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:

• 

  Not what I Expected - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Louise - August 7 - 2:33 pm

  Bought a 2002 Odyssey.Packed well for hurricane evacuations great space for 5 dogs,2 cats, 2 birds with supplies however, very disappointed. Early on, at 3000 miles the engine block cracked and was replaced twice the driver rear window power motors stopped working and almost as soon as the extended warranty was out, the other window motor quit working. Seat belt replaced transmission went out at 70,000 lots of road noise, driver door lock broke and was replaced with a lock not compatible to key for other door locksrubber bumpers for sliding doors have completely MELTED off the hinge. Am looking at other options for a vehicle. Mileage steady 20/23 city/hwy.

• 

  Sorry Honda lovers, our last van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Last Honda Van - August 7 - 1:17 pm

  We were originally so excited to trade our SUV and get one when they first came out. However, we are quite over the extreme cabin noise (dealer will say it is tires, but we changed to no avail), steering squeals, brake grinding and shimmy, and easily marred bumpers. #1 is noise - both the "roar" when we drive and loud squeals from turning. Wife, who once loved it, now cannot wait to trade it as the DVD volume has to be 20+ to cover the roar. Dealer serviced since day 1, they seem to resist really trying to seek out the issue. Thankfully we bought an extended warranty as otherwise all of service efforts on these issues would be out of our pocket. FYI - No loaners car for service on $31K van.

• 

  Soccer-Mom Heaven - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By OBXmom - August 7 - 12:59 pm

  I traded my 2005 Civic in for this, but there was just never enough room. My DH is over 6 and the 2 kids are growing fast. I miss filling up for $35, but we took a 2 hour drive to shopping mall with 8 adults, and we were perfectly comfortable. We are leaving tomorrow for vacation, and have plenty of room to bring everything we could want, and we will be comfortable enough to take the scenic route. The DVD player is our first in-car system, and I am glad I finally gave in. We didnt get the NAV, because he prefers the Garmin after market.

• 

  Cape - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jake - August 7 - 12:40 pm

  Awsome car, best mileage is keeping it on the highway. Average/ normal gas mileage around town. When you need power this is a rocketship! Lots of creature features on this baby too!

• 

  Civic Hybrid - Elegant & Thrifty - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Tom from Plano TX - August 7 - 7:23 am

  Having driven both, and now owning the Civic for a few weeks, I think the Civic Hybrid beats the Prius in roominess, handling and performance, with no penalty in gas mileage. This is a stylish, comfortable car that requires no sacrifice and pays dividends at the gas pump, and to the environment. This car replaced a 2005 CR-V, which I loved, but my gasoline consumption is down 50%. Way to go Honda!

• 

  2003 Pilot Falling Apart - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Disgusted Pilot Owne - August 7 - 1:31 am

  I have a 2003 Pilot EX-L with RES with 79,000 miles. Gradually, the thing is falling apart. After 3 years, the A/C broke. Shortly after that, 2 door locks broke. The quality of the leather is terrible. The drivers side visor mirror cover broke. The plastic on the bottom side of the drivers side broke off. One of the rear A/C vents broke. The car is even starting to rust right in the middle of the passengers side door for no apparent reason! This is unbelievable! When I speak to Honda about these issues, they say they have never heard of such problems. However, I am finding by reading online that my problems are quite common. What has happened to Hondas quality?

• 

  Not for the vertically-challenged! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By BocaBrad - August 7 - 1:30 am

  Love it so far, but the front seats should go higher. Im 511" and its just about right at the highest setting. My friend, whos 54", felt uncomfortably low at the highest driver seat setting. She currently drives a BMW 3 Series. Moreover, the passenger seat has no height adjustment at all. Looks great, drives well, plenty of rear leg room, and the gadgets are cool. You only get the rear view camera with Navigation, which I believe was a design mistake by Honda. Its tough to see out the back.

• 

  Good Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dcbronson - August 6 - 11:46 pm

  Im well satified with this car, my first foreign model. The mileage is better than advertised. We drove across the country, 1800 miles and got generally 31 mpg. The pickup is adequate for a 4 cyl. but still would like more hp. I traded in a 275 hp Eldorado on this conservative car so the lack of oomph is obvious. All the standard features are nice, but now I wish I would have gotten the nav. system with all the other upgrades.

• 

  I would never purchase Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By irelands - August 6 - 5:30 pm

  The heating /cooling ventilation system is poor, bad circulation, side windows ice up inside during driving to ski resorts. Car seats 7 passengers and one driver, but windows fog up all around vehicle interior with only three passengers. Seats are built so close together, impossible to get fingers down to floor level to retrieve dropped coins, credit cards, vacuum crumbs etc, hard to clean carpets as nozzle does not fit in such tight spaces where seats are anchored. Plastic in vehicle is poor quality, breaks easily. Had number of factory recalls for safety restraint systems, All in all, a poorly-designed car.

• 

  What took me so long? - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Joenat56 - August 6 - 2:33 pm

  I finally got my 2007 S2000 last Tuesday, July 29. I had been test driving different S2000s at dealers, reading road tests and reviews, and researching them on the internet for about 6 months. I have been an auto enthusiast most of my life and have owned many performance cars and two corvettes. I will have to say that the Honda S2000 is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. Its not the fastest or the most powerful or the most comfortable but it does so many things so well. I cant drive this car without smiling. By the way Im 66 years old. My son told me the S2000 wasnt practical. I replied that I was too old to be practical.