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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  It checks the boxes but almost impresses - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By psychic99 - September 17 - 11:47 am

  OK my 2005 Sienna XLE needed new --loved it. First thing, I cant believe how the interiors of these vans have CHEAPENED over the years. So much so I couldnt stomach the new Sienna. The Ody was just passable. Already the door switches are scratched because of the cheap plastic. I almost pulled the trigger on the Quest but couldnt get over the ugly stick and the suboptimal tranny (CVT). I have a Maxi CVT, its just the load killed it. In any case driver console is just cheap. All the rest of the car is great. What were they thinking? Also should have 110 in 2nd row, not 3rd. Lots of finishing not good. Had to slap a few panels in, pull some plastic and carpet fibers. Hmm...

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  Breaking noise when coming from a complete stop at stop lights - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zintage - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  It appears that in most of these 1012 models there is a break noise that becomes increasing loud when the weather temperatures increase. This was rather frustrating because I bought this car in the winter of last year and as it became summer the noise became prominent. Before you purchase this car please test drive it during hot weather and let go of the break after coming to a complete stop. It will crunch and grind as if it were a car with 500+ miles on it. My family owns 5 honda accords from previous years and none of them make this noise. The dealer indicates that its the pads shifting, but if that were the case why does it change with the weather and only in this model.

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  EPA estimates are way off - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pstanger - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I was hesitant to commit to the 2012 SI because the EPA estimates are not very impressive. But I took a gamble figuring if I was disappointed, I could easily trade due to the high resale value. I have just under 6000 miles on it so far in about 6 weeks. In mixed driving my worst tank of gas was 32 mpg. Best so far was over 37 (with a bit of neutral coasting at exit ramps, etc). As the car "breaks in", it really feels like its getting quicker. Its great fun to drive. Much more torque than my 08 EXL. Interior noise is not quite, but is acceptable. My 08 interior is a bit classier. But Im getting used to the 12.

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  Just not the same old odyssey!!!! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sadhondaowner - September 14 - 5:01 pm

  I just recently traded in my 2003 Odyssey for a 2012. If you are considering the Odyssey, I would strongly suggest looking at the Toyota Sienna over the Honda Odyssey! At first we loved the van, but it is very apparent that Honda has compromised its quality. Within a week of taking delivery of the vehicle it was apparent that the quality of the plastic of the interior trim was poor. We have scuffs and markings from the seat belt retracting. Hondas response is, "sorry thats cosmetic and not covered under warranty". We are also having a recurring loud noise coming from the front end. In all, Hondas quality is no longer what it used to be. There are better options for $40,000!!!!!

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  DTD - 1992 Honda Civic
  By harrowing_lane - September 14 - 6:38 am

  I drove this car until it died. I got the car in 1998 and I got my 350 dollars out of it that I definitely owe Honda some money (Dont tell them that). The car currently has 298000 miles on it. They really dont make cars like that anymore. Sometimes it was really hard to start but always kept me safe. I drove this car from NY to PA, TN, IN, GA, SC, FL, CT, OH to name a few places. I loved my car rust and all. The thing is the engine is still alive and kicking .Thing is the car will fall apart but the engine is really built to last. Its just water is coming in now and the alternator has finally died. Bottom line if I could get a semi new 1992 Honda Civic. I would buy it yesterday.

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  Wow!!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By gladys29 - September 12 - 10:28 am

  Its what I was looking for and more! I love everything about it. Its beautiful, drives smooth, comfortable, spacious. I have two kids and shop at bjs so I need some room, kids love it, so much room to stretch out in and enough for bjs run and a few other stores:) thanks Honda, Youve done it again!!!

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  Pros and Cons - 2005 Honda Element
  By hondaelementex - September 11 - 1:45 pm

  Nice car, great for a tall person and carrying groceries and other stuff including smaller bicycles. MPG is about 20.

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  Excellent Car - Comprehensive Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jc92 - September 10 - 11:10 pm

  Note: I have owned this car for several months, though my father owned it since March of 2005. The 2006 Honda Accord is a pleasure to drive. Its pickup is quite responsive and powerful, its 244 HP or so is perfect for this car. I also get good mileage, about 22-23 MPG average. The interior is roomy, the seats have a good balance between cushion and support, and the leather has held up well. The ride is average, but controlled. As far as handling is concerned, it has a light feel to it and takes the curbs pretty well, though its not a German car. I will also comment that the speakers are superior to that of any luxury car Ive been in, including the BMW 5 series, Acura TL, and Lincoln MKS.

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  14 years old and going strong - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By chenster - September 10 - 6:49 pm

  We bought this car 8 years ago when we found out we were having twins. The boys came home from the hospital in the van. Now they are carted around to school, soccer practice, piano lessons. The size for us family of 4 is perfect. The gas mileage is pretty good for a van. We average around 25 mpg, up to 30mpg on long road trips. We wish there were similar sized newer models but the Mazda5 is a bit cramped. All other vans are huge and gas-guzzling. We are keeping this one until they bring over the JDM Odyssey or Honda Stream. One thing to remember is to replace the oil cooler o-ring. Also Honda ATF every 15K would ward off transmission issues.

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  Great Reliable Car. - 1998 Honda Accord
  By pimpinpancakes - September 9 - 10:28 pm

  This car is great. It is the perfect size. Dont let it fool you because it is actually very roomy and has a large/tall trunk. Honda put a lot of thought into this car. Great first car. Safe also, I had a minor accident and it held up very well.