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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  Needed a change! - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By obrinlee - November 19 - 8:25 pm

  Just recently this month traded a 2009 Honda Pilot in for a 2011 Cross-tour! I love this car, no regrets of downsizing. I notice either people love this car or want nothing to do with it. I found the car offered a lot. The pilot was just a little to big for me and I missed the car feel. the crosstour drives very nice and has a lot of upgrades in it. I bought a V-6 and the car has power. The rear window does take some getting use to but the back up camera helps a lot with that! I find the car to accommodate my needs very nicely and when I have talked to people randomly of how they like the car, they all have said they LOVE it!

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  Honda Odyssey ex-l Nav - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By darvesh1 - November 19 - 5:23 pm

  After many debates btw Sienna, Quest, and Odyssey, my wife and i finally decided to settle down on Odyssey mainly because of my long great experience with Honda accord and sporty look of Honda Odyssey. This is a fun car to drive, i love the features and option that are included in this car. I like the fact that it looks like a sporty minivan rather than mamas minivan. Its been three monthes and im enjoying it alot, my only complain is interior material that is very cheap. This wouldve been a top minivan had Honda used some decent interior material. The overall interior design is outstanding but material is very cheap.

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  great car so far for first 5 weeks - 2012 Honda Civic
  By yarruhs - November 18 - 5:40 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy this car. The fuel economy is far better than i expected. I have gotten as high as 40 mpg , and with each gallon of natural gas costing $2.05 , this has translated into an mpg equivalent of gasoline of 80 mpg ((when gas is at $4.00 for unleaded gas). I am waiting for the diamond lane sticker which will save me at least 10 minutes each way to and from work. One thing to note is in California there are many natural gas stations. The lowest price stations are the actual gas companies at 2.05 per gallon. Others will charge as high as $2.99 which is 33% more

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  Honda never again - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By bick2905 - November 16 - 1:38 pm

  We bought our 07 Odyssey new and have had nothing but problems. Transmission, A/C, Power steering, 3rd set of tires, just to name a few. I have owned some dogs over the years. I once owned a 80 Buick Regal that stalled on railroad tracks! This vehicle however is by far without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. We bought the car because I kept hearing how reliable Hondas were. Never again will I own a Honda. Advice: If you buy one, buy an 80 Regal so you have something to drive when the Honda is in the shop. I usually keep cars until they have well over 100k miles, this POS has 65k miles and i cant wait to trade it in.

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  Supercommuter! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aimgargiulo - November 15 - 11:05 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Honda with 133,000 miles from a man who commuted about 100 miles round trip to work. He took really good care of it, and I purchased it for a steal price of $3,300. Three years later, I have a 150 mile round trip commute to school, and shes up to 216,000 miles with no signs of slowing down! Its passed inspection every time (I do regular maintenance), and its never left me stranded at all except for when the clutch master cylinder went at 200,000-ish miles... but am I really going to complain about that?! I just get in and go with nothing but gas and a monthly oil change... its also a beast in the snow with studded snow tires! What more could a northern commuter want?

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  Tough Decision - - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2point2k - November 15 - 4:05 pm

  I love this car. I love the way it handles, I love the way it accelerates, and I love the way it feels zooming down the highway at 80 mph with the wind rushing by. I bought a used 2004 with 39,800 miles on it and in amazingly good condition for about $18,000 hoping to have both a fun car to drive and an investment that would maintain or lose very little value over time. I nailed it. I show the car a few times a year and still find myself clearing my calendar when the weather is going to be good so I can take it for a nice long drive. Tough decision? Drive it or store it? Driving is a blast, but storing it will only increase the value (or bleeds out the value more slowly).

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  round 3 12,000miles - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug1 - November 15 - 3:47 pm

  We have taken the pilot to N J and then to disney world.We now have over 12k miles.The pilot has good maners on the interstate.and is comfy on long trips.The mileage seems to average 25.6 or better.I drafted an 18 whlr for a 100 miles and got 27.8 but thats another story.Only things we have found are the audio sys when using a flash drive is unpredictable(songs will repeat come up diff order etc.)And when hot in traffic if you turn right hard then step on gas will 5out of 6 times hesitate before going,will also do same if you leave a light and have to let off gas then get back in it.Over all we are very happy with pilot as compared to Nissan.Wife has hard time backing in driveway at night.

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  My new CRV after 10 years - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jparedes - November 15 - 10:35 am

  Yes, finally decided to get back into debt (after 5 of no car payments)...it was time, my 2002 CRV (which I bought new) already has 240,000. miles (thats right)...no engine or tramission overhaul has been needed....the car is still in excellent shape, so much that now it was passed to my son... Thats the main reason as to why I bought another CVR .... "RELIABILITY".. The 2013 CVR LX has a very confortable ride, little wind noise in the highway, good visibilty, good handling.

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  Great Car in all respects. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By njoosse - November 14 - 3:28 pm

  I have owned this car for nearly 5 years. Bought with about 45,000miles, now it has about 110,000miles. No Problems at all, changed front brakes once, still has original rear brakes. Changed original battery when the car was 7 years old, changed spark plugs once. Great fuel mileage, roomy, comfortable, handles very well. Fantastic bang for the buck. I own a big block trans am, so I know performance, and this 4 cylinder performs very well, more than enough power for day to day driving. Paint is fading, but hey, its 9 years old... Engine and ABS light are on, but oh well.. Best car Ive ever owned, and the way its going Ill probably have it for a long time to come.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By camman97 - November 12 - 10:20 pm

  My sister got this car when she was 15 and it had 50k miles on it and now shes 22 and she recently bought a new fusion but this car was passed down to me and now with 203067 miles on it and we have had only 1 problem and it was the EGR valve but it does have minor faults like the windows and paint but otherwise a fine car and i would buy another one