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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  Should have kept the SUV - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MUV - March 12 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased to get better gas mileage than the SUV, did NOT happen. Gas mileage is terrible, and we seldom drive over 70 mph. Usually get about 20 mpg on the highway and about 17 in town. Almost identical to SUV. Features are nice and easy to use. Really like the control panel. Ride is comfortable, but very noisy. Considering the price, would not purchase again due to gas mileage.

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  Issues with the Honda Odyssey 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - March 11 - 4:40 am

  I have almost 5000 miles on my new Odyssey, and I love the vehicle. However, there have been some issues with the vehicle. Switching from an SUV that got 12mpg, I wanted fuel economy. The 20/28mpg on the sticker is not at all what I have experienced. I have averaged about 16mpg and that is including two 1400mi highway trips. Also, my DVD sound goes out periodically on the wireless headphones. This is frustrating on long trips when the kids are yelling that they cant hear the movie every 20 min. I am taking it into the dealer today for the second time. Finally the very low 4-5inch ground clearance in the front has caught more than one curb, scraping underside paint off both corners.

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  sold on the technology - 2003 Honda Civic
  By nancy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This technology is definately the future and Im proud to be a part of the experiment. It is fun to try to get the best mileage you can out of a tank of gas and rewarding to know that you are doing what you can to reduce pollution.

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  sold on the technology - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Nancy - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This technology is definately the future and Im proud to be a part of the experiment. It is fun to try to get the best mileage you can out of a tank of gas and rewarding to know that you are doing what you can to reduce pollution.

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  Sweet Ride - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Walpole - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  I picked up this bad boy for $22,595 after holding them to their teaser ad. I simply would not let them bait and switch me. The deal got done, and I am very happy. I have only had the van for two weeks but the gas mileage seems rough. 13 miles/gallon. Just like a recent review, the van does not seem to want to coast. It seems like it wants to brake. It may be part of the VSA system... Anyway the rest of the car is the best car ever!!!!

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  Not What I Thought it Should Be - 2001 Honda Accord
  By YngGftdnBlk - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001EX Coupe 4-cyl. after my 2000 Nissan Altima was stolen. I must admit that I would definitely prefer my Altima over this car. I bought this car for resale and resale only. Dont get me wrong, I was in love with the car when I bought it; however, after driving the car 6K miles and having one accident in the vehicle, I was suprised at how cheaply they put the car together. The car had alot of plastic and styrofoam with no real steal to support the car with. I have had the car since Feb 2003 and will be trading it in by Sept 2003.

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  Nice car with lots of road noise - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sandy - March 2 - 7:20 am

  I went from a 2007 Tahoe to a Honda Accord. I sure miss my Tahoe. It wasnt worth saving the little difference in gas mileage for this Honda. My Tahoe averaged 14 mpg. So far this Honda has gotten between 16.8 to 21 mpg. Seats are not very comfortable and not happy with the heated seats. They do not stay warm for long. Must say it is a great looking car, and fun to drive but not worth the little amount of gas I am saving. It has a lot of road noise, makes my eardrums vibrate.

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  110,63x and Still Going Strong! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Cameron Treebox - March 1 - 1:43 pm

  We bought our 2010 Honda odyssey in October 2010 a Month before we had our first kid. We had a 1993 Honda civic coupe before but we thought it wouldnt be safe for kids or practical enough. We have put every bit but 7 miles on it in 5 years with ! problem. Around 93k we had a problem with a fuel pump module leak, but it was replaced under warranty. Navigation system is dated but it works great we had had no problems with it. I would recommend it to anyone over any minivan.

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  My 0.02 cents - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Vitaliy - February 28 - 1:09 pm

  Owned it for about a month so far and Im both disappointed and impressed about different features/quirks of this car. On the positive side quality of materials and technology is very impressive for a Honda giving this thing good value. But on the driving dynamics front its a complete garbage. Acceleration is very lethargic, cvt is trash because it doesnt know what to do most of the time and theres a jerk around 25mph when you step on the gas pedal lightly. Fuel economy is around 23mpg in NYC mixed driving. Breaks are terrible and steering leaves a lot to be desired due to vagueness and sloppy response. Looking on rear exhaust it already looks like it will rust away in a season or two because welds already turning orange. My local chop shop does same quality exhausts as Honda did here. My advice if you are coming from any kind of decent driving car to this you will be terribly disappointed. It does many things well but none great. As point A to B appliance itll do and nothing more.

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  Love our Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alane - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had our Pilot for a little over a month but weve done quite a bit of traveling in that time. Great solid car - handles curves like a dream. I really feel in control. Very tight. We lost space in going from a van but with a cargo box on top, were good to go. Kids LOVE the DVD player (I have to balance it with their reading!)The versatility with the 3rd seat is perfect for us.