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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  Nice family minivan! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By gigig1 - February 14 - 11:56 pm

  Traded our 2007 EX-L RES with 2010 Touring ,and we loved it!.I heard a lot of reviews about transmission problems on odyssey van but so far I didnt have problem with our 07.There are complains about MPG ratings too!you know what,maybe you forgot that this is a 6 cylinder,not 4,so dont expect that its as fuel efficient as civic.We drove our 07 to New York 2 yrs. ago and I filled the tank twice only all the way.We started from the midwest.Very reliable van!!

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  Love my Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By davidh4784 - February 14 - 11:57 am

  We bought our 2005 EX in the middle of 2005. We have had almost NO issues what so ever with the van. The only issue that we have had is the Factory tires. They are WORTHLESS. Three had to be replaced at only 8,000 miles and all four had to be replaced at 18,000 miles due to them wearing issues. They where taken care of by the Honda warranty and then lasted until 50,000 miles when i replaced them with Goodyear triple treads. No other issues with the van at all and we love it and will buy another one when this one at some point after this one dies.

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  Good car but have regrets - 2011 Honda Accord
  By cmncents - February 13 - 6:29 pm

  Bought my 2011 ex in Dec 2010 for a fair price after trading a 2007 Prius with 88k miles. Like some of the other people who have written reviews I found the short test drive did not reveal some of the negatives of this car and have only myself to blame. Primary complaints: uncomfortable seats, below advertised gas mileage, not having outside temp reading or gas mileage calculator display. I wish I would have kept my prius. For a smaller car it drove great, plenty of cargo space, gas mileage was awesome. Seats more comfortable and even though I have read the possibility of expensive hybrid replacement parts I think I could have put another 70k miles without a major replacement issue.

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  Disappointed if Im going to be honest - 2011 Honda Accord
  By ur_valet - February 12 - 8:20 pm

  First its very noisy, sound insulation very low you wont even be able to use a Bluetooth. Stock stereo is total garbage no clarity above 40% of the volume. Very harsh ride definitely not for NYC streets. So far I average 22mpg with 40city/60hwy driving. It desperately needs a sixth gear because on a hwy u will have 3000rpm at 72mph probably will improve the mpgs as well. Overall its a very good looking car with nicely designed interior and for the money its hard to match but Koreans are getting very close. Once the lease expires will not be getting another honda. This is my 2nd and probably last unless they step up overall build quality. Very happy i didnt buy this.

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  Great, reliable, soccer-mom car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mach76 - February 12 - 11:51 am

  Bought my 04 in 07 with 34k miles. After 4 years & 100,000 miles the car has certainly fulfilled its mission very well. I originally evaluated this car against a BMW 3 or 5 series. I dearly wanted the latter but considered my budget & driving needs - I live in So Cal and would be making regular trips to Las Vegas for work. I envisioned myself in Baker with a broke-down Bimmer - calling in to work to say I cant make it due to car problems doesnt fly (Im a pilot). I searched for and found a 4-cyl. Accord-EX with leather and a stick. The stick to give myself at least the illusion of driving a real car. The 4-cyl. model for fuel economy and better reported reliability than the 6.

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  Better than I thought.... - 2011 Honda Accord
  By aces_full - February 11 - 9:02 pm

  I have to admit, this was not my first choice in cars, but I live in the city and just needed a car to get around on the weekends and a night or 2 during the week. That being said, the Accord does the job well. Overall the looks have grown on me (including the gaudy chrome grille) and the acceleration is better than adequate definitely better than I expected based on the reviews I read. Trunk space is excellent and so is the access - I was coming from an SUV. The wheels on the EX give the car a sporty look. Overall a good car, but I do have some complaints you will see....

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  Low MPG - 2011 Honda Accord
  By patel_dilip - February 8 - 8:50 pm

  I always liked Honda and decided to go for Accord 2011 EX-L hoping to get good MPG. So far I have managed to get only about 20-22 MPG. At first I thought it is a new car and MPG will improve after putting some miles on my car. Its been 3 months and around 2400 miles and still the same. I am really disappointed now. The interiors are also just about okay, they have used cheap plastic on door handles. The car may be reliable but MPG is so far very disaapointing for which I bought the car in first place.

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  Great car but lots of annoying problems.... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By walnutchen - February 6 - 11:43 am

  We really like the car, its roomy, drives nice, cool design, lots of cup holders, but this car is always under repair which is really annoying. Since we had it (4 yrs now) weve had to: 1) Run flats wore out at (and every ) 20K. ($1500 each time) 2) automatic doors had spring popped out (3) rear engine mount had to be replaced ($800) 4) alignment was off ($100) 5) DVD system sometimes shows blank screen (we had to eject it several times for it to work. This is the most amount of maintenance I had to do for a car under 60K miles.

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  Nine Months So Far So Good - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mkaylag - February 6 - 7:56 am

  I bought my CRV 9 months ago and so far I love it. My friend bought a 2010 Kia Sorento the same time I did and theyve already are having problems like oil leaks and electrical failures. I would have loved the 6-cylinder upgrade option but the 4-cylinder is sufficient and the car is GREAT on gas. This is the first Honda Ive ever owned and Im not disappointed, yet.

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  Ok Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wyowolf - February 5 - 2:59 am

  I am the second owner of this Pilot. Its got about 107K miles on it. I got this vehicle for a replacement for my car. I thought Honda was a good choice, for safety, fuel economy, features, ETC. Well the safety is great. As far as the other goes, I am not sold on Honda. I am getting a whole 13-14 MPG in town. I by no means have a heavy foot, and 16 on the interstate. Other pilot owners I talk to love their Pilot and say it gets great mileage. The sound system is not that great, and its kinda plain Jane for the price.