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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  Great SUV but no where close do MDX - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By brwndoggy - July 20 - 2:36 pm

  Purchased 2012 EXl with Nav almost 2 years ago. Averaging 17mpg city, 21 hwy. Far less than rated but thats the case on all cars Ive driven save my 2008 bmw 3 series that gets more than epa ratings... Drives well, have issues with front tires on lose ground given the power of the suv, tires do slip especially given the tires since they are for mpg vs handling. inside, appointments are great. love the radio, blue tooth syncs well with phones via usb or blutooth. standard audio package is good, did not see need for upgraded audio. rear camera - mixed blessing. use it only as general help, do not rely on it. use your mirrors and turn your head. sensors would be nice.

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  Luv, luv my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lyslehp - July 19 - 8:29 pm

  I bought my CRV on Oct. 2007, model 2008, brand new to the dealer and as of now I never have a problem. I change the break pads 6 months ago and change new tires 2 yrs ago. I would consider my CRV a gas saver. The only thing I dont like, after I paid off,the bank sent me my title the dealer Fletcher Jones made a mistake, well this has nothing to do with the car but Im not happy because my title stated used car and the current mileage not the mileage when I bought the car.

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  2011 Honda Odyssey Ex Falling apart - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By dustync - July 19 - 4:53 pm

  Now over 181,000 miles on the car, I think Im qualified to call the Odyssey a piece of Junk! The ticking sound a lot of people hear when turning the car those are no doubt, defective CV shaft and joints. You just wont find out until you put more miles on the car. I took the car in at 5,000 miles because of the ticking the dealer "lubricated" the front strut mounts? Between 12,000 and 93,000 miles, I had six (6) front brake jobs, including 3 rotor replacements. Turns out that quite possibly, the Dealer mechanics were not re-installing the rotors to proper specs, and they would warp in no time! Ever since taking it to my independent shop Zero problems (brakes). Many other Defects!

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  Poor Navigation system - 2013 Honda Accord
  By gwithrow - July 19 - 8:42 am

  This is worse than my 6 year old COSTCO Garmain GPS which I use in my new 2013 Honda Accord. It shows grey streets BUT without names of streets. Go figure, a map without street names?

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By zarakand - July 17 - 10:39 pm

  I love the car just took a trip from Chicago to Virginia in it and averaged 41mpg according to the onboard computer. When I did the math manually using gallons and miles from the odometer it came out to 40.2mpg. For an SUV that is amazing! Now, I used to drive a Prius for work so Im always watching my driving patterns and am fairly gentle on the gas. On this trip I drove about 60-65mph most of the drive and set cruise control on several occasions. I absolutely love the car and its big upgrade from my Honda Fit.

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  My First Honda - 2013 Honda Accord
  By happy_doug - July 16 - 1:17 pm

  I have to say that my first time dealing with Honda was a real pleasant surprise. I purchased the Honda Accord because I needed a nice sedan after having a great Hyundai SUV that I worked to death. The quality and nice amenities that came with this basic model is amazing. No one else could give me the same bennies Honda could or the same quality after checking out the competition. I also wanted something that depreciated less than the other brands. Only Toyota Camry was equal in the respect and after being in the Camry, I saw that the interior was inferior and the design a bit dated. The 2013 Honda is fantastic and turns heads everywhere I go. As pretty as a BMW

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  2006 Civic: No Problems - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drm52 - July 16 - 10:05 am

  Purchased June, 2006. Daily driver. No problems. No repairs required Everything still feels tight and new. Even have the original brake pads after 84,375 miles.

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  First Honda Owned. 16 Months of ownership. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tmo1976 - July 15 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Honda (have owned two Toyotas, three Volvos) product. Purchased as a CPO vehicle and had one issue, A/C clutch was on its way out after 10k miles of my ownership. Covered under warranty. Ride is firm but that is ok with me as I like a firm ride. Buttons on steering wheel are OK. Wish there was a scan feature for radio like one of my other vehicles has. CRV handles well in rain, light snow. AWD is allright for what is. Kids like the sliding rear seats so they can adjust as they like (believe that is no longer available on new ones). Rear seat recline feature is good also. Decent cargo capacity for travel.

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  Potentially serious issues with a 2003 HONDA CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gzp2013 - July 15 - 12:41 pm

  1. Changed all door lock actuators, including the hatch door 2. Poor to dangerous car stability on two occasions First time on a slightly icy road the car did a 180 degree turn while driving at 40 miles/hour, I landed on the opposite direction of a two way street, fortunately nobody was driving on the other side Second time the car did a 90 degree turn on a slightly wet road, again driving ~ 35-40 miles/hour On both occasions the CR-V had top of the line tires that were in fine condition I have also been driving VW and Hyundai cars and never had this kind of experiences as I had with the CR-V

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  Scared - 2003 Honda Accord
  By bigjohn112 - July 14 - 4:56 pm

  I wish I had read more reviews before buying this car for my daughters first. I found this car at a dealer. One owner, 119K, no wrecks, no damage. Car looked a drove great. AC did not blow as cold as I thought it should but they checked it and replaced a sensor. I am going to change the transmission fluid as soon as possible. But with all the talk about tranny problems I find myself listening for odd noised and weird shifting . We have only had it a few days, but may end up wishing I had got a 2004+