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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  Love this van!! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By brittanyx3 - October 20 - 3:05 pm

  For one I am young, but have 3 kids 4,6, and 9! I was very hesitant on getting another mini van after i got out of my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan about 2 yrs ago! But i love this van! I dont feel like I am driving a mini van! The kids love the space that we have now after coming out of a 2010 Kia Forte Koup! They can move!!! The vans design is fabulous and love the 3 seats in the middle row! This is my first Honda ever so pretty thrilled with it so far! The drive is smooth! You dont even know its running after you start it! Has alot of power and love the electric doors and trunk! If you are looking for a good quality van this is for you!

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By josh1189 - October 18 - 1:17 pm

  I bought my 1998 Prelude Base Coupe 4sp. manumatic with 74K miles on it in 2006 as my first car. LOVED it! It was the best car I ever owned. In the year that I had it, I only replaced the O2 sensor. Not bad. The reason I had to get rid of it? It cost me too much to keep it. I was only 17, not making much money and couldnt afford the low profile tires (stock wheels, mind you), the premium fuel and, of course, the insurance company ate me alive. I didnt do my homework before I bought it. So, if you can afford the cost of ownership, this will be a great car.

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  Makes a great first car. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By josh1189 - October 18 - 1:09 pm

  I bought my 94 Accord EX 4 cyl auto in July 2007, with 91K miles on it, had it for 2.5 years and it was great. A few problems occured, like the A/C went out, I replaced the exhaust sytem, the battery and a couple tires. For a car of its age, I didnt think that was too bad. It ran wonderfully, never broke down and never stalled on me. Finally, though, in November of 2009, the heater core went out, causing a nasty mess of sticky smog to enter the car through the air vents, so I couldnt turn on the heat...during the winter, it was NOT fun. So, since the repair would have cost me over $1,000, I had to sell it. It was just too much. Overall, it was a great car and I highly reccommend it!

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mrbrown3 - October 16 - 7:31 pm

  Disappointed after 1.5 months of ownership! Traded in a 07 4runner and took a huge step down. The vehicle is quite on smooth roads but try some rougher pavement and the noise is clear. Bought this thing for gas mileage and Im averaging 22.4. Not even close to advertised. Test drive one at night on a dark road out of the city and check out the high beams. Headlights are Horrible! Mine has some issue with the electrical system. My lights almost blink off when I come to an idle. Hope it does decent in the snow! It sounds and feels cheap! I dont have enough room to talk about the dealer. I put up with a bad dealer to buy into a quality, great gas mileage car and man did I get burned!!!

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  My hard earned money down the drain! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mccray35453 - October 14 - 12:00 pm

  I had purchased my 2009 Accord in Nov. 11. the brakes sqweaked the next day, and still is now! Had taken the car to Midas, and was told the brakes looks brand new. Yet, sqweeking! The arm rest is wrinkled/bubble. I had read where someone said "the dealer" it was due to body oils. No one sits in the passenger side of my car, so why it it wrinkled/bubbled?! The trunk rattles like nobodys business, the AC makes a funny noise when on low, like it needs oil. Same Honda doesnt stand behind their vehicles, but then again, with these complaints, I would stand behind them either...physically! Here I come Nissan!

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  Drive it on the Interstate before you buy - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jaw407 - October 11 - 1:26 pm

  I traded in my 2008 Odyssey Ex-L with Nav. and rear entertainment for the 2012 EX-L. I tried to return the van the next day and was told my trade was already shipped off and they didnt have it anymore. What a disappointment in the drive. The dealership is not near the highway so the test drive was fine. It wasn’t until after I bought the van and got onto the Interstate that “buyer’s remorse” set in. The wife and I could hardly carry a conversation from the loud road and wind noise. The steering is much more sensitive and it felt like the van was getting blown all over the highway. My 2008 was much quieter and the drive was more enjoyable than this 2012. We travel a lot on the interstate and if I ever get equity back I’m trading it in as soon as I can.

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  Does it even have a check engine light? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By funk53daba - October 10 - 8:25 pm

  I really dont know, now that I think about it. I found a nice one-owner with 124K. After two years it has 175K and the only thing that has not been routine maintenance has been some rust thru the exhaust system. Thats it. Brakes/tires, fluids, filters, and spark plugs. Thats all Ive had to touch. Everything works. Ive owned a lot of high mileage cars b/c I prefer them for various reasons but this one acts half its age. It also beasted thru the Appalachian mountains loaded with myself and about 250lbs of military gear, so dont underestimate the power under the hood. And I average 35 mpg.

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  ShouldaBoughtAToyota - 2009 Honda Civic
  By miss_l - October 10 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this car Certified used with just under 35k miles. I thought I was getting a deal. Boy was I wrong. When people buy a hybrid theyre buying it for anything more than value. Now while I have yet to encounter many of the problems I have been reading on the wed, I am in fear for the future of this car. This car is advertised at 40/45 MPG. I have not even had the car a month and I am getting 33.4 and it keeps falling. I am about to have a dealer look at it but even she eluded that the issue will not get better. Worst purchase I ever made and I will be paying for it for 5 years!!

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  Love my new Odyssey - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By 82d - October 10 - 9:05 am

  Ive had my new Odyssey for a month and am very satisfied. I find the 5 speed transmission very smooth and would not recommend spending an additional $4000 just to obtain a 6 speed and another 1 MPG. I averaged 17.8 MPG on my first tank of gas per the on board computer (17.86 based on actual fuel consumption). This was with 100% A/C and city driving. I miss the middle row Stow and Go of my former Grand Caravan, but this is a small price to pay given the quality of this vehicle.

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  Brandon Honda -- great dealership - Civic sedan great car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By valcarter - October 5 - 9:30 pm

  We purchased a 2012 Honda Civic Sedan and we are very happy with it. The folks at Brandon Honda in Brandon, Florida were great. Our salesman was Tony M.....he was a jewel. Totally wonderful experience. If you are in the area and want a great buying experience, call Tony at Brandon Honda