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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  Served me well for 15 years! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Owner - April 12 - 8:32 am

  2016: Time for a new car, but the 2001 Honda Civic LX was great for me. It had very little problems during the time that I owned it, except for the "check engine" light, which seemed to go on and off like a bad light bulb. Having driven it for so long, I knew exactly what conditions would cause the light to go on (it had nothing to do with a "tight" gas cap). Driving the car for a couple of days would always cause the light to go back off. Other than that, I gave it regular oil changes, tire rotations, scheduled maintenance, etc. I never had any serious issues. I ran it for 145,000, but a trusted mechanic said it could easily pass 200K.

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  Served me well for 15 years! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Owner - April 12 - 8:32 am

  2016: Time for a new car, but the 2001 Honda Civic LX was great for me. It had very little problems during the time that I owned it, except for the "check engine" light, which seemed to go on and off like a bad light bulb. Having driven it for so long, I knew exactly what conditions would cause the light to go on (it had nothing to do with a "tight" gas cap). Driving the car for a couple of days would always cause the light to go back off. Other than that, I gave it regular oil changes, tire rotations, scheduled maintenance, etc. I never had any serious issues. I ran it for 145,000, but a trusted mechanic said it could easily pass 200K.

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  Still beats the Toyota - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By hotspur - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I waited 2 years to buy the 2004 Sienna b/c I wanted the third row split seat and assumed the Toyota would be miles better than the "aging" Honda. WRONG! The Siennas a marshmellow, soft ride, mushy brakes, wallowing steering, seasick suspension. Both my wife and I felt the same after our long test drive. The Honda is by far the better drivers car. F1 feel in a minivan!

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  Good Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Baka Yaroo - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We have a 5 speed manual Accord that has been fun to drive. It is bit of a dog in first gear when the A/C is engaged, otherwise plenty of power with the 4cylinder - 5speed combo. The AC the second year does not cool as expected. Paint chips easily on the front plastic bumper.

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  Our 6th Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Julian Nestor - April 5 - 4:45 pm

  We have never had to repair any Honda we have ever owned. Brakes and tires are the only replacement parts we have ever needed. Thats why we buy Hondas. The CR-V is surprisingly big inside but is still a practical size for Southern California traffic and parking. The CVT transmission is very smooth and so far we are surprised how normal it feels around town. Time will tell on reliability but we have always had faith in Honda engineering. We bought the Special Edition that Honda usually offers and the end of a design run because of the standard content. We normally purchase the EX model but have never liked or used the sun roof feature that is a large part of the cost of the EX package. The SE model has reasonable content without the gimmicks that are so common today. The reasonable size was also an issue. We were afraid that Honda like so many other companies would make the next design bigger. Horrible traffic and tiny parking places are a fact of life in Southern California. We expect number 6 to be as reliable as all the others.

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  Enjoying our Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ustexans - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey on Sep. 20th. We got back yesterday morning from a trip to California and Oregon and now have over 5,00 miles on it. It performed like a dream. We also have a 2000 Honda Accord with 48,000 miles and have not had any problems with it. Before that we had a 1989 Honda Accord LXi for 10 years. We have been a loyal Honda family and expect good things in the future from our Odyssey.

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  1st time Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Accord
  By imagine1004 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Cant beat all the extras for the price.

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  WIND NOISE BY DESIGN ??? - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Sharth - April 4 - 1:54 pm

  I own 2016 Honda Odyssey for the past year and half. I love this minivan EXCEPT the WIND NOISE THAT IS DAMPENING THE EARS. It is coming even at 30 mph driving in very smooth road surface. After buying the vehicle I have noticed this in next couple of days. Googled all over the web and took a print out from the odyssey club where they were discussing replacing windshield side trims. I show it to the service manager and they did replace the rubber. But it not help. There are people saying it is due to their Anti Noise Cancelling circuit. Honda has long history and they are not able to solve this little issue. May be there were not enough people complained about it. Im thinking of calling Honda consumer department. Dealers are not helpful on this at all. Edumnds and KBB sites review does not mention this at all. I remember my 1997 Camry was very quiet and it did not have any ANC circuit !! This issues is really causing headache when you drive long distances.

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  What no CD, storage and slow tech - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jk - April 3 - 6:56 pm

  Slow touch screen, no CD player if you dont get rear entertainment! We did not looking for size and comfort along with the grand kids some of the time. We like everything about the car except the slow tech. At least throw us some storage for music and books.

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  Fun car, lacking a little oomph. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Maia - April 2 - 7:13 pm

  This is my first car. Its a great first car: safe, reliable, relatively stylish. I regret getting the 4 cylinder engine though. Gas mileage is great, but it lacks the extra oomph I like on the highway or simply starting off at a green light. The interior is beautiful - I got all of the features and the navigation is extremely easy to use. In conclusion: great coupe! Great first car! If you like speed and power, get the V6.