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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  Built to last - 1998 Honda Civic
  By frank0001 - September 3 - 4:17 pm

  Bought car in 4/2001 at Honda dealer w 100k warrantee for $13k. Had 36000 miles on odometer. 11 years and 190k miles later, still runs great: 30mpg, doesnt burn oil, fun to drive, no rust on body. Usual maintenance: 2 timing belts with water pump, new exhaust and muffler. Only glitch-needed new catalytic converter, 02 sensors, and new distributer in 2011. Bought cat and sensors online at Majestic Honda and saved $$$$. Just change oil often and this car will run forever.

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  Great car to drive, just not a 4 kid car - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By yinzermama - September 3 - 11:11 am

  Middle row not as functional as initially thought. Traded in 08 8 pass Sienna for it. If you have 2 kids tops who use the middle as "captians" with the center down all the time - 3 in car seats - or 1 in the middle, 2 in the back - it would work. But the 8th spot is not comfy for all the time seating and the outboard seats, when slid to get in the back, still make a tight space and dont revert to their original position once up. Also you have to push the BACK of the seat to lock it so if your kid forgets you are driving with a seat bonking around you cant reach to click back in place. Long term, with 4 kids, I think a true 2 captains chair set up would have been better for us.

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  7-year owner - still pleased - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jetfuture - September 2 - 10:31 pm

  Purchased brand new in December 2005. Currently have about 53,000 miles. Replaced all brake pads and rotors at 40,000. Replaced tires at about 49,000. The unexpected maintenance has been the front suspension links at about 3 years (they are now starting to rattle again...looks like they last for 3-4 years). Cheap fix though. The condenser went bad at 6.5 years. We use the A/C quite a bit in the summer, and in the winter (defrost). Not much of a "windows down" family. Have followed the Maintenance Minder program. Replaced transmission fluid at 30,000 (did not wait for Maintenance Minder recommendation). Has plenty of zip when you really step on the gas. Get about 16/22 mpg.

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  Road Noise resonates inside the cabin - 2012 Honda Accord
  By nnima - September 2 - 8:47 pm

  I recently bought the 2012 SE model here in Toronto, Canada, we dont get the leather seats for the SE model here but we get bluetooth instead, no idea why tho, anyway, The car looks okay (better than Camry) has good leg room in the back (Unlike Camry) and despite everyone complaining about the seats has very comfortable seats if you ask me, the problem is road noise on the highway, it drives you crazy, you can barely hear other passengers talking to you when you are doing 100 KM/h (60 mph) on cement highway, the tire thrum, road noise and wind noise resonates inside the cabin like its a tin can being rolled on the highway and you are inside it!

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  Five Manual Transmission Complaint - 2012 Honda Civic
  By mastersergeant - September 2 - 5:34 am

  Body styling is sporty in coupe compared to the competition. Thought I was purchasing a quality built vehicle. I prefer manual transmissions in small cars for the sport of shifting. The five speed transmission has a clunking sound when engaging and releasing clutch pedal shifting out of first into second and from second to third gear. Honda is aware of the complaint/noise and has no repair. Had they simply put on the window sticker that the complaint is there without a fix I would not have bought the car. Very disappointed. Have driven other older vehicles to include the old VW Beetle that have had quieter transmissions. Fuel economy is great! Very disappointed with transmission.

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  Love my Ody BUT... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mommabagby - August 31 - 12:07 pm

  I really really love my van. Weve owned for 6 months now and taken a couple of roadtrips with our 2 and 5 year old. It is so comfy and convenient and roomy for just such excursions. The only thing I am not happy about is our A/C. It doesnt seem to blow COLD. Its cool, but not cold. We live in Phoenix, AZ so when its not blowing ice cubes (which I expect from a vehicle I paid around 40K for and is brand new) and its 110+ degrees, that makes for a hot, irritable mommy. It especially doesnt seem to blow cold driving around town or when we stop at a light. Took it to the dealer, and they said the charge was low and recharged the system but I didnt notice a difference.

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  First Impressions are good, second a bit better - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By insideinvestor - August 30 - 1:04 pm

  This is my first Honda. I compared this with the 2012 Sienna, 2012 Town & Country, and large SUVs. All compared vehicles were on IIHS 2012 Top Safety list. Advantages over Sienna: Sleeker Antenna Larger Sunroof Easier to pull 3rd row seats Front row heater button easier to access Rear view camera display is larger compared to base XLE Gas mileage Variable cylinder management Disadvantages: Sienna has more leg room, cargo room, higher HP and torque Advantages over T&C: Ride quality seemed better in Odyssey Quality of materials also seemed better Gas mileage Disadvantages: Nav and rear screen DVD player standard in T&C T&C has LED lighting No movable pedal feature

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  At 4 yrs and 36k miles - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite888 - August 30 - 12:50 pm

  Ive had this car for almost four years now and at only 36k miles, im disappointed ive had to replace the stock continental tires so soon. I got a set of bridgestone duelers at costco which set me back over $600. I cant tell if the road noise has significantly gotten better with the new tires. Next, it seems my brakes are about to go...we dont drive with a heavy foot, but maybe it was all the city stop and go traffic. Havent had any problems other than regular maintenance - rear differential was a must because it was making an odd noise. MPG has been in low 20s in mixed driving.

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  Use to LOVE the Honda Odyssey! So sad the love affair is over - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondalover - August 29 - 1:15 pm

  We have owned a 2001, 2006, 2009, and now just leased a 2012. If you are thinking Odyssey, think of other vans. Definitely do your research. The storage and plushness or the van has really cheapened through the years. I was going to explain myself more, but this forum limits your characters. I am very happy that we lesased and did not buy. Honda has gone cheap on me! The upholstery in the interior is junk. I always loved Honda for its functionality and every day conveniences of storage and comfort, but at the same time style and class. They have replaced their simple beauty with cheap plastic and less functional storage and conveniences. It is no longer a pleasure to have a Honda!

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  Very happy with our Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By slow_jim - August 28 - 9:40 am

  We are up to about 20k miles in our Insight now and still getting 45-50mpg with no issues. My wife uses it as her daily driver and loves it. We will never sell this car - so much space, practicality, and fuel economy for the price.