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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  First Time Accord Owner (EX-L) - 2009 Honda Accord
  By car_nut2 - December 17 - 2:58 am

  Im a car afficionado, so I notice a lot of details. The pluses include great reliability (no probs after 57K), beautiful driveline (acceleration and smoothline) with the upline 189 HP EX-L engine, paint and leather holding up well, first Accord that had enough styling that I would consider getting one. The bad are EXCESSIVE body roll--I came from a sports sedan and in the Honda you simply cannot go around corner fast, its like riding in a tall SUV. Excessive buttons--I still havent changed the clock for daylight savings as Im sick of opening the manual to learn the buttons for everything, rear end styling is droopy (front and side much nicer), ROAD NOISE, lack of any interior luxury.

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  Not what was promised in milage. - 2011 Honda Accord
  By hondaaccord11 - December 15 - 1:20 pm

  We do not know what other cars like this one does, but our car averages 13 miles per gallon in San Francisco driving. Most of our city driving is done on flat ground. Very little driving is done on hills. Our 2000 8 cylinder Chevy truck makes 11 miles per gallon with the same type of driving. We had expected to average less than the 24 miles per gallon advertised, but not at the ridiculously low rate of 13. The other major gripe is the seat belt. It has to be one of the most inconvient in buckeling. If you do not have the rear view camera, you will have major problems is seeing where you are backing into.

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  Feels Just Right - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jcricket - December 15 - 8:20 am

  I am a big man. This car fits me. It is easy to enter and exit. The seats are wide and comfortable. The seating position and view of the road is higher than its competitors, a major factor in my town full of tall vehicles. The drive feel is responsive and a bit upscale. Gas mileage is good enough at this early stage of break-in. Some hwy trips have already gotten 33mpg. Averaging 26mpg combined. Still learning the electronics/phone. Handsfree phone is a nice plus. Cargo area is cavernous with rear seats easily dropped. Shortcomings - none of them deal killers: Headlights are a bit dim. I replaced them. AWD is just OK good enough for snow but not serious off-road capable. Overall: Civilized.

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  Reliable car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jthunders - December 14 - 4:18 pm

  Reading some of the reviews makes me wonder if Im just lucky or if it has to do with people driving habits. I bought this car new in 2008, to date no major maintenance has been required. I have driven 70,000 miles and have not done anything other than oil changes and got new tires a month ago. Some people complained about the rattling near the back speakers which is a recall that was rectified when I first bought the car for free. Some complained about the brakes but I havent changed the brakes yet.

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  Some thoughts about my 06 civic LX coupe (manual) - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jack_handy - December 14 - 1:24 pm

  Got this car "newish" as a dealer demo from Richmond Hill Honda with +- 12,000 km on it. I had the HPF skirt package installed before I bought it. Today, (Dec 2012) I have over 210k kms on it. I sometimes tow a 700lb trailer with it for camping, I lug a car full of DJ gear with it too. This cars been a delight - a REAL PERFORMER. Muffler went at 100k, front rotors at 150k, battery after 4 yrs all typical stuff if you ask me. I do the plugs myself and do all the other stuff on schedule. "This car doesnt owe me nothin :) " and has been 100% reliable ALWAYS. Clearcoat on the hood has failed (cracked/split) and others have experienced same (on forums) Im living with it.

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  It speaks for itself - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jes2ag - December 12 - 9:12 am

  Hondas have always been known for their reliability, when you take care of it, it will take care of you... I love my Honda! This car has a great looking interior and exterior regardless of other opinions, people are just snobby! The gas milage is amazing, and the eco option makes it even better. The trunk is not small, unless those who are complaining want to fit a few bodies into it, lol. Everything about this car is wonderful. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a reliable car!

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  2010 Honda CRV EX-L AWD - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By chucko420 - December 12 - 12:30 am

  Pros: No problems so far, good gas mileage, not much service work required except frequent changing of rear differential fluid, interior is designed well, lots of room for driver & front seat passenger, good placement of shifter & emergency brake opens up lots of space, arm rests are nice, fold flat rear seats are great, lots of cargo space, low rear end gives easy access to cargo area. Cons: sloppy handling, noisy, poor visability trying to see out rear window or rear side windows but all cars are like this now, heated seat for front passenger only works the lower seat cushion and not your back, front bumper unnecessarily large.

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  OK, but some issues - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By t55 - December 11 - 10:54 pm

  We purchased this car new. Fairly comfortable and rear seat has adequate room and Im 61". Road noise not bad on good roads but irritating on slightly rough highways. Hard to hear conversation on these roads. Engine noise is mild when cruising, but noticeable under acceleration and strained and a bit slow. This is fine as I drive usually for economy and many 4 cylinders are similar. Gas mileage is good on a trip with completely packed car going around 70, we got 29.5 mpg. Issues: weird chirping noise from rear at low speed. Breaks are very touchy. Navigation does not know some old roads. Have to talk very loud for voice activated phone and navigation system commands to work.

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  Everything you need and more - 2009 Honda Civic
  By boss95 - December 11 - 8:29 pm

  This thing is a blast. Engine is powerful, dont be deceived by the numbers. Itll drive very comfortably for the everyday driver, but push the pedal the slightest bit and youre off. Handles like a foreign sports car. Engine has an awesome note to it as well. I just got this as my first car, and every single day I look forward to getting in that car, I love it. Couldnt ask for anything better. Great on gas too. We got it used with about 51k miles on it. Runs, looks and smells like new. Overall an outstanding car, and a thrill to drive. Even comes standard with premium audio system which includes subwoofer. Has enough power to rattle the rear view mirrors, with a motor thats smooth as silk

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  BEWARE - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By etgold - December 11 - 6:30 pm

  Technology is sorely dated. IPhone 5 does not sync and no idea if or when it will. FM Radio real time traffic is never correct. Shows accidents a mile away from actual location, wet roads when no rain for a week, heavy traffic on clear roads and clear roads when there is heavy traffic. Hands free commands very difficult to use. Sorry I bought a CRV. Went to buy an SUV for my daughter and did not consider Honda. You have been warned.