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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  Defective CRV 2013 - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By customer126 - February 14 - 6:50 pm

  This car lacks power, it is nice looking but it came defective. at 500 needed to be repair for defective components that made the check engine light go on, then i found water in the trunk. The car needed to be sealed and after the next rain, there is water again. Not recommended!! Although the sticker says it may give you 25-30 miles per gallon, it never does. The max was 22 mpg

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  HONDA NO MORE - 2008 Honda Accord
  By divakeys - February 14 - 10:48 am

  I had been a Honda owner for years....Loved them. Bought the 2008 Honda Accord, new. Rear brakes went on it 2x before the fronts. Honda did nothing for me....said there was a class-action law suit, and too bad for me as I was too late. Then, it was running out of oil in between changes. I have never put a drop of oil in any of my vehicles in between 3000 mile oil changes. Honda said it was normal. I could not believe that they asked me to believe this. Then , there was no oil being pumped into the engine when I started it. Enough for me. I sold it, and 2 weeks later they recalled the car for the same probs. I had complained about. They never reimbursed me for anything. Sayonara.

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  A lot of things to like except transmission/power - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By carmen22 - February 13 - 6:56 pm

  I have owned my 2013 for 3 weeks. I love the interior. Its roomy and well designed and the back seats fold down easy for hauling. Im doing mostly in town driving and getting a solid 22 miles/gallon. The seats I would give this car 5 stars except that it recently started making a rattle noise when shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Dealer says its normal. Sometimes power is an issue when needing to surge onto the interstate.

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  Battery drain problem? - 2013 Honda Civic
  By htnj1 - February 13 - 2:34 pm

  Love the interior and exterior quality. New civic has a comfortable ride and very good fuel efficiency. Also like the fact that bluetooth and rear view camera are standard on all 2013 Civics. However, in the second week after buying the car I didnt drive it for another week and the car wouldnt start. Turns out the battery was dead due to cold weather (around 10-20 deg F) After jump start everything was ok but for a new car this is quite unexpected. Will have to watch it going forward how it behaves....

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  Better than the 2012, but ....... - 2013 Honda Civic
  By drjc3 - February 12 - 9:17 pm

  I like the car overall, but Im still having a hard time getting past the cheap honeycomb grill & the too black alloy wheels. I didnt realize when I bought the car 3 weeks ago that the radiator is as visual as the grill itself. The interior noise/engine are improved & the overall handling is very good. I wish I could get past the toys-for-us grill!

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  Comfortable Car - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By sco1 - February 12 - 10:36 am

  The hatchback is perfect since I used to have a Volvo XC wagon and wanted a cargo area. I leased the car instead of bought because I had reservations about the back window. I am thankful for the rear backup camera, which is VERY helpful in the dark. However, on the highway, in the dark, it is hard to see out the back window. My son pointed out to me that while he was driving it, he liked that the headlights of vehicles behind him were NOT in his eyes, due to the break in the window line. After considering this, I use my side view mirrors more at night on the highway. I am considering buying out my lease. Gas mileage is decent, though not as great as posted, 22 most.

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  Mugen SI - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jordan231479 - February 12 - 8:41 am

  With just only 2 weeks with the Mugen SI Im completely in love with this car. Not only does it get attention from everyone but its a blast to drive. If your a Honda enthusiast, this is definitely the car to own. It drives like a dream with a stiff cornering when you want it but comfortable enough to drive in long trips.

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  Still deciding - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By 7669 - February 11 - 2:38 pm

  I just purchased a 2011 Pilot EX-L with navigation (FWD). It has 19, 000 miles on it. I admit the gas mileage is disappointing, especially considering it does not have 4WD. I am still getting about 20 mpg on the highway, around 15 in town. I agree that the interior appears cheaply made but will withhold judgment until I see how it holds up. I am wondering if anyone else has experience with the FWD model? I live in a snowy area, but in the six years I owned my first pilot, did not once use the 4WD option. Hoping that the traction control and good snow tires will keep me going. One day after I bought the pilot we had a pretty significant snow storm and had no problems...

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  So far so good - 2012 Honda Civic
  By montrealcivic - February 10 - 6:49 pm

  Been driving a Civic for years. This is my third consecutive new Civic. Previous models were the 98 and 05. Unfortunately this model has impressed me less than the 05. I am 5 foot 11 and often hit my head getting out of the car. They seem to have decreased the cavity opening by 1-2 inches. The carpeting is not really carpet - more akin to a dish scrub brush. This was easily fixed by adding the rubber mats with the protection package. The dash is one huge mass of not so pretty plastic. The plastic on the prior models at least resembled the texture of leather. I find visibility reduced with the long window frame pillars. The good points help reduce the negatives however.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bsalzano - February 9 - 6:17 pm

  Average 36 mpg, super reliable, classy look,and fun to drive. I bought brand new and have over 160000 miles on it. No problems on this car. Just had one front brake need a new pad but that is all. I love Honda quality!!!