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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  Hands down best large SUV for the money! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jrburnett23 - August 16 - 10:02 am

  This is my fiances car but I drive it way more than she does and it by the far the best car Ive driven. For as large as the car is, it gets great gas mileage. We have moved twice since getting this car a year ago and with both back row seats folded down you can fit an enormous amount of stuff in your car. Even a pretty big dresser! It rides very smooth and is extremely comfortable to ride in. The rear-entertainment system is a great feature to have especially if you have kids riding with you from time to time. The only thing that I would change about this car is I would turn the back seat into two captains chairs and put a big console in between them. Best car ever!

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  Another Honda for the history books... - 2000 Honda Civic
  By 00siboy - August 14 - 8:31 pm

  I bought my 2000 Civic Si with 146k miles on it. A few thousand miles later had to rebuild the engine because the piston rings were cracked and lost compression. But every other component on the car works great (coupled with regular maintenance of course). Great power after rebuild, tons of fun especially in VTEC above 6k rpms!

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  Review after the first thousand miles - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By afanasya - August 14 - 6:16 pm

  We decided on Odyssey over Sienna for the following reasons: 1. higher crash ratings for the front passenger 2. usable middle seat in the second row 3. more space in the third row 4. the economy mode (3 or 4 cylinders) for the engine. No mater what they say, coming from Toyota Camry, the road noise is definitely noticeable at high way speeds. I feel more comfortable with Toyota’s power train. Odyssey’s transmission on some occasion downshifts rough. Brakes are soft. For leather interior you get maybe 30% real leather on some parts of van’s seats and “man made materials” for the rest. Still Odyssey looks like a good van so far and drives well.

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  New Odyssey is Great - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By irg - August 11 - 9:46 pm

  I had a 2008 EX model prior to this. This time, I leased the "base" model, as it was most affordable, and I didnt think Id miss the power doors and a couple of other features. I do miss them, but not that much. The overall appearance even on the LX model is nicer, more rugged appearance. Love the 17" wheels, even the LX model looks nicer than my old one. Brakes are noticeably better. I do like the controls on the old EX better. Overall though, the feeling, responsiveness of this van is a step up from the old model.

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  Really happy with our Odyssey - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By epguy - August 11 - 8:55 am

  We have had our Odyssey for 5 months now and are even more pleased than the day we picked it up. We just completed a 2900 mile road trip, in which it averaged 27.5 mpg for the entire trip. Two tanks averaged 29, but were offset by one with alot of city driving. We listened to books on tape. Had the Garmin plugged into one power outlet in the dash and a dc to ac converter in the other so back seat riders could watch a movie on a laptop, which we ran thru the cars sound system. It was hot, 98 degrees for much of the trip and the A/C had no trouble keeping the car cool. We also love the tight turning radius. Its very easy to manuver in parking lots.

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  Almost didnt Buy...Thank goodness I did - 2003 Honda Civic
  By mechwiz1 - August 11 - 12:18 am

  I will be short with this review. Les is more sometimes. I bought this car with 104000 miles on it. Dealer made me pay 9000 for it. To me it was worth every penny. The car after four months of commuting 120 miles round trip is fantastic. It now has 120,000 miles on it and i am convinced it runs nearly as good as new.

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  I love my C-rv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By linzee09 - August 10 - 9:02 am

  I love this car its cute and small its all I need. Gets great gas mileage. I brough mine with 143,000 and it has 154,000 on it no problems. These cars will run forever IF you maintence them. If your buying one make sure they have had a vavle adjustment or run away from it. The vavles need adjusted every 30k dont go buy the book!!!!! This car is very nosiy and bumpy but guess what its a honda not a lexus. Its also very underpowered but it doesnt borther me to much im not racing it so it doesnt matter. Its a great car I love it.

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  After 9 months and 12,000 miles - 2010 Honda Insight
  By egadbois - August 7 - 10:42 pm

  The first 6 months I drove with the Econ engaged and never got more than about 52 mpg and no less than 48 mpg. I decided to turn off the Econ mode and drive normally. I have always been a very heavy user of cruise control. That and the fact that this is a small town with few lights, I am now getting 54 mpg without trying very hard. The Dunlap tires ride a bit harsh and the road noise is more than normal for a Honda. After two long trips I have found the seats to be very comfortable. I have no complaints with the sound system and use the USB port to plug in a flash memory stick with all my favorite music.

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  Window regulator problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By powderpuff - August 5 - 6:44 pm

  Have really loved the Pilot since we bought it new. We are having trouble with the leather seats coming apart, but that we can deal with. The major problem is we have now replaced all 4 of the window regulators once and one of them twice! Three this year. This is really irritating because they just go down all of a sudden when driving along or when parked at a parking lot we come out and one will be down! We are lucky we havent had it stolen. Plus in the desert in the middle of the summer it sucks to have a window all a sudden falls down! As well as the $350 it costs each time to fix. Honda rep says there isnt a problem are we the only ones with this problem?!

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  1 MPG on my car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By accsio - August 4 - 6:14 pm

  I picked up car last week, looked huge to me , i drove small car before..... then used to it. I was satisfied with interior, very good materials: not much of plastic, it has material as well. Ive got basic model: no fancy wheels, no sunroof or gps..... big deal, drive ! not have fun with gadgets. Of course , stepped on gas first few times, so my RPM went to 5500-6000.....i thought gas will be eaten as a hell ..... not really, i filled up today and i got 20.5 MPG !!!! I will take that !!! I like that !