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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  Five Month Update - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zville46077 - February 23 - 5:36 pm

  Still running great. No problems. Have 5k miles now. Glad we bought it. Still only 25 mpg though - kind of dissapointed with gas mileage. Have gotten use to firm seats. Havent had it on a long road trip yet.

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  Good Travel Vehicle - 2008 Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kathy68 - February 23 - 3:15 pm

  Owned a 99 Honda Odyssey and had it for 9 years. Many recalls including transmission replacement on that model year. Purchased a new 2008 Honda Odyssey and have had good luck with it so far -- over 65,000 miles on it. Soft brake issue recall was resolved. Traveled 4,000 miles last summer to Colorado through the rockies and also to the east coast and it was a great travel vehicle.

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  2012 CR-V EX-L is superb... - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By pvachon - February 22 - 1:00 pm

  After 4 weeks and 4000 miles, I have to say that I am truly impressed with this vehicle. It has met or exceeded every expectation I have had about both a Honda and the CR-V line. The ‘car’ is well put together both inside and out, with function-by-design throughout. The ride is smooth and quiet, the acceleration is totally fine and the braking is excellent. The model I purchased has AWD and I have used it in snow a few times and found it to be excellent. Keeps totally control during wheel slippage and remains sure-footed in deep snow. Really confidence building when carrying the family through bad weather. This has proven to be an excellent choice and a very strong love affair with my car.

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  There are better options out there - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By oc_kdawg - February 20 - 5:32 pm

  It handles like a truck and not an SUV on a uni-body chassis as claimed. It is under powered and not very responsive. I travel for work and have had other SUVs that put Pilot to shame in terms of performance. DVD navigation is already outdated, dont pay for it, use your phone and have better technology. Voice recognition is horrible. No other way to add/delete/pair phones. I rented a Toyota and it took less than 15 seconds to learn how and pair a phone. Plus it played music through BT. Sound system in this "loaded" Pilot sounds horrible. Honda will not be on our short list when its time to replace. Theyve lost touch with whats important to consumers, hence Civic redesign.

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  Best car ever owned! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hapeacres - February 19 - 8:57 pm

  Purchased new 08 LX AWD in December 07 and have 106K miles on clock. The car drives and runs like it was still new. Never one problem. Just did oil changes using the 15% maintenance reminder. I just replaced the original battery, changed the plugs and had valves adjusted as routine maintenance by dealer. I am hoping to get another 100K worry free miles. I bought this car for my wife who drives it a lot to sell insurance and she loves it. I feel better knowing she is driving a safe car, especially in winter time in New England. I actually tried to spin out on slippery roads and it was difficult! Love the CRV and recommend to anyone who does not want to deal with problems. I get 25 mpg!

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  S2000 foverer - 2005 Honda S2000
  By s2200 - February 19 - 4:45 pm

  I bought my 2005 S2000 in AUG 2011 with 40k mileage. I am 61, I live in NY, this is my daily car all year , pushing hard in dry, wet condition, average 15-20 mpg.

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  Its a small car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By es330suck - February 19 - 4:10 pm

  The resons i bought this car are MPG and its style. I get Lx and add fog light for reason. The car run loud under 35 mph but much quiet above that range. Upgrading better tire maybe can reducing some road noise, but I can live with the firestone fuel fight tire for now.There are a lot of places could be done better but it will add more cost and weight for any impovement. The cheap carpet and insulation The easily scratched plastic door panel are the obvious.

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  Better car than it looks on paper - 2011 Honda Insight
  By mike579 - February 19 - 1:31 pm

  I do a 40 mile highway commute on weekdays and some city driving on weekends. By my own calculations, I get an honest 50 miles per gallon. The dashboard readouts give you the information you need to modify your driving style to maximize MPG. I see people complain about a noisy car, but thats not my experience. Its quiet on the freeway. It will get noisy on a rough roads or if you stomp on the gas pedal. The interior is a little plasticy, but it still looks clean and functional. Because of the car styling, the car has larger blind spots than I would like.

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  Great car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By llorcan - February 19 - 2:52 am

  I bought my CRV about a week ago from a broker and I love it. I got the urban titanium color and it is really cute. The car with the color and options I wanted at the price I was looking for was hard to find since its such a new model, so I went thru a car broker. I had to pay a $300 fee upfront but they found the exact car I was looking for (on a boat still being shipped over) and negotiated an amazing deal with the dealer. I got it for $300 over invoice. I love all the features except for two that I can think of off hand. The parking brake is set too low so it sometimes hits my left shin depending on how Im sitting. It also doesnt sync well enough with my iPhone to play music.

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  Love my CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By wab1 - February 18 - 1:21 pm

  I purchased my CRV EXL 3 weeks ago and love this vehicle. I traded in my 2009 CRV EXL and it is a very big improvement. Driving is fun, it steers better, rides better, much quieter, more comfortable, and I am getting 23.5 mpg around town driving. The new design is absolutely beautiful inside and out. For those critics who claim the CRV needs a 6 cylinder engine, I highly disagree. This car has plenty of power and pick up for for most purposes.