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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  Mostly satisfied - 2011 Honda Civic
  By fore4me - February 13 - 9:53 am

  I have owned this 2011 Civic EX for a year now. I have to say that I am "mostly" satisfied. I really do enjoy driving the car. I think I would like the Civic SI a lot more, because I have a lead foot, but I probably wouldnt like the decreased gas mileage. I love the way the car handles and the car has adequate power in most situations. I really dont notice the road noise until I go above 65MPH. On a recent weekend trip, the road noise at 80MPH on the interstate was tiring after a while. I have also experience a wide variety of gas mileage figures. A recent interstate run at around 80MPH resulted in 25MPG. The best i have achieved is 32MPG. The gas mileage is worse when I use cruise control

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  17,000 mile update - 2010 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - February 13 - 7:35 am

  Well something went wrong with the civi ex coupe, a strut joint of some sort went bad at 15,000 miles and was replaced no charge, only took a couple of hours and they said it was unusual. I am a car guy, oner 50 cars and have this civic coupe and 2010 crv ex as well, my wife and i swap so i dont get bored with either. I keep trying other cars, sportier, and more frugal ones as well. The civic coupe gives you a bit of both, it is prety frugal when driven properly and can be 30 city and upper 38 plus highway no problem. It can be sporty to but not a sports coupe like an si or miata which i have had, but it gets far better gas millage than those two. a fun good looking car !

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  An even better CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bongo1945 - February 12 - 8:09 pm

  This is my 4 th new CRV.since 2005. I got hooked on them with the first. Bought a new 97 because of the newer body style, then again in 2010 because I never keep a car over 3 years. I loved my 05 and 07 . Bought a 2010 and wad disappointed in it from the get-go. No power,rode rough, just didnt mister up. Took it in to my dealer to have a software recall completed and walked out with a new 2012. I have had it only 2 weeks and about 1500 miles bunt the love affair has started again. What a great car. Lots of new improvements. Im a sucker for creature comforts hence the EX-L fits my needs. Love the new dash design with new Bluetooth feature, great audio and just plain easy controls.

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  best little car ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By cj62 - February 11 - 10:05 pm

  i have had my element for 8 years i have 173,000 miles on it and have had NO major repairs!!! Only normal wear and tear repairs,tires ,battery, starter and misc. It has been the best little car so handy and practical , i haul alot even my grass clippings and leaves, its a work horse !! I will hope to get 300,000 miles out of it ,im gonna try.

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  Mine must be a lemon?? - 1994 Honda Accord
  By jsalter - February 10 - 10:55 am

  Im not sure what everyone else is raving about regarding how great and reliable this car is, because mine has been quite the opposite. I bought mine in 2007 with 98k miles on it from a friend who had just replaced the timing belt. Still, over the past 5 years, I have replaced more things on this car than I ever have on any of my other vehicles Ive ever owned. Ive owned 3 Hondas in the 90s, 2 Toyotas in the 90s, 2 Nissans 80s, a Volvo 90s, and a Pontiac 80s. This was the worst car out of all of them.

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  What an outstanding automobile!! John of Columbus, NC. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jaacolumbusnc - February 9 - 7:54 pm

  On 31 January 2012, I purchased a 2012 Honda CR-V 2WD EX-L and traded in a 2011 Hyundai Genesis after a year of ownership. I was able to purchase the CR-V for $26,761 not including taxes, tags and admin. fee. That price included body side molding, splash guards and rear cargo tray. It is a fantastic vehicle right from the first drive home from the selling dealer.

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  Bad Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By sparkylawdog - February 9 - 11:36 am

  Purchased a 2002 Accord 4 cyl about a year and a half ago, had about 85,000 miles on it. Before purchasing, took it to a Honda dealership, who checked it out. They said it was in great shape. It now needs a new transmission, with less than 100,000 miles. Ive never had a car with less than 100,000 miles on it need a transmission. But from what Ive heard, this seems to be a recurring problem with these cars. Contacted American Honda, who said they would not help with the repair (You know, Im not the original owner, they have no dealership maintenance records, etc etc). Why should I expect them to own up to a known problem with their cars? Will probably be the last Honda I buy for a while.

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  Love my "new" car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sbmendoza - February 8 - 2:18 am

  Now that Ive had the car for a week or so Ive been able to play with the car and Im loving it! The gage in the car that shows the mpg has made me become more aware of my driving habits. So not only am I saving gas money from switching from my gt mustang to the hybrid, but I can learn how to save even more gas everyday.

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  Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By xyz14 - February 7 - 8:36 pm

  I had transmission breakdown in my 2002 Accord EX, 4-cyl just close to 70,000 miles. The dealer price was $3500. This was too much and I got it fixed outside for $1500 which is not performing very good. Now I am hearing from several mechanics that you are lucky if you did not have transmission issues with a Honda before reaching 100,000 Miles. Note that Honda transmission flush needs the most expensive oil and costs more than some luxury cars may be to compensate for their bad design.

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  My First Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By sblennis1 - February 7 - 6:13 pm

  This was my first car, given to me by my step dad. I got it with about 180,000 miles on it. I drove it up until about 200,000. The transmission started acting up but we didnt think it was a big deal. Turned out the torque converter went bad and ruined the solenoids. Other than that issue, i had no other problems whatsoever. The car has been in an accident and all that happened was a bent hood and a scratched headlight cover. This car could take just about anything and i loved it. It was extremely comfortable to drive and had pretty good gas mileage. The motor ran strong and still does.