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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  Proud New "Mini Van" Owner - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Griswalds - August 27 - 8:52 pm

  We are new to the mini van world coming from the large suv gas guzzling world. After 3 months of research and 6 months of ownership, we are very glad of our purchase of the Honda Odyssey. This is truly the vehicle that honestly is the best way to travel with children from ages 7 to 11. The RES is a savior on the highway and the Navi is an argument saver between me and the wife. Fuel mileage is a best of 27.6 on hwy and 19.8 in town. I was hesitant on the PAX tires but a local retailer will sell them for $160/tire. (whew) Recently went on a "Vegas Vacation" to see the in-laws and loved the trip because of this van.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Traveler7 - August 27 - 6:03 pm

  We bought a 2008 EX-L just over 4 months ago and my wife (and I) couldnt be more pleased. We compared this vs. the Toyota Sienna, and while my wife liked the "softer/smoother" freeway ride of the Sienna, the Odyssey handled better than the Sienna when making any turns over 15 MPH. Around-town fuel economy averages about 19 MPG). The big test came last week when our family of 4 took a trip from So. Cal to the Bay Area. The Odyssey was *extremely* comfortable over the entire trip. The kicker was that I calculated that the van got **27.9 MPG** on the freeway. Avg speed: 75 MPH cruise control on when possible A/C on about 80% of the time. The variable-cylinder technology really works well!

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  This RTX truck is fit for a KING! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Elvis Ray - August 27 - 5:08 pm

  I am not your average truck owner. I am an Elvis Impersonator. I carry lots of music and lighting equipment in this truck very often and Everything fits! This RTX handles like a car but feel very safe, quiet and secure. Starts, steers and stops with precision handling. Inside, it will surprise you with its "Roomy" feeling. All controls are within easy reach with No fancy frills. Engine is smooth as silk, trans too. "Pound for Pound" comfort & value, over other full cab brands, is off the charts with this truck! Will seat 5 adults adequately & have full cargo in back too. A lot of guys will complain about gas mpg, I dont. Go drive a U.S. made truck and you wont either! RTX..fit for a KING!

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  Ready for something new - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Amadna - August 27 - 3:51 pm

  I have owned my van for almost 3 years.I am now over 40,000 miles. I have had 2 motor mounts break. The gas mileage is approx. 13/city 21/hwy. The transmission makes a grunting noise. My brakes squeak even though 2 mechanics have told me they are fine. The leather on the driver seat is wearing, and yes I condition it. I am a little disappointed.

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  Solid, but I expected more from Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tonisama - August 27 - 10:50 am

  Upon arriving at my parents house, I was pleasantly suprised to find they bought a new Pilot. The very first thing I noticed upon entry was that the dash and trim pieces are all hard plastic save the rubber grips on the door handles. I was immediately disappointed as I own a 2000 Civic and theres soft touch material everywhere inside and it costs about half as much as the Pilot. Honda, the last thing we need is another GM, please get your act together and hide cost cutting measures a bit better. Other than that, the car is built in typical Honda fashion with solid build quality and a buttery smooth engine. Cant say its the most attractive car, but fortunately appearance is irrelevant

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  Love my Civic EX! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Laura - August 27 - 10:01 am

  Bought my Civic EX Coupe with a manual transmission just over 2 years ago and still love it. Not only is it a great looking car, its fun to drive. Very economical on gas and seems to get much better than stated in the reviews. Im averaging about 33 mpg and thats mainly driving around town!

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  Loyal Honda Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By msln - August 27 - 8:57 am

  Bought new in 04. At 71,000 miles, the A/C compressor blew, contaminating the whole system. Estimates cost anywhere from $1800-3000 to fix.

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  bought it today - 2013 Honda Accord
  By rsxs - August 27 - 1:04 am

  I just got my honda accord sport in blue today. I waited for a month and a half to get the manual and it was worth the wait. I drove the CVT first and i was ready to take a nap.It sucks! Felt soooo slow! The 6 speed gearbox was tricky from first two second gear but i got used to it. Short throws and fun. Not a afterthought. And feels way quicker than the garbage CVT and better sound too from the dual exhaust. Very rich black interior. I gave 3 out of 5 for reliability because of first day purchase.

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  5,000 Mile Update - Not Good! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By fiend_bear - August 27 - 12:27 am

  OK - I have to agree with another reviewer that said many folks will take back their great ratings after putting some miles on the Ody. This is a follow up to an earlier review. The 2008 Ody drives and handles well, but thats where it all stops. Our problems to date include: steering spline knock, faulty wheel alignment, engine ping/knock, oil leak, rattling front windows, and Air Conditioning that currently works only on the passenger side. None of these issues were of course apparent when the car was purchased, but it did not take very long for them to surface. We are bringing the Ody in for service tomorrow, so well see how things go. But for now, its two big thumbs down!

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  No more BMW - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By DAVID NELSON - August 26 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2002 BMW x5 for five years. I bought it new. I have never had a vehicle loaded on a tow truck as many times as the BMW. My wife bought a 2007 Honda cr-v. It was "cute". We went to Florida last winter from New England. We decided to take the Honda, because we had no confidence in the BMW making the trip without issues. During the course of the winter in fla, I became a Honda fan. The gas mileage was very acceptable. The trade-off for comfort was not that noticeable. I trusted the car. I have just sold my BMW x5, and will be buying my own Honda cr-v. It is a great value.