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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  Oil consumption issues & soon-to-go tranny - 2002 Honda Accord
  By honda4311 - February 29 - 8:49 pm

  The cherry red accord has 120,000 miles on it and as of the fall of 2011, has been consuming 1/2 quart of oil per week. It is evident the oil rings went bad as black oil deposits coat the inside of the tailpipe. Its not blowing blue smoke, just consuming oil. We are still on the original transmission, which is better than most people have faired, but the hesitation in shifting is evident. When you slow down, you must come to a complete stop and wait a second for the car to shift into 1rst gear. Oh, Honda, I lost a lot of respect for you & these engineering f*&k ups and you wont admit it. I drive a 2003 Civic LX with roughly the same mileage. It has been a gem. No issues whatsoever.

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  Fun to Drive and Economical. - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By lw3 - February 29 - 12:33 pm

  Im not a typical Hybrid buyer and this wasnt a car I was even considering until I saw it on the showroom floor. I took a test drive almost on a lark. But then a funny thing happened, I fell in love with this car. It feels like a sports car, and yet it gets great gas mileage and looks great. The design team looked at Minis, VW Sciroccos and Lotus. I would say they relied on the Lotus most of all. Yes , theres no back seat, but have you ever sat in a Mini backseat or a VW? I actually feel the cargo room is a better way to go.

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  I will never buy a Honda again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By lindseymarie - February 28 - 1:50 am

  I bought the 2009 Honda Accord Coupe back in September of 2008 thinking it was a smart and economical yet sporty car to get me through college. Well, now more than three years and many bills later I am regretting my decision. The constant squeaking loud brakes (from day 1), replacing my rear brakes three times since my purchase, the electrical issues and the fact that I had to have the battery completely replaced a year later. This car cost close to 30k and I feel like I am driving a Kia or something, the ride is uncomfortable and loud, the passenger airbag only works on an arbitrary basis, the heat/air is horrible & gas mileage is extremely poor! Also had three tire blowouts, weird.

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  Sorry Guys but I guess I bought a Lemon - 2008 Honda Civic
  By same_ole_ford - February 27 - 8:06 pm

  First the maintenance Rear tires have prematurely worn out twice due to a faulty alignment set up from Honda which they had refused to own up to even though they published a service bulletin about the problem. Left front drive shaft failed 42,000 miles replaced both rear wheel bearings at 65,000 miles now the rear shocks are leaking fluid and must be replaced as well. Also there is a Service bulletin about the engine block cracking and leaking antifreeze, which translates into a half done engine rebuild as Honda will not replace the whole engine. Everyone here talks about 70 MPH = 40+ MPG I drive mine 55 to 60 mph on the interstate the best ever is 34MPG. 1st and last Honda anything I buy

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  Good deal at Galpin honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cmed1 - February 27 - 6:17 pm

  purchased 2011 certfied honda, fair price, helpfull sales people. 2nd car from Galpin Honda Sons car he is very happy with car good gas mileage. car lacks power but its expected if you want good gas mileage. overall very happye with Glen salesman at Galpin Honda will recommend friends and family.

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  Its been good to me - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mickeycasa - February 26 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased my Honda Accord new and have been the only owner. The car now has about 108,000 miles on it and I havent had any major issues. The only problem that just developed is that my rear passenger side door locked and I cannot get it unlocked. I will have to take it in to the dealership for this. I have it serviced regularly and could not ask for a better vehicle! Buying a Honda was a great choice. I will be giving mine to my son in four years and expect it to last him through his last few years of high school and through college!

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  2012 CRV Review From A Unique Perspective - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksako - February 25 - 11:17 am

  I recently purchased a 2012 Honda CRV EX. My perspective may be unusual because I also purchased a 2011 CRV EX a few weeks earlier, so I can compare the differences in both. Both of these vehicles replaced my 1999 & 2000 CRV LX, so my take on the differences in CRV’s may be somewhat unique. Honda may have picked areas to improve on that not everyone may agree with.

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  Money saver - 2011 Honda Insight
  By barbarossa3 - February 24 - 9:10 pm

  Weve had our insight for 10 months now and have been completely satisfied with the car. We normally achieve 43-46 mpg CITY ! At 75 on an interstate it drops to 40 MPG but I usually get 50-53 on a 55 mph highway. Some routes to work net me 53 mpg city. We replaced a 4.2 litre Ford Freestar which gave 17-19 mpg city and are saving the entire car payment in cost savings. Free Car!! Ride is a little rough and firm as new cars go(typical for Honda). Interior on LX is a little too plastic. Blind spots are awful in traffic.

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  LOVE THIS ROCKET SHIP! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By robloe30 - February 24 - 1:57 am

  Im very picky about what I drive, which is why I chose the Coupe. This car has beautiful lines, I cant tell you how many compliments I get on this car. I bought the Polished Metal with Black Leather and couldnt be more happier. I could easily see 10 years from now this car still turning heads. I really wanted to buy stick shift but after I saw the automatic came with the paddle-shifters I chose the automatic and couldnt be more happy. What is truly amazing is that Ive seen used versions of my car selling for nearly what I paid for the car Brand NEW! Oh Honda, I love their re-sale value. Thats exactly why I didnt buy the Genesis Coupe. Oh and did I mention the car is just BEAUTIFUL!!!!

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  Disappointed! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mom_on_the_go - February 23 - 8:56 pm

  We purchased a new 2012 Odyssey in Dec. I traded in my 2008 Sienna with over 100,000 miles. Big mistake!!! I really enjoyed driving the Sienna. It was easy to maneuver and I had no problems getting in and out of parking spaces. It also had nice leg room in the front. The Odyssey leg space is so small my husband sits in the back with the kids even on short trips around town. The worst parts are the SLOW back doors and the fact you have to hold down on the remote key for 3 seconds before the doors begin to open. Big issue- the car pulls to the left when going over 60 mph in fast lane. Service dept said it was because of minor slant in road for drainage?!?!