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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  Where is the legroom? - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By kidpolska - May 24 - 9:16 am

  I like all of the features of my CR-V, but does anyone else have a problem with the drivers side legroom? I am 62" and have NEVER had a problem with legroom before I cant drive this car for more than 2 hours without severe cramps.

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  Honda Fit Sport the only car for me - 2013 Honda Fit
  By isyngaming - May 21 - 3:01 pm

  This car is amazing and I love it.

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  My last Honda product - 2013 Honda Fit
  By retiredjoe - May 21 - 9:39 am

  There is a difference between a cheap car and an inexpensive car. This Honda is just plain cheap! And what is worse, the Honda service groups at the dealer have a take no prisoner approach to dealing with the customers. You sell these cheap cars and then treat the customers like they are wealthy people and money is of no concern. The dealer tried to do things like $100.00 to change a cabin air filter (I found one on the internet for $9.80 and it was easy to change)... and I can give a dozen other examples. The air conditioner has a design flaw with the condenser being easily damaged, and the list goes on and on.

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  Not a bad car but not a great car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jbaby79 - May 20 - 7:19 pm

  I bought it used with about 38K on it and it has 76K on the it now. I drive roughly 19K a year and have had no major issues. Got the rear brakes taken care of with the Honda settlement. It gets me from point A to B just fine. The interior is just ok. Seats are not comfortable for long drives and the driver side showing signs of wear. There is a lot of road noise and the car ride is a little floaty. There a are a few rattles. I replaced the stock wheels with the V6 Accord rims which improved handling a bit (wider rim size). Also will put on TSX sway bar. VCM can get annoying at times but thats how it gets the better gas mileage.

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  Honda Civic Sedan EX-L w/Nav - 2013 Honda Civic
  By maringa - May 20 - 1:09 pm

  Bought this car last week. Previous owner of a 2002 Honda Civic EX. Initially struggled with the thought of buying another Civic. Was hesitant until I went to dealership and sat inside, and test drove. What a difference 11 years makes! Did get all of the bells and whistles (Nav). There is no comparison between this car and my 2002 model (not that it was bad - served me well for 11 years). Drives much quieter and smoother. Highway gas mileage much nicer (41-42 mpg vs. 33 on my older unit). In town mileage about 2 mpg better (33 mpg vs 31 mpg). Decent stereo..great Nav system!

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  Excellent car but overhyped with Honda quality - 2005 Honda Civic
  By ahtoh1 - May 19 - 11:41 am

  Excellent car. I got is second hand in pritty good shape. A/C took $800 from me in repairs. Few other repairs that are normal for older car. Drives very good, fuel economy is excellent for old car. If you get one in good shape and the right price, it defenetely worth it.

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  Great Vehicle for What it Is - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mstrongin - May 18 - 6:56 pm

  Had purchased the sports wagon I had always wanted about 18 months ago - a 2012 Audi A4 quattro turbo Avant. Loved the way that car looked and drove. But a few months ago I had back surgery and getting in and out of the Audi became problematic. Between back issues and not getting any younger (57) I started looking at small SUVs that had to meet certain criteria: wouldnt cost me anything after sale/trade in of my Audi very comfortable seating regular fuel and good mileage lots of technology high reliability. The CRV has all that. Its not great looking and nowhere near as much fun to drive as the Audi, but what it does well it does really well.

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  Great Mileage, but feels cheap - 2013 Honda Civic
  By ms568 - May 18 - 3:08 pm

  Bought the manual because I did not like how bad shifting felt in automatic. Pros: mileage is insanely good - averaging about 37 combined with 75% highway and 25% around town (I drive pretty conservatively, highway is cruise control with econ button on). Safety - was rear ended, not injured, car held up fine. Fairly quiet and comfortable - good space for a smaller car. Cons: It was relatively cheap and it feels cheap. I had a VW golf before this and it felt like a tank in comparison (mileage sucked). The paint already has a chip after one month. And there is a sloshing sound that comes from the gas tank that is really noticeable if you have the radio off.

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  Good, except for rear entertainment center - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By tallyesq - May 18 - 3:03 pm

  I like most everything about this van, except the rear entertainment center. Traded in a 2002 Ody with 176k for this one. I have 3 kids and want to be able to play movies and music for them. I pop a DVD in on the first road trip and the kids in the third row cannot hear the dialog unless the volume is turned all the way up. I take it back to dealer to make sure all settings are correct and they tell me it is working as it should. I call Honda and they tell me passengers should wear the headphones?! The old Odys RES worked great in all rows. Pretty angry that RES will not "entertain".

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  Liking the improvements! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By 9xhondaowner - May 18 - 10:09 am

  This is our 3rd CR-V (and our 9th Honda). I traded an 07 EX-L for the 13 LX. I miss with leather, posh interior and better sound system and I will definitely morn the loss of the heated seats next winter, but let me tell you what I LOVE about the 2013. The ride is smooth - my daughter says its like riding on a cloud. Road noise? Gone! We dont have to shout to have a conversation. Gas mileage? With the econ button on, got 31 mpg with mixed driving on 1st tank. Woo hoo!!! My 07 was getting about 24 mpg. Love the back-up camera, Bluetooth, etc. My only gripes: interior, while comfy, seems a bit plastic/cheap LX sound system is sub-par. Overall - very happy with the new CR-V!!!