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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  Checking in at 20K - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - April 1 - 8:21 pm

  Just passed 20K recently. Went on KBB a few minutes ago to see what the car is worth. Private party value for very good condition is 21K. That means I only lost about $5500 in almost three years and 20,000 miles, and I didnt even enter my mileage. Their default was like 40K miles! Car is overall very, very good. Love the heated seats and the sound system. I have not had any problems at all. Washed it by hand today and I was surprised to see the tires getting close to wear bars. I would guess theres another 7 or 8K left on them. In fact, I like it so much we may buy a 2012 for my wife.

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  LOVED MY ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By humphrey27 - March 31 - 7:23 pm

  I owned a 2004 Honda Element for 6 years and recently traded it in ONLY to get a car that got better gas mileage since we moved to the country and needed a gas miser. It had 78,000 mile on it when I traded it, and I have to say that I just loved that vehicle and I am so sorry I ever traded it. I never had a car with that many miles on it so I was worried that it would start requiring expensive repairs so I traded it and now I am so sorry. I LOVED THAT HONDA and it was perfect in the snow and drove well. It was so dependable and I only replaced brakes and battery and tires in the car the whole time I had it. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle. Should have kept it!! A+ rating

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  Dont buy the pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By hondasucks5 - March 29 - 6:36 pm

  I bought the 2012 Pilot because of its reputation for being both dependable and reliable. How wrong I was. The car has 500 miles on it and wont start correctly. Honda aware of problem and offer no solution. Customer service is horrible. Ive been told to keep turning the key until the engine starts. "Its safe to drive." No one from the company will put any of this in writing. Buyer beware !!

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  A Very Comfortable Car to Sit in While We Wait for AAA - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By bigdaddymoho - March 28 - 8:35 pm

  With 6 occasions in 11 monthsafter purchase where the car could not be started, and 5 trips back to the dealer to try to fix the problem, (and a new battery after the first one died just one month after the car was purchased new) this car is headed for lemon law arbitration. I have owned 7 Hondas. This car shows how badly Honda has slipped. Its a shame that its such a piece of junk, because on the occasions when it decides to run, its a very comfortable vehicle.

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  another great Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By ppowell6 - March 27 - 7:33 pm

  first off, we have been driving Honda/Acura products since 1984. The wife has had 06 and an 09 Accord EX-L and was ready for something new. Her car is usually driven on our trips, long and short, and the Accords were great but with the 2 of us in it most of the time, the Civic seemed like the logical choice when looking for a new car. It is perfect for what we drive it for and the gas savings is incredible so far, compared to the Accords.

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  Severe Road Noise - 2012 Honda Accord
  By accordpos - March 26 - 11:21 am

  I bought a brand new Accord LX-S Coupe thinking I was getting a quality car as advertised. I previously owned a 2001 Accord Ex Coupe and loved it. It didn’t have any of these issues on the 2001, it came with a V6, sunroof leather seats and no sound issues at all for the same price. This car has SEVERE road noise over 45mph and cement roads are beyond belief. The dealer wants to sell me a more expensive model Honda wont do anything and seems to state what I bought is a cheap car and i should expect the noise @ a $25k sticker price??? When you have the gas tank 3/4 full you can hear the gas splashing, the tire noise is so bad i have to blast the radio just to keep from going nuts.

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  my 2012 ex sedan accord - 2012 Honda Accord
  By kokoloco84 - March 26 - 7:38 am

  front drivers seat is very un-comfertable and the radio sounds like its coming from out a tin box. poor sounding

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  An okay car - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By rheramb - March 25 - 7:58 pm

  Standard dislikes noisy, Continental tires are probably the worst tires I have ever had , meager interior convenience-cup holders, storage. A rumbling sound in suspension/wheels, more like a low roar.Got the Glacier Blue and wish I had chosen anothr color because it is so common. In our climate Honda has trouble with brake corrosion regardless of the model..

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  Hondas Gift to the World - 2012 Honda Insight
  By swarfer - March 25 - 12:32 am

  The Insight is a essentially a super efficient fwd conventional automobile. The hybrid system is a small DC motor/generator is wound around the output shaft of the engine and provides power for acceleration and recharges the battery when coasting. Streamlined and somewhat narrow, big and unusually tall folks will not be comfortable. Soccer moms will find the hatchback storage too small. The interior is crisp and functional but upscale buyers will likely opt for something more sophisticated. The Insight is capable of 50+mpg but hyper milers will want more. For me, it is a brilliantly simple design that is affordable, economical, beautiful and a pleasure to drive.

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  love it... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By conniek1981 - March 24 - 8:50 am

  Ive had my 2012 si sedan for just over 3 weeks and so far I love everything about it.. I feel safe knowing my daughter is in a good quality safe car. And when shes not in the car I get the capability to drive it how it was built to be driven.. I just passed the 1000 mile mark and now thats its broken in so to say I can actually see what its made of.. very happy I did my research and went to the dealership knowing exactly what I wanted and got just that. Im a very happy camper. And I dont see the thrill going away any time soon.