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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  Great Car - Great Dealer - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By paul_sb - March 5 - 10:41 am

  SUV is awesome, i got this for my wife but i am always stealing it on her. Back-up cam and NAV are great. Moon roof is great especially in summer. I drove some big executives that normally drive Mercedes and Lexus, to a golf tournament this summer and they were blown away by the Pilot. I got this SUV through DCH Honda in Paramus, great group of people over there. They offered me the most competitive price around, without any haggling. The process was quick, painless and everyone was very pleasant. If you like Hondas and want to make sure you are taken care of fairly and by a car dealer you can trust, do yourself a favor and go straight to DCH Paramus.

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  Good SUV for a 4 cylinder - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stevenzhuli - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  I have been driving about 3 months and 6000KMs, take me about a month to get used to this little SUV. Overall I rate this car "OK" level. Only thing I feel not so good is the acceleration. A little bit slow to speed up from a complete stop. Also only when run at about 75-80 KM/Hour, I can feel some kind of vabriation, which is wired, normally should be very smooth at this speed. My small car 2011 Nissan Sentra, much more quieter than this SUV at any speed. Also my gas mileage: use 87 regular gas, get about 9.2L/100KMs. With 89 gas, get about 8.2L/100KMs. 75% on contryside road, 25% cuty driving. So I feel put 89 gas is a win for the money and car. saving about 50 cents per 100 KMs.

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  Fun little car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By grahamola - March 3 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Civic back in Sept. I like howit rides, handles, and is quiet too. I would agree that there is a lot of hard plastic surfaces and blank switchplates, but they are built right.Seats are comfortable and have lots of room inside too.

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  Love My Civic EX - 2012 Honda Civic
  By civiclover1 - March 3 - 1:47 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Civic EX last May, and I love it! It is a zippy ride, and I get compliments on the appearance of the car all the time. I had a "08 Civic and loved it too, but the new technology in the new Civics is great. Drive one....you will like it and the reliability and resale are awesome. You cant go wrong with a Civic!

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  Never loved a car before in my life! - 2003 Honda Element
  By sarahkate - March 2 - 3:48 pm

  Cars were always simply a way to get places for me, until I bought my Element! I have 154000 miles on it. I have done basic maintenance brakes, struts and only just did my exhaust. I do have the original clutch, tho! It does not look 9 years old, either. I only have 1 complaint and that is that Honda has stopped making it!!! I was looking forward to a second Element when I need to replace this one. I am hoping that by that time Honda will have reissued it. I love my Element so much that I convinced both my sisters to get one!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 2008accord1234 - March 2 - 11:09 am

  This car is not typical Honda. As in the other posts, there are many rattles with this car. I believe the cheap plastic cover over the rear speakers accounts for one. Dash panels do not line up properly. My brakes made it to 48k, which I guess is pretty good condsidering others experience. The VCM is very noticable. On long flat highways, it constanty switches from the 4 to 3 mode which causes a shutter (and nausea). The seats are terrible. Way too hard and too much lumber even in the min setting. After a road trip, your back aches from the seats and you want to throw up from the VCM. Get 29 on the highway. Avg 24 summer, Summer, 21 winter.

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  You are not buying a Mercedes - 2012 Honda Civic
  By carlonz - March 1 - 10:27 pm

  So I have had my Civic for one week. Traded a 2005 Altima SL LOADED. I have a base LX automatic. I bought this solely for the gas mileage and in that respect I am getting much more than I expected. This is not a luxury car so dont buy it if that is what you are looking for. The drive is nice and tight, shifting is smooth, braking is decent. It is stylish and solid. I have about 250 miles on it and I have averaged about 36 mpg with 80% hwy and 20% city driving. This is my first Honda and so far I am extremely impressed. I was able to buy it for a touch less than invoice which made it very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this car if you are looking to save gas money.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jj772528 - March 1 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles on it. Ive driven it 80,000 miles with just oil changes and one break job and a alignment. The car handles great on dry and rainy roads. Its pretty comfortable even for me Im 6ft 2in and over three hundred pounds. The only negative I find is that it doesnt handle that well in snow. Over all I love it and would recommend it.

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  All hail HONDA - 2000 Honda Accord
  By dlpadilla1 - March 1 - 3:11 pm

  All I can say is "WOW FACTOR", I have owned my Honda for the past 6 years, brand used with 49,000 mi on the odometer. Reliability - flawless, fun factor - yeah baby, comfort - oh yeah! I have put little into this car with the exception of routine maintenance and here 136,000 mi later it still runs like a dream. I have no plans on getting rid of it, new car - uh no, new motor - yeah when it needs it, same goes for the tranny, I would definately recommend this car to anybody looking to buy one, sorry kids, get your own Honda.

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  The way a Honda should be - 2003 Honda Civic
  By honda4311 - February 29 - 8:57 pm

  The seashore mist metallic coupe now has 120,000+ miles on it and still runs great. It uses a negligable amount of oil, and the oil stays clean between the changes. I just changed all of the belts, thermostat, plugs, brake rotors, and tires. The car runs like new except for a little belt screach when its cold and/or wet. Im really anticipating getting 200,000+ out of this car. My wife however, not so lucky. A 2002 Honda Accord SE with the same mileage riddled with oil consumption problems (1/2 quart week) and a transmission that is holding on for dear life.