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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  VERY disappointed! Go look at other brands. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By gloria lorenzo-luaces - December 27 - 5:24 pm

  I am 45 and this is my 4th car ever...they have all been Hondas. I recently bought a 2016 Odyssey LX and am EXTREMELY disappointed with how CHEAP it looks, feels, and is. They have cut so many corners that its not worth the 28K I paid. This vehicle is replacing my 2003 Odyssey LX that has been with me for 13 years and 162K miles....they dont compare. The quality of the interior materials of the 2003 are far, far better than the 2016. The 2016 only has one arm rest on the captains chairs in the middle row. It doesnt come with a third row carpet/mat and the carpet finishing cant get any cheaper/shottier. There are random seams throughtout the floor carpeting without any finishing...just fraying and putting out strands of carpet/insulation debris. The AC controls in the cabin/rear are small and cheap. The upholstery fabric feels weak and thin, while the seats have much less padding and are harder/more uncomfortable. The rear window has been made smaller, therefore less visibility out the back and the storage space under the 3rd row seat has been deleted and taken up by useless panels. While the split cargo seat might be a nice feature, I prefer the storage space underneath the bench seat. Also, the head rests (3rd row) are ridiculously large and awkward and almost complete block the rear window view for the driver. The faux leather fabric behind the front row captain chairs has been replaced with a cheap, thin, material that will snag with anything that brushes up against it (and that is the way in and out of the vehicle for rows 2/3). Finally, they have replaced the stowable center tray table between the driver/passenger seat (in the 2003) with a ridiculously cheap/plastic cup holder thing on the floor which is useless, uncomfortable and in the way since it is permanent and my kids insist on stepping on it. Overall, I have always LOVED Hondas because they are quality made and very reliable, so when it was time to replace my 2003 I didnt even consider any other brand of vehicle, but I am so disappointed in my 2016 Odyssey, this will likely be my LAST Honda. Sorry I mentioned CHEAP so many times, felt like a broken record, but that is exactly what this vehicle is CHEAP!!!

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  dont buy a hybrid - 2004 Honda Insight
  By breandy - December 27 - 2:00 am

  other than gas mileage this car sucks. its not worth the money or the discomfort

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  Trouble free huh? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JeffTx - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Civic a year ago and it now has 28,000 miles. It has had quite a few problems, which Hoindas supposedly dont ever have. There was a clicking noise that took 3 dealership visits for them to fix. There is also a noise the enging makes in second gear which the dealer has not fixed after 2 visits. Seats are rather uncomfortable and the ride is loud. Doubt I will buy another Honda again.

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  Good start, but not enough for me - 2000 Honda Insight
  By ECR2003 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Insight was a great concept from Honda, but unfortunatly dose not do anything for me. I hate the fact I can not get more then 1 passanger in my car. Or the fact in a minor crosswind my car feels like it is going to be blown off the road. Or the fact that when going up hill out of town, I feel it will never make the top. I can barly put three bags of groceries in back without filling the back up. And finaly no machanic (besides honda) will take a look at the think to even attempt a repair, so I am forced to go to honda to have anything replaced.

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  really dissatisfied - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Dissatisfied - December 1 - 9:40 am

  The heater is slow to warm up and then is not very warm, the air conditioner is slow to cool and not very cool. The brakes grab. The CD player does not play on rough roads or during cool temperatures. The visibility is poor through the side view mirrors. The driver seat is uncomfortable for shorter people.

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  Trouble with Civic ex 2002 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By candybar - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Honda civic ex 2002 has had tons problems and has not been a good buy! Major problems out of this car. Engine problems with computer, steering, heat sheild, wont start at times and a ton of other problems..

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  very poor mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eva - November 22 - 6:43 am

  very poor mileage...17 in the city..even after the 25000 miles mark. Leather interior of a very poor quality ..too thin ..already strikes of white show on black leather...there is already a dealership recall for the transmission...a bad blind spot that makes it very unsafe and uneasy whenever you back-up. Also, not very comfortable for passengers (especially in the back) during long trips. We were expecting a lot more from Honda...this one is not worthed the money we spent. Too expensive for what it is, especially if you do more than 10000 a year. Very disapointing!!

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  Too little car for Too much money - 2004 Honda Insight
  By madmech - November 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is massively underpowered, acceleration is almost none existant. If I would have purchase any of the several economy cars that sell for less than $10,000 I would have had the same level of comfort and performance, I could have easily paid the differtence in fuel costs and I would have had $5000 or more still in my poscket.

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  unfit to drive - 2000 Honda Passport
  By rainer - November 15 - 2:00 am

  From day one the vehicle performed poorly, breaks down repeatadly and is totally unreliable.What is really unsettlich is the Honda Dealership that whenever something breaks ,its not in Stock and o well its not a Honda per say. I have spend Tausands on repairs and upkeep and i will not again buy another Honda Product. I owed 4 of them without any Problems , this is the last one.

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  Bad... Bad... Bad... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bad.. Bad.. Bad.. - November 4 - 3:53 am

  Weve owned several Accords through out the years and the 2008 model, is by far, the worst of the bunch. First and foremost, its literally the cheapest Accord that weve seen material wise. Gone are the LED-illuminated tachometer, LED brake lights, and illumination lights on all 4-doors. Gone are the individualized engine component protectors that were so touted in the previous generation Accord. The elegant and simple-to-use interior of the previous model has been replaced with cluttered and confusing array of buttons. The quality of the interior material is vastly inferior to the previous models - it looks and feels CHEAP.