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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  Hard Steering - 2012 Honda Accord
  By diwakar - June 18 - 12:36 pm

  Steering in 2012 makes of Accord is extremely hard and impossible to manauvre the vehicle with one hand.The previous versions including 2011 make had softer steerings and I dont know what made the company as good as Honda to come up with such poor steering. There is no comfort in driving this vehicle and the steering feels like that of a truck at slow speed

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  Wheres the "SU" in SUV Crossover? - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksonnenberg - June 18 - 11:47 am

  It is a nice vehicle in that it drives & handles well, comfortable interior & some nice luxury features. However, Honda removed much the "Sport Utility" and now looks and feels more like a Hatchback/Minivan Crossover. We needed to replace our 02 CRV but we suppose got spoiled by it. The 02 w/ the tire on the back door left extra room in the spare tire compartment to store emergency supplies like blankets and tire pump, but not anymore. I miss the table that was a feature of the 02 trunk base handy for camping & picnics. The new CRV has 2" less of ground clearance & no longer lets you pop open the hatch window which was great for access to our dogs or supplies w/o open whole hatch.

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  Vibration in steering when driving low speedand steering same time (walking speed, like parking) - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By chris_puente - June 18 - 11:07 am

  We got the Honda Pilot 2011, since it was the best option for us in the market. I have this SUV already a year and so far I have only one issue/ concern with it. I brought the car to the Honda Dealer for schedule oil change. I made them clear that I feel vibrations and noise coming from the steering wheel during parking of the car ( you have the steer for parking) or when driving out, all this vibrations are very noticeable at low speed. I did a drive with the mechanical specialist from Honda where he said that this is the first time he got that vibrations. I request to do comparison with another pilot, same year, and till today I am waiting for their feedback. issue with hydraulic oil?

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  Like it better than Prius 95% of the time - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hybridrocks54 - June 16 - 8:53 pm

  Weve had it since it was new and now just over 30K miles. Fun car to drive. Use it as urban around town commuter car with occasional highway trips and get consistently 39-40 mpg. We are all very tall and fit fine in front seat adults are somewhat tight in back. No mechanical issues whatsoever, so really appreciate Honda reliability.

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  Good Car With Some Notable Exceptions - 2012 Honda Civic
  By terrainorg - June 14 - 12:35 am

  Ive driven Hondas for a long time now, so had high expectations with my Civic EX sedan. Unfortunately, I find the new Civic pretty underwhelming, based primarily on two factors: 1) Road noise, caused by a cardboard-thin floorboard. Its not wind noise but rather noise coming up from underneath loudest sedan Ive ever driven in that respect. 2) Im 65", and had no problem with comfort on the test drive. But after several weeks I still cannot find a comfort zone with the seat (headroom is fine). That could easily be solved by an electronic seat, which the Civic EX (like the Accord) should offer. There are lots of things I really like, but if I had to do it all over, Id get another car.

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  First Pilot,used to have Nissan - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug - June 12 - 3:54 pm

  Well we just bought a 2012 pilot.We traded in a 2010 Nissan Rogue(58,000miles).We wanted a little bigger car(2 grand kids)but the Pathfinder needs premium fuel.We decided to try a honda.We know going in the fuel milage will be not so good.Hoping for the honda reliability(the sun roof will not close properly)on the first day.And it started raining.Got it to close.The blue tooth paired with wifes phone effortlessly.WE will be putting more than 30,000miles on it the first year,so I will keep posting updates on how we like it and how it is doing.

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  Great purchase - 2012 Honda Civic
  By soleil575 - June 12 - 10:56 am

  I am very happy that I purchased this EXL Civic. Im enjoying the leather seats, moon roof, navigation, etc. The car is delightful to drive in the city and on the highway and it has more than enough pep for my needs (particularly when econ mode is off, but I usually keep it on to enhance fuel economy). I love the i-mid screen - its convenient to glance at the upper-level screen while driving. The tech is user-friendly and the voice commands are effective and quite intuitive.

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  Probably Best Looking accord, but otherwise mediocre. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jagalag - June 9 - 8:59 pm

  Im not going to talk about reliability, because that is assumed, demanded and granted for this brand of car. A/C motor is weak, My kids R/C car has more power!!! Battery cables suck, they corrode like nobodys business, even if you put those inexpensive greasy, fuzzy red and green washers on the terminals. Front seats give you back pain, butt pain, and are incahoots with an unforgiving suspension. Seats on my 5th gen. 96 EX accord were much better. I have no idea what all these other reviewers are yapping about, but fuel economy is DEPLORABLE!!! Dealer replaced the transmission under warranty, but you wouldnt even expect Hondas design team to screw it up! Just knocking on wood now!

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  A great little car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By papalogan - June 9 - 8:34 am

  This is our 4th Honda (previously had an Accord, CR-V, and Pilot). We bought this EX-L to use mainly as a commuter car for me. Weve had it about 2 months now, and Ive already got just over 3K miles on it. Gas mileage has been great, its comfortable, and wind noise is minimal. I know its considered a "compact" car, but it feels anything but compact. In fact, it feels about the same size as our 90 Accord! Overall, were very pleased with our purchase.

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By lizzylou - June 8 - 8:37 pm

  Traded in my 07 Civic coupe on a White Diamond Pearl CR-V EX. I love this SUV! Can be a little sluggish with Econ mode on but saves a lot on gas and its peppy and fun to drive with the Econ mode off. I love that the CR-V handles so well. It handles almost as good as my beloved Civic did, excellent turning radius makes it easy to park. The cabin is quiet but still hear some road noise and has minimal body roll around corners and good stability. Getting a solid 30 mpg on the highway which is my main driving ~66 miles round trip per day at around 70 mph. Has 1,500 miles on it now. Ive had several people tell me its a beautiful vehicle! No other SUV compares in features for the price.