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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  AC Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By malayshah - August 7 - 3:19 pm

  This is first summer for this car and I notice when AC in on and car is not moving there is some kind of moaning loud noise coming from the engine. I took my car to the dealer from where I purchased this vehicle. I was informed that Honda Motors is aware about this issue in 2012 Pilot. Till the date Honda Motors did not solve this problem. Please make a note that the noise is very loud when AC is on and car is not moving. This noise is very annoying. This loud noise giving me migraine every day. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE UNTIL HONDA SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

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  Great car...fun to drive! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By eca72261 - August 7 - 2:06 am

  I just put 3,000 miles on my 2012 Honda Civic HF and I must say, this car is a joy to drive and its super easy to park. Visibility is wonderful. There is plenty of legroom/headroom even when my 63" son is sitting in the passenger seat. Everything in the car fits just right (Im 59" weight 225 lbs). I use math to figure out the gas mileage (miles driven divided by gallons) and Im getting 39.573 mpg on average with my first 3,000 miles. I drive 80% hwy, 20% city. I could not be more pleased. This is a conservative car (the styling) for conservative people who want to get from point A to point B without problems. I am very happy with my purchase!!

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  Confortable Ride but dull engine - 2012 Honda Civic
  By marc_bar - August 6 - 8:25 pm

  Ive been looking at a compact sedan to replace my Mazda 3 hatchback. My list is down to Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic Sedan EX. I test drove a Civic today and the engine is very dull, no fun at all particularly for someone used to the peppy Mazda3 160 hp.

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  Shocked that I HATE this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jrs4682 - August 6 - 11:08 am

  This is my 2nd Accord and I hate it. I have replaced all 4 door locks, the lumbar control in the drivers seat, Airbag sensors. The seats are so uncomfortable, I cant drive more than 30 minutes without being in pain. I get car sick when I am riding in the passenger seat due to the road noise and feeling every bump. I have NEVER had a problem with my other Accords only this one but overall I am not happy with this purchase at all and I will be trading in ASAP.

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  New owner preliminary review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By fonguy - August 5 - 5:09 pm

  I dont fit the minivan demographic as an old retired guy. Trading my 6 year-old Lexus RX for an Oddyssey was not an economic decision but I am now a Honda owner for the first time. Its only been a week, hence the word preliminary. Fit and finish excellent, interior roomy and comfortable, seats relatively easy to manipulate into many configurations. You need a little muscle to get the second row seats out, though, if the room is needed. Adequate power, handling surprisingly sedan-like, reasonably quiet. Many advanced safety features and air bags. This vehicle represents a highly evolved version of the classic minivan. The communications features-radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, are great!

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  Great CRZ - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By lazycatprod - August 5 - 1:57 pm

  I recently purchased a 2011 CR-Z EX from beaverton Infinity. I was looking at new but found this one with less than 7k miles and saved a ton of money. I love this car. The styling and performance are great. The best part I am averaging over 44 MPG since purchase. I have a daily commute of over 70 miles and my fuel cost is averaging $30 a week. If your looking for a fun to drive yet economical car. You should check it out.

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  Great SUV - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By wjallen101 - August 3 - 7:22 am

  I use SUV lightly because the Pilot is built on the Odyssey platform. That said, the Pilot is great. My choice was between the Grand Cherokee and Pilot. Before the test drive I was leaning towards the Cherokee. The Cherokee was clearly "more fun" to drive. But I determined that I didnt agree with the negative reviews about the Pilot and its sluggish acceleration. The drive was still fun and acceleration more than enough. Overall, the Pilot made more sense for my family and I. The 4WD is really an AWD. But I dont do off-roading. I only wanted a SUV that we could take to the mountains under all weather conditions. Therefore the build, size, mpg, storage and tech features were perfect.

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  Road trip - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By mcallen1309 - August 2 - 8:02 pm

  Just got back from a 4100 mile road trip through 5 states with 3 kids my wife and I. The Pilot was roomy enough and handled very well. I was impressed having owned suburbans and excursions before. Gas mileage was good. I dont like the way audio controls are set up and that you cant dim the dashboard lights at night, Honda should change these things. The seats were uncomfortable after 10 hours of driving but I dont know many seats that would be. But if something can be done ,please change it. Great overall.

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  Lease end decision - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By nyken - August 2 - 6:33 pm

  The lease on my 2010 CRV- EXL is up in a few months. I most likely will be looking to replace this with something other than a Honda. For 3 years I have never really bonded with this vehicle. It is not much fun to drive. Acceleration is sluggish and handling is just OK. The ride is very noisy and it rides more like a truck than a car. I have been dissipointed with performance in the snopw. It just does not feel very sure footed and slips and slides. I have not had any serious problems with this vehicle, but the OEM tires wore out after only 15K miles. The dealer service department always comes across with an attitude. Good bye Honda

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  Good car for the value - 2005 Honda Element
  By laura_e_som - August 2 - 12:05 pm

  My husband and I purchased this car new and it has been a blessed experience thus far. It handles well, cleans up well and is holding its value well. With 96,000 miles on it, we are grateful to God, that it has had no real problems, it has needed one set of breaks and a set of tires, with another one due here pretty soon. My husband drives this car almost everyday back and forth to work and it has been very reliable. AWD does seem to help it to handle well enough in the snow, and its car we plan on keeping until it finally says no more.