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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  Fun to drive - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By piloteer123 - May 13 - 1:24 pm

  Its strange to hear so many bad consumer reviews at Edmunds. [non-permissible content removed] I have owned the first genration of Pilot and since upgraded to 2012 Pilot. The drive is much improved and build quality is excellent. I hear no such rattling, and noices. Its impressive to get 23 MPG on mostly high driving. The interior is impressive and great comfort at its price point. The most impressive feature is the new sound insulated cabin (added foam insulation all around) and the doors are completely seal for sound. With addition of active noice cancellation, you can carry a normal conversion at highway speeds.

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  A good car, not great. - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By g35twilight - May 10 - 9:32 pm

  6500 miles on the odo. Made it through our first northern Idaho winter with no problems. With winter tires we were able to get around almost as if there was no snow or ice on the roads. Gas mileage has been acceptable but not great, averaging 20mpg in mostly town driving. Other than the winter performance, I find it difficult to get very fired up about this car. The transmission shifts up and down abruptly, the interior is noisy and as mentioned below, the headlights are terrible. Weve also had some issues with the sunroof refusing to close. I have no doubt the car will start every time and get me where I need to go but some details need to be addressed.

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  A five star vehicle - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jay2012 - May 10 - 3:08 pm

  I have a new Honda Civic EX for about two months now and its been a great car. Very happy with the way its drive and no blind spots , very easy to see out all around the car while driving it. Its very comfortable to drive and great seats. Its really good on gas and I have been getting 31 to 33 mpg in the city and its all mostly city driving with some stops. Cant wait to see what its gets on the highway. I got a silver one and I really like the color silver because its doesnt show very much dirt and its a nice color. Overall its a very nice car that why I rate it five star.

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  Best Little car ever! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By peanut12538 - May 9 - 11:09 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 brand new, I have taken it to a Honda dealer for all maintence. I love this car and it has never let me down. With 140,000 miles all I have done is very basic stuff and things that wear out like timing belts, brake pad, Ive done my oil, brake fluid, and tranny fluid as needed and this car has never gievn me a bit of issue or trouble! It has been one very well built little car! If you follow the owners manual I think youll be very happy with this car.

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  My worst purchase ever - 2011 Honda Insight
  By vadbrown - May 9 - 7:15 pm

  I loved the test drive. I should have spent more time doing it. I would have found out what was wrong. I realized it was a mistake to buy the car as soon as I got on the highway after leaving the dealership. I noticed several bad things immediately - road noise, very bumpy ride and no passing power. After driving it for a few days commuting back and forth to work, I began having horrible headaches. This was the thing that really made me sell the car. My guess is that it had something to do electromagnetic radiation from the hybrid motor and wires that go through the cabin. Never buying a hybrid again until they do studies on this. Lost $7k selling it back in 2 months.

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  55mph Humming - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By baron1797 - May 9 - 4:16 pm

  Well... where do I start. I have had a lot of issues with my 2012 Pilot... starting with the replacing the brakes, roters, tires by 12k. Yeah you heard me correct. I had to replace them because later found out at 18k that the front barrings were shot. Now at 26k... I have a LOUD humming noise which absolutely drives me bonkers. I hate driving my car... I changed my music from Coldplay to loud punk so I do not have to listen to that humming noise. This is my 4th Honda... this one has been my problem child.

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  Base model lacking necessary essentials... - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By enginemedic21 - May 9 - 10:31 am

  I had a 2012 CRV lx for about 2 weeks before trading it back in to recieve a refund(dealer allowed so). I initially liked the CRV LX, it drover smooth, MPG was right on point with EPA ratings,more power than normal for its class which gave decent pick up when not in ECON mode. However there were things that bugged me that made me return it. No arm rest for the front passenger, 3 speeds for the windshield wipers,cheap quality upholstery for seats,cheap steal wheels, high price of add on features compared to other car makers. Its upsetting that I have to pay $2800 to upgrade just to get better quality seats, a front passenger armrest, and more than just 3 speeds for the windshielf wipers.

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  Only for the Lonely/Adventurist Person - 2003 Honda Element
  By kingkorvo - May 7 - 10:21 pm

  When I purchased my Honda Element, I was enchanted with the uniqueness of the ride: it was a truck, SUV, and small car mixed altogether and it can get you where you want to go. Its a great ride for someone who doesnt have kids and likes the great versalitity of a crossover vechile. To Pros: 1) Its a Honda its gonna retain value 2) Weather conditions/ off road- handles great 3) Plenty interior space could live out of it 4) Crosscountry trips made easy The Cons: 1) Its only a 4 seater 2) Arm rest only for driver seat 3) A/C control of cabin is hard because of size 4) Anything on the floor rolls up to the front because of stadium seating 5) Gas mileage runs 19/22 One mancar!

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By hondaowner15 - May 7 - 6:48 pm

  I bought this car in Jan 2011 as a commuter. As of 5/1/2012 have over 33,000 miles. No problems, only time gas mileage less than EPA hiway was 2 people climbing mountains in NC, got 36.5. Average commute is 80 mi/day, 99% hiway. Averaging 39MPG, high was in city driving on a week-end trip when we got 43MPG in Miami. Performance good for 65-75MPH driving on interstates, very little around town but when I do it shows about 40.3. More than enough room (61"), actually have to pull the seat up to reach the pedals. Interior quality good, more than enough room for my usage.

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  Our third Civic is the quietest! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hardcopy - May 7 - 4:18 pm

  We cant relate to the professionals claim of excessive road/wind noise. This car, up to 80MPH, is as quiet as our Cadillac CTS. Maybe Honda responded to the critiques with more sound deadening - it is quiet. We havent gone more than 12 miles from home and we are averaging the advertised 44 MPG. Particularly impressed with the included technology. Bluetooth works great. We particularly like the near headsup display of driving data. Not nearly as quirky as a Prius. Drivability is typically Honda confident.