12:26 am

  Great vehicle. Always thought CR-V was a good vehicle, but felt the styling on the old ones were a little bit to unrefined for someone my age (mid 40s). Good power for a 4 cylinder. Fuel efficiency has not been as good as claimed (i average 25 mpg and I do about 50/50 highway/city driving). No other vehicle in this class is as practical and as good a value. Similarly equipped RAV4 would have cost me 26,000 as opposed to 23,000. Sure the Rav4 offers V6 and 3rd row seating, but why would anyone look for those things in a small SUV??? and a Rav4 equipped with those things exceeds 30,000(you can get a larger midsize SUV for that price, such as the Honda Pilot)

• 

  Disapointed - 2017 Honda Odyssey
  By Gayla S. Gold - April 11 - 10:52 pm

  Bought new 2017 in Dec. 2016. Had 2000 EX that from the outset had transmission problems so at only 135,000 miles I bought a new EX Odyssey. The Fabric on the seats is the worst looking and feeling and why would Honda put Beige in a Van ? , shows dirt along with Beige plastic rails at the doors and ? . The Engine has some type of system ECO which is very JERKY and can not be turned off . The gas mileage is around 16 not 19 like advertised ! I Got much better mileage on the 2000 EX ! The WORST, CONFUSING, Radio system to set too much information !!! And the DRIVERS SEAT electric does not go back far enough, at the most BACK position anyone driving that is taller than 57" would HATE this VAN, Honda really screwed this car up. Will most likely get rid of it with in 2 yrs.. Took all the HEAD RESTs off so I can see out.

• 

  Bluetooth phone not very good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Nancy - April 11 - 8:14 pm

  I have had my Pilot since Sept 08. It is my 5th new Honda but my first SUV ever. I was a little unsure if Id like a larger vehicle, but I really like driving the Pilot. Being higher makes it much easier to see, plus I feel safer on the road. I love everything about my Pilot EXCEPT I was really looking forward to the hands- free Bluetooth phone integrated into the navigation/stereo system. I am very disappointed in its performance. The quality of the phone call on the other end is bad...I always have people telling me they cant hear me very well at all - they say I sound like Im in a cave. Other than that negative, and the gas mileage which I dont love, I really like my Pilot!

• 

  Fun Car To Drive, Best SI Ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jeff - April 11 - 1:58 pm

  Bought the car new in 2006, didnt really want a car with the Navi System in it, but now I cant live without it. The performance of this car is great. I have owned other Hondas in the past, but they really outdid them selves with this model. The car really starts to perform above 6k rpm. The power curve is great, its like the engine kicks up to another level. Glad I wanted for this years model to come out!! Very Low maintenance, I have only had to buy tires, and normal oil changes for 49k miles. Great fuel mileage for this model. Compared to a Acura RSX with the same engine, the SI averages about 8-10 miles per gallon more.

• 

  Hondas are the best - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Steve - April 10 - 8:08 pm

  I have two 05 Civics, one a 5 speed manual, the other is an auto. The 5 speed has never has any mechanical problems except the clear coat started to peel off the rear bumper after a visit to the car wash. Honda fixed it under warranty and I never had another problem. That car has 70K on it. The auto has 32K. Although they are slugs power wise, I am getting high 30s in the winter and low 40s in the warm weather. Driving a stick can be a pain in traffic, but it consistently gets better mileage than the automatic trans. The Hondas feel like they have been gone over by engineers until they have it right. Drive the car gingerly and dont beat it, get the maintenance done and they will hold up