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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  20% less of whats not good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AntiOil Joe - December 17 - 5:16 pm

  I like this car a lot. Im currently getting 42mpg overall calculated from mileage and number of gallons to fill up. The car calculates mileage at 40mpg (Probably doesnt take into account the engine stops?). Im used to a big fast car, so I listen to Led Zeppelins How The West Was Won to compensate for the small car. It seems to get plenty of torque starting and over 55mph. Around 30-55mph the power is lacking. Someone said I can get better gas mileage if I turn off the engine while going down hill (affraid to try, dont want to mess up the engine). If money is not an object, I would recommend the Lincoln Town Car and convert it to natural gas. The Civic is half the price though.

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  2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Roger in PA - December 17 - 7:45 am

  Replaced a 7-year-old Sienna (118K miles). Very happy with the Odyssey so far (6 weeks). Roomy, comfortable, good ergonomics. Passed up DVD and Navi due to out-of-line pricing--given how these have plummeted in price as aftermarket add-ons.

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  Above Average - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ronnie - December 16 - 2:10 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic LX 4 door sedan (5 speed manual). Overall, it appears to be a great car. It seems to be a notch or so down from my first Civic (1993 bought new). I traded in my 2003 4 door Tacoma P/U due to a wreck and rising fuel costs so I have had a bit of an adjustment. Fit-and-finish is good as typical from Honda. For the price I paid minus my trade in, it was a good trade off.

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  V6 Fun! Ok Mileage, Crappy Bluetooth Support - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Li.F - December 16 - 12:03 pm

  Bought a pre-owned 2014 Honda Accord V6 EX-L last week. The good part: The car looks very stylish with LED elements, and the exterior design is timeless and future proof. The V6 acceleration is a lot of fun in a family sedan. Hwy MPG is quite impressive for a v6 at above 30mpg. The perforated leather seats are comfortable and the passenger space is very roomy. There is a lot of soft touch materials used at the right place. The active noise canceling works well for when engine speed is between 1000-3000rpm. | Now onto the quirks: Compared to 8th Gen honda accord which I owned, the storage area on the center console (below AC control), as well as under the arm rest has reduced significantly. The bluetooth works half the time, and when it stops working, you have to turn the car off to restore the BT functionality (it would not take calls or play music after it freezes). Gas mileage in city is always less than 20mpg. The automatic transmission also feels kinda jerky when accelerator is fully pressed. The power doesnt fully kick-in till 2-3 seconds later (after a couple jerks from down-shifting). Overall, I think its a very fun family sedan to drive around with, but I just wish it can be refined better and iron out those software quirks.

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  High price- Medium Value - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By qk2mile - December 16 - 11:10 am

  You would think that the flagship minivan would have higher value. I bought this Honda because the critics said it was the best value and all that other jazz. So far too many problems. Brakes squeal when stopping from high speeds and now most recent my front tires are nearly bald to the wear bars. Honda and the tire dealer are offering no assistance. They want me to fork out more money. Also had the A/C replaced after "road debris" cracked my condenser. Highly recommend investing in a BRA that covers the front air dam with mesh or something else. 75% satisfied with the vehicle. After all it is a Honda and is very comfortable and semi good value.

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  Comfort will be an issue - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By D² - December 16 - 9:26 am

  Dead pedal prevents me from extending my left leg whilst driving and there is no room between the dead pedal and the brake to extend my left leg. (Emergency brake is too obtrusive as well.) Arm rests for driver are too small and wimpy...I would have preferred a large ratcheting cushion over the center bin. Rear seat room is very limited when I have the drivers seat set to my liking. No memory features for seats AND mirrors. Center console information system is too unwieldy. EXCELLENT cabin isolation! Why oh why did the Honda marketing/sales geniuses decide that Canada should get the vented front seats and the USA only gets the heated ones???? Common Honda, enlighten the masses on that great call!

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  Reliable Car so far... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By janet - December 15 - 5:37 pm

  I bought my CRV (with sun roof and 6 CD player) in 2003 and havent had any major issues. Runs well, reliable car, great going to the Mt for skiing, drives well in the interior/hot weather. All in all, a good car.

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  All is well in CRV Land - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By benr0 - December 15 - 11:14 am

  @ 30000 miles to date. Only issue has been to have the rear axle grease changed for the grinding sound when backing up. By far MUCH improved, ride etc. from the 2006 CRV we owned. Over all very pleased.

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  Love this Van!! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By 08EXL - December 15 - 10:59 am

  Ive owned 4 Hondas, including this one (3k so far). This is by far my favorite one! I love the styling, features, road feel, comfort, and just about everything. Its true that sometimes wind noise is a little loud on the highway, but it will not keep you from having a conversation with the other passengers. The Rear Ent. Sys is a definite must-have, whether you have children or not. Also, I have no idea what it must be like to drive this van without a rear-view camera. This van just feels solid, safe, and reliable!

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  civic fun to love - 1998 Honda Civic
  By mmather - December 15 - 10:00 am

  fantastic car i do not want to resell