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:

• 

  Good but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Eva - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my Oddysey ,but after 30000 miles I have started to have problems with transmission. At dealership I have been told that maintenance should fix a problem, which really helped for another 9000 miles.I believe that transmission is the only problem (2001 model). Otherwise this minivan is perfect.

• 

  Good van for the price - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dcordell - March 27 - 10:54 pm

  I got a good deal on a 04 Odyssey LX with 55,000 miles on it so I chose it over the more expensive Sienna. In the three months Ive owned it I have been impressed with the power, roominess, handling, and reliability. This van will keep up with the traffic with no strain, even in the mountains of NC. Handling is good and it really sticks to the road but the ride on mine is not smooth. You can use the van to do some pretty hefty hauling with the 3rd row seat in the floor and and the 2nd row moved out. With the seats up it seats 7 fairly comfortably. The little lug wrench that comes with the van wouldnt budge the lugs when I had a flat. Overall I have been pleased with the van.

• 

  SI - Surgical Instrument? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John - March 27 - 7:43 pm

  After having my Civic Si for 7 months, I have to say I am in love with this car. (Shallow, I know) Now I wouldn’t call myself an overly aggressive driver, but we’ll just say that I’m not afraid to under steer or over steer a vehicle, with all the tire noise and panicked passenger(s) to boot. I like to power out of corners, or put another way; brake hard, throw in, and punch out. This car excels at this. The helical limited slip puts the power where it’s needed and without a lot a lot of fuss. Strait line weapon? Not sure. But chase it up through five (of six) gears on a Saturday night and the local judge may need to be roused from of bed if you want to go home before Sundays sunrise.

• 

  Big Fun Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bigrandy - March 27 - 7:33 pm

  I really like this car a lot. For the money, it is definitely the best choice out there. I got the 4 cylinder LX model in a manual transmission, and it has more than enough power. I was actually suprised at the acceleration for this base model engine. My only really complaint is the gas mileage is not as good as advertised. I do about 90% highway driving and I am only getting 22-23 mpg which isnt that bad considering it is a big car. But other than that, I would definitely recomend this car to anyone, especially taller people!

• 

  Where is the reliability? - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Low Budget Dave - March 27 - 6:36 pm

  I spent the extra money on a Honda because my friends told me the Chrysler was unreliable. But the Hondas check engine light came on after 20 miles, and is still on. The dealer can turn it off for me, if I drive the 20 miles back to the dealer. The road noise is worse than my 4Runner, the seats are less comfortable, there are fewer features, and the VCM feature stopped working when the engine light came on. I want my 4Runner back.

• 

  Not what I expected - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Tomba62 - March 27 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased my 2003 Honda Odyssey as a certified used car and thank GOD it came with an extended warranty. I have been experiencing various transmission issues. When taken to the dealer they claim not to be able to find any issue. This week as I was on my way to work the car popped out of gear, the engine revved wildly, the check engine light and traction control lights came on and stayed on. Took it to the dealer and at 64957 miles the transmission is dead. Chrysler took a beating over transmission failures on their minivans. Its time Honda acknowledges that this design has some serious issues. I used to consider myself a loyal Honda owner. No MORE.

• 

  Pilots Rock! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - March 27 - 12:18 pm

  As usual, my new 2009 Honda Pilot is everything that you would expect from Honda - solid, reliable, fun, etc. It has all of the features of more expensive SUVs for a reasonable price. I dont have one bad thing to comment on.

• 

  Special Edition is awesome - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Donna - March 27 - 12:43 am

  This is my second Honda Civic. My last one was a 2002 and I upgraded to the 2005. This one seems larger and a bit higher and easier to get in and out of since I am tall. It is fun to drive and has a lot of power during acceleration. I am totally pleased with my purchase. I get around 30 mpg combined driving city and highway. You cant beat that.

• 

  2004 Honda Odyssey transmission-beware - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By 71chall340 - March 26 - 6:52 pm

  The vehicle is one of the best driving vans I have owned. The van has been reliable (other than rear vent window motors) for 85,000 mi. until my transmission had to be replaced. I previously serviced my transmission at the dealer ship with fluid changes. I was lucky to have purchased an extended 5 yr/100,000mi warranty. The early 2004 model year had a recall for this same problem in which my car didnt fall under. I feel Honda should compensate those out of warranty because this problem goes beyond the recall time period.

• 

  One of the best cars ever built - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dale - March 26 - 4:03 pm

  I believe Honda Accords are one of the best cars ever made dollar for dollar. If you have a job where you drive a lot as I do, I would HIGHLY recommend a Honda Accord. Keep the oil changed and drive them reasonably, and they will go for a very very long time.