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 my CR-V!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By crv_lover - August 13 - 5:27 pm

  I purchased my CR-V in the spring of 2010. It was ordered from the factory and arrived a month after ordering. My biggest complaint with the car is the open front seat floor area. Cans, bottles, etc can roll from the back seat into the front seat & under the pedals. Having said that, I LOVE this little suv!!! Yes, its a bit sluggish on the acceleration. If you wanted a sports car BUY a sportscar!!! I have taken this vehicle off roading and it performs very well. First set of tires seemed to go rather quickly but the tires that came with it were not the highest quality. I have 25,000 miles on it and am still having fun with it!

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  The Biggest Mistake of my Life - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mostinfamous3 - August 12 - 7:50 pm

  I brought this car Oct 07 brand new with 28 miles. Today Im sitting in pure frustration as my car now needs a 3rd timing chain replacement and no Honda Tech can expain to me why my car keeps needing timing chains, first it was the rear brake pad issue, then it was the ridiculously small battery issue, this care is a money pit. Ive spent over $3500 this year just to keep transportation to work. This will be my last Honda ever..hate it too, Ive been loyal to Honda since 85

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  Nice - 2012 Honda Accord
  By paguy - August 12 - 7:22 pm

  I respect Edmunds points on the Sonata and the Optima, but this years Accord is a safe bet. I like the fact that it has been in production for years, and hondas have a good track record. Had an 03 until 130k when its started drinking oil. Drove the others, but bottom line I got a super car...got 7 accessories thrown in like ambient lighting, splash guards et al to make a base line really nice. I have always liked honda service as well. the 2012 may be one to scoop up before they change them for 13. My 2 cents, good luck.

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  Im Sooo In Love With This Car!!! - 2012 Honda Accord
  By tammylr95 - August 12 - 6:17 pm

  I purchased an Accord EX-L V6, and I am very pleased with my decision. It really has the feel of a luxury car! It is GORGEOUS to look at! There is no road noise and the V6 kicks butt!!!

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  Good quality, so so interior...love the manual - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pmm21 - August 10 - 1:35 pm

  Since most cars in this size and price range are automatics and I wanted a manual, this was the car. The seats arent too great though and it lacks basic options that most LX sedans would have like outside temp and gas mileage reading and maybe auto headlight settings. The manual is smooth as silk although the acceleration is poor. Once you are up and running on the the highway, the car performs nicely and handles good overall. I leased it and its a good value so I may buy at the end of lease and sell on my own to make some money. Its not a keeper but good enough for now with Honda reliablility.

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  poor quality all around - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By georgiae - August 10 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 2011 honda CRV new. I thought i bought a great car. I was totally wrong, what i bought was a generic car. Horrible road noise, dont use the air and try to pull a hill, your lucky if you get up to 40 mph. tires need replaced after 14,500 miles. Moon Twp Honda basically said " You drove the car" . No kidding i didnt buy it to park in the garage. They offered me 2 tires, i said but there are 4 tires on the car. Too bad per Honda. The management at this dealer ship is awful. Do not buy this vehicle you definately will be sorry, if you do do not but at Moon Twp, Pa Honda, very ignorant management.

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  Most expensive car to maintain, Ive ever owned - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bikestwo - August 9 - 1:41 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Honda LX-SR in Sept 2008, expected to get many years of troublefree motoring,.... it has 30,100 Kms on it now,... Ive replaced 6 shocks, one has been replaced 3 times. had the brakes serviced,, had to have the rotors machined at 30,000 Kms,... couldnt believe it,.. even purchased the extended warranty, nothing was covered.... so much for many years of troublefree motoring,... Ive spend more money on service on this vehicle, than on any other car Ive owned... Wont be buying another Honda product anytime soon

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  Transmission denial for Honda Corp. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By amd6577 - August 9 - 12:24 pm

  Purchased 2005 Odyssey EX-L DVD in 2011 from Hendrick Honda in Easley, SC. Bad idea. 1 year later with <100K miles, trans shakes and stuck between 2nd&3rd gears. Take to trans shop (we were out of town) and they repair trans (including replacing torque conv) for $2500. 4 months later we get a letter from Honda Corp. that the issue is being covered under ext warranty and to submit documentation. Today, I got a call from "Ron" at Honda Corp. (who said he has *no supervisor* and refused to provide his last name), saying that our trans. issue is, in fact, not covered. Oh-- and no appeal process. I am 100% done with Honda. Not a quality product anymore. Buying an Odyssey is flushing $ away.

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  Disappointed by this model - 2008 Honda Civic
  By lafreewarian - August 8 - 2:38 pm

  I have owned Hondas for over 25 years. While the gas mileage of my 2008 Civic is good, the interior noise is irritating, the headrest not in a comfortable position, and after 22,000 miles I had to purchase 4 new tires. The passenger side automatic door lock stopped working and had to be replaced. As of 2012 the car has only 28,000 miles. My last Honda, a 1990 Acura Legend, was a great car and is still going strong. Never any problems with interior and few with engine. I wont buy a Civic again.

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  DONT BUY A HONDA ODYSSEY - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By bobbie67 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  I bought a 2006 Odyssey new. Im retired and drive less than 7,000 miles a year. In less than 2 years, the battery died. Two years later, the 2nd battery died. Today, two years later, the battery died. To date, Ive spent $450 on batteries. The rear brakes wore out at only 40,000 miles. The brake sensor system did not work. Discs, pads and rotors had to be replaced. Eats batteries & tires. Master cylinder and power steering failed. Soft brake pedal dealer can fix. Lousy gas mileage: 15 city, 20 interstate. Handles like a tank. Too many blind spots. Auto-liding door problems.