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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  Honda Civic rules - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ras1305 - February 6 - 4:16 pm

  Honda Civic rules

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  Civic SUCKs! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By bigblueguy2012 - February 6 - 12:10 pm

  I bought a brand new 2006 Civic I thought it would be cool because of their new design. I had this car for more than 6yrs now. Well, I had 2 Major problems with this car and bad service experience with the dealership. My first major problem with 06 Civic was an Engine Block recall. Secondly, 06 Civic broke down in the middle of the road due to computer/wire problem. This car has 55,000 mileage and never used it for a long drive and never been a abuse driver. Anyways, obviously this car is absolute FAILURE! and i will never drive/buy HONDA CARS ever! and NEVER RECOMMEND!.

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  Great value for a entry level SUV! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By whchuang - February 6 - 1:37 am

  We have owned the CRV for about a year now and so far we are happy about it. It is NOT perfect and we still have some unresolved minor rattle sound coming from the front passenger side dash board, but again NO car is perfect, period. The car is the best selling SUV in USA, and on kbb enjoy the #7 slot for the best resale value award. Reliability history is great. With the money paid, I found that the interior design (especially the trip computer, etc.), provide excellent value. The 2012 model also improved the roof strength so I think safety wise it should be a all 5-stars vehicle. Build quality in general is good (cant compare to a Mercedes, but not bad either). We like it so far.

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  Great!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kleiner - February 5 - 7:05 pm

  We bought this car used in February 2011 with 71,000 miles in it and love it. We like to sliding doors. There is a lot of cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the 3rd row. The only problem weve had is a new starter and the power-steering pump recall. We now have 88,000 miles on it and plan to drive it till it drops.

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  Been a great car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By usedlux - February 4 - 12:41 pm

  I owned this car for 10 years and loved it. The transmission started to act up, so I am moving on.

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  An Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jay2012 - February 1 - 8:28 pm

  I brought my pilot used with 45,000 miles on it back in May of 2009. Its been a very good suv and very proud of my pilot. I wrote an review about my pilot before and wanted to write another review. Its has almost 103,000 miles on it with no issue at all. The check engine light has came on two times before and found out that there was some water in the fuel from the gas station but did not cause any harm to engine but made the engine misfire and did not feel the misfire. I always change the oil every 5000 miles using the best oil. I change the transmission fluids every 10 to 15,000 miles and other services needed and its pretty cheap services needed. Good gas mileages for the size of suv.

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  Well worth the price - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bizemoma - February 1 - 8:24 pm

  We bought our 2001 Accord with 19K on it. We have owned it for 10 years now. All we have done is the major services, oil changes, breaks and tires. It now has 93K on it and we fully expect it to go at least another 100K. We love this car. The only issue is in the fan for the heater there is a little rattle now but that is it.

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  Awesome 2012 CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By rnwong - February 1 - 7:58 pm

  We owned a 2003 CRV EX for 9 years and traded in for a 2012 EXL AWD. To begin with, the trade in price is amazing. We got 30% back after 9 year!! Honda Power. We got this black EXL in mid-Jan for $200 above invoice price and cant be any happier. This car is stylish, roomy, functional and easy to drive. My wife doesnt care too much about cars but now is in love with this car. It offers so so much more than our old CRV. At the end, it drives really well and with some power. Not too much, just enough for a small family car. Its now also quieter and feels more upscale. Gas mileage isnt great yet, but winter mileage is usually lower. Highly recommended.

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  Great sporty sedan for the money. - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cesarcoral - February 1 - 1:37 pm

  I have owned the car since April 2011 and it has 4,600 miles on it so far as of Feb. 2012. Great car and fun to drive! I have a couple complaints. Shift knob, seats adn road noise. The shift knob has an aluminum top and when the car has been sitting in the summer heat all day that shift knob becomes as hot as an iron. I ordered a leather knob yesterday to get ready for this summer. The OEM one looks nice, but its not practical. The sport seats initally are a bit tight, breaking them in now. Way too much road noise. Engine noise is nice, but noise from tires is excessive.

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  New update ruins my car - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By vacrv - February 1 - 12:52 pm

  I got the new update for my 2011 CRV. This software update adjusts timing. I was getting 32 MPG hwy before, now at best I get 26 downhill. I drive 25,000 miles a year, so this will cost me over $800 per year. I have the extended warranty, but Honda will do nothing! They they they cant back out the code. All I get is the runaround. This is my last HONDA!!!!!!!!!!!!