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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  Buyer Beware! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By tflower - April 16 - 3:55 pm

  I am a three time Honda buyer because of the reliability of the vehicles. This car has major issues with oil consumption due to poor engine design. At three years old and 50K the engine has to be replaced. I had the oil changed 4 weeks prior and the car started running rough and check engine light came on. There was not any oil on the dipstick! Honda knows there is a problem but has not issued any warnings or recalls. The fact that they are not forthcoming has really angered me. This is not Honda quality or reliability. Buyer beware and do your research before buying this vehicle.

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  2010 Hybrid is a risk to buy - 2010 Honda Civic
  By wjazz - April 14 - 4:59 pm

  More or less our 2010 Civic Hybrid was not the best choice. It is all pretty good and as I expected for a Honda except the hybrid battery. Here you have a car that gets 38-42 miles per gallon which is fine and we are happy with it. But at 40k miles the hybrid battery needed replacement. The battery is covered for 100k miles so they replaced it but the coverage is not extended as a new battery but just covered for the additional 60k miles! So we have a car that gets mileage that is only a hair better, if that, than the new non-hybrids and the battery is not dependable. So lurking in the future is perhaps the need to pay $4k or better for a new battery. Best to pick another hybrid.

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  Best small car you can buy. - 2013 Honda Fit
  By dqdave - April 13 - 8:51 pm

  1) High quality. 2) Comfortable ride. 3) Fun to drive. 4) Practical. 5) Good gas mileage. 6) Excelent road feel.

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  Great family car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bandit911 - April 13 - 9:20 am

  We have made 2 long trips along with the normal day-to-day driving. This is a near perfect car for us. While there is only 2 of us, we many times have 5 people in the the car. Everyone is comfortable in this car. Rear view camera turns out to be a nice convenience. The big disappointment is the rear hatch. Once it is open it is very difficult to close. There is not an option for an electric closer. You must reach fairly high in the air to grab the open door and if you have any type of shoulder or arm problem (I do) then you can not close the hatch. A car like this should have an electric closer. This is a big oversight.

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  Has done good for us - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By cdavenport - April 12 - 2:53 pm

  Bought this van at an auction, didnt know it had a transi issue. $2200 later with the recommended upgraded rebuild kit & it has been great since. Getting the van at a discount made the transi rebuild isue to tolerate. Cannot imagine buying & financing at full price and having a transmission go. We love it. Had it for over a year. Now at 190k.

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  Honda Pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By chris352 - April 10 - 4:00 pm

  This is the second Pilot I have purchased. This is the best vehicle I have owned. It is reliable, safe, great in the snow and multifunctional.

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  disappointed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lacyayn - April 8 - 9:06 pm

  Cute car, fun to drive though I recommend the manual transmission if you are looking for fun. Really disappointed with the gas mileage achieved though. I am told its due to the ethanol in gas now. Only getting on average 25mpg highway when its rated up to 31 and get about 23 around town.

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  Excellent choice and still enjoy driving it. - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By pmm21 - April 8 - 11:44 am

  Great alternitive to a minivan and it has 4wd (on demand AWD I guess). The only issue was the cheap tires that came with it lasted only 28k miles. It is very comfortable and can tow my 20 ft boat pretty well. Love the SUV rugged look even though its more of a soccer mom crossover. We have had great lck with this vehicle and plan on keeping it forever.

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  2012 CRV -- Good basic car. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bruder - April 7 - 11:07 pm

  My girlfriend bought a 2012 CRV LX 2WD last summer. Ive been driving it recently so I decided to share my experience. The CRV is comfortable and easy to drive. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The engine provides adequate power and the transmission shifts are smooth. The brakes work well and stops are confident. The CRV handles reasonably well but the steering is somewhat disconnected. For most people its fine. Visibility out the front and sides are good but the rear window is very small and the visibility out the rear is terrible. Fortunately the back up camera is standard on all models. The sound system is good. Were getting 27-29 mpg in mixed rural driving.

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  2.5 years, 67k and running strong - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - April 6 - 10:05 pm

  I have had this CR V since fall of 2010 and have logged 67,000 miles on it without a repair. Had to replace the Continental Tires @22k and the dealer split the cost with me. I about to replace the rear brakes and tires and cannot complain. My daughters both have 2011 CR Vs and with small children they love the cars because of the safety and reliability.