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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  Body Integrity - RUST !! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By huskerfan_1 - July 7 - 3:44 pm

  I would encourage all to check the bottom seal area of the doors for rust. Three weeks ago while while wiping down after a wash I noticed rust on the inside bottom of the back right passenger door. It freaked me out !! HOW ??? Took it the dealer ... it will get repaired next week under warranty (and it should). My car was purchased New Years Eve, 2010. Not sure if I will be keeping it.

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  Lesser of the evils - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dannerd - July 7 - 8:07 am

  I based my car buying decision on my experience with owning an assortment of different beaters, and that this time I was going to buy something new. Out of all the beaters Ive owned, Hondas always got the best gas mileage, were the cheapest to fix, were easy to sell. If you read the bashing reviews for the 2012 civic, youll notice the gripes are mostly about the cheap interior plastic and road noise. If you compare the reviews to other competitors like the 2012 focus or elantra, they are having serious issues involving the transmission, and check engine lights coming on recent to the purchase of the vehicle. That should tell you something. No car is perfect, but Honda seems to get close.

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  Second gen owner - very satisfied so far - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sunnycali - July 6 - 9:02 pm

  I replaced a 2002 Odyssey EX-L RES with this 2012 EX-L w/ Nav. So far very pleased with the way the vehicle drives and it is rich in features. Feels solidly built but based on my experience with older one bought 5 year maintenance and 8y/120 mi warranty. Very spacious interior, nice external styling especially when you look at it from the back. Was considering Turing Elite but didnt feel the price difference justified the additional features for my lifestyle. Mileage is around 18.5 city/hw, but it has been less than a week so I will give it time.

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  Im going to keep it - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bizemoma - July 6 - 4:11 pm

  We bought this car in 2002 with 19K. It now has 124K. We have done oil changes, major services, breaks, tires and that is it. This car goes where ever we need it to. I know this car will go another 200K if taken care of. We have been very happy with this. When it is time to get a new car I will purchase another Honda Accord.

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  Best in Class! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kaneohe00 - July 4 - 8:06 pm

  I test drove a hyundai elantra, a corolla and corolla S before I drove the Honda. Didnt bother with Ford, Nissan or Kia because I wanted a car that would last for a long time without a doubt. The Hyundai drove well and had a lot of extras but based of past performance and current reviews I felt like they were trying to sell you with extras versus a solid performer. So it came down to the corolla and civic. The civic drove better, had a more attractive and functional interior and I felt Honda put a lot of effort into the design of the civic while it seemed Toyota hasnt done anything to improve the Corolla since 1985. It reminded me of the Tercel my mom had when I was 10 years old.

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  Honda, please fix the road noise problem!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsonaday - July 4 - 2:13 pm

  Loud definitely describes this car. One can barely carry on a conversation on the freeway. I bought this car used and after only 3 years, the cushions on both seats were flat. AWD sucks bec it only kicks in when it feels the car slipping.. but there is a up side to this car, and that is its a little bigger than most rivals. Only thing is, you have to sit in the most uncomfortable seats..it got so bad that i had to replace the cloth with am leather.

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  Love my new Honda crv ex-l - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jsanczyk - July 3 - 6:38 pm

  My parents purchased a new Honda crv suv about 2 weeks ago. The car is beautiful. It is black with black leather interior. The navigation is so easy to use and I love driving the car. It handles great and parks so easy.

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  FALSE ADVERTISING! MPG SCAM - 2012 Honda Fit
  By 808fit - July 2 - 11:51 pm

  I bought this car in hawaii. I got it for 20,500 otd price. It is a sport auto. I drove it on full tank from the dealership and as of now only averaging 19mpg. I drive only in the city to work which is about a mile from where i live. I understand it is a lot of stop and go to work, but i dont even use air con, and I should be getting at least close to the mpg that it state in the fact sheet. I havent called honda yet cuz i already know they will say it is still new and blah blah blah, you need to break it in or what not, but still this is horrible. Another problem is the transmission always feels it is down shifting too fast when I am coming to a stop.

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  EX-L What a Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jennnevada - July 1 - 1:31 am

  I purchased this car new and put on 69K miles before trading it in today. It was great for hauling around children and provided a comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space. Now the downside: lousy gas mileage (13 in town/22 hwy), on my 3rd power steering pump, my alternator recently failed and was replaced by Honda for $600, rear sliding door opening/closing mechanism failed last year, battery and brakes were replaced often, constant loud & jolting popping when turning at low speeds (cv joint issue?) and a host of other issues amounting to significant repair costs. I am happy to be rid of this money pit! My past Hondas have been great but not this model and year.

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  Poor gas mileage & seat construction - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By deb103 - June 28 - 9:20 pm

  This is my second CRV - in my 2009 the drivers seat kept coming apart and the same thing keeps happening in my 2011. I work from home so I dont drive that much and feel that the seat should still be in excellent condition. The plastic molding around the seat keeps separating and the leather cover tears where it is hooked on. Since they upgraded the computer the mpg on the road dropped from 29 mpg to 24 mpg and in town from 24 mpg to 17 mpg. I am getting ready to trade it because of this.