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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  Cant go wrong with this CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By shadow303 - June 1 - 11:16 pm

  After deciding that it was finally time to quit repairing older cars and just invest in something new, I researched, drove, looked at, and considered just about every manufacturer in the compact SUV market, and the choice was the 2012 CR-V EX-L, (no nav). This drives like a car, turns on a dime, well, maybe a nickel..but incredible turning radius, the inside is ridiculously roomy, and the dash and controls are laid out in a simplistic and easy to use manner. Its still less than a month old, so I will try to update any issues again later. Go drive one, go drive the competition, and see for yourself. The ultimate review? After owning one for two weeks, I bought a second one. Its that fun.

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  One of the best choices I made - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sepbone - May 30 - 7:48 pm

  Bought one year ago at 175,000 miles and have no problems and has gotten more and more fun to drive. This is my dream car. Keep up on maintenance and you will have a great car for a long time! Thanks Honda!

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  Sorry Honda, try again. - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By rcummelin - May 27 - 8:48 pm

  Our 2010 RTL was our second Ridgeline, and while we both liked the truck, after 17 months, we threw in the towel & traded it for a 2008 Lexus GX470. Of course, you may wonder why? The answer seems simple enough to us--while the Honda does some things well, it does an equal number of things poorly. While highway manners and ride are great, wind and road at highway speeds is absolutely terrible. WHen I tried to get Honda to address the wind/road noise, I was told that all Ridgelines are like that. Really? You mean they are DESIGNED to be noisy? Yes, gas mileage is more important. Gas mileage? Well, our 2010 recently averaged only a measly 17.x mpg on a recent 3000 mile highway trip.

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  still great!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - May 26 - 2:15 pm

  been 8 months now and STILL GREAT....we are soooooo happy with our choice...almost wish for snow to the the 4 wheel drive!! but not just yat summer beckons!! I would highly recommend a honda to anyone!!!

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  steering wheel column - 2008 Honda Accord
  By shellb92 - May 25 - 9:07 am

  I bought my car almost 2 yrs ago. It was cute car and great on gas. I bought it used so at first it needed a little work. I left the lot w the car and the car died, so they replaced the battery. Plus none of the car key remotes worked so they replaced all those batteries.

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By suswaski - May 23 - 11:52 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a mini van that had four real opening doors- I love the size of it, decent power and gas mileage, very versatile vehicle, super reliable. I have driven mine about 4 years now on a Salvage title- I was hit by a teenage driver and my car was "totalled" due to the costs of the repair- I have almost 180,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong! I bought it with about 88,000 miles on it. i only wish it came in a AWD, and that they still made these cars-- I dont know what I will buy when it finally dies. :(

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  Bang for the buck - 2012 Honda Accord
  By camrykiller - May 23 - 12:42 pm

  Cant beat the price on the new Accords....Hyundai and Ford will blow head gaskets at 100K, but this Accord will keep going. The EX is sweet cause it has the better engine at 190hp, better suspension, 17" tires, killer rims, wood grain, moonroof, power seat, great stereo, and rear ducts. Add the wing spoiler and tint and the car becomes beautiful. Camrys are boring, Ford and Hyundai are a fad, and European cars will make you pull out your check book at service intervals. Get the new Accord cause all the bugs have been worked out of this body style for this model year. Fun to drive, and can fit the whole family

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  I bought my new 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback with cash way back then... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By biggeek - May 23 - 3:33 am

  2012...Perhaps 20 years, 140k miles and $5k total so far over that entire time for non-consumable repairs (CV boots, cracked engine mounts, etc.) The original engine is still running fine. It seems like every other year, I get a note left on my 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchbacks windshield: "Do you want to sell this as-is? Call me at xxx-xxxx"

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  Great Car / Great Mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - May 22 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my civic for a while now. It gets as high as 48mpg. I average around 39mpg. Its not big on creature comforts... no cruse, no power steering, no power locks, no power windows. Its got AC and a radio. It also has over 200,000 miles on it. Still runs strong. Ive done the timing belt once (time for another) CV axels, master cylinder, battery, alternator, and general mantance.. thats it! Im now debateing spending more money on another timing belt and to have the seat re-done.. dont know if its worth it on a car this old, but its paid for and runs great so I probably will... Its also bone stock.. no rice rocket here

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  Eh... Automatic DX - 1999 Honda Civic
  By laken - May 21 - 4:28 pm

  As you read this, please keep in mind that this was my second vehicle and I purchased it from an individual who bought it new from the dealership. When I purchased the vehicle in 2010 the guy handed me a grocery bag full of receipts from all of the maintenance he had to do while he owned it - red flag #1. 2 years later I have had to replace the exhaust manifold and the radiator. Also, the air conditioner is broken and I refuse to fix it for $900. Im pretty sure it eats spark plugs and wires because Ive replaced them twice. It sounds terrible when Im driving on the highway, shaking & whatnot. However I do drive it a lot and I have put about 40k miles on it and I also get 35-40MPG.