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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  So Happy I Didnt Listen to the Reviews - 2012 Honda Civic
  By tejai - January 31 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my last Civic used--I was the 4th owner....she was a 2004 EX Coupe. Due to mechanical issues I was forced to trade her off about 2 years before I wanted to. I had read the reviews on the 2012 Civic and I was leary...so I test drove three Toyotas, a Subaru, two Mazdas a Ford and a CR-V, Accord and a Fit. Still undecided, I decided to drive a Civic. Thank goodness I make my own decisions and dont listen to everyone else..... I knew before I hit the interstate I was going to buy it. It is somewhat noisy--but nothing like my 2004. The ride is way smoother and its a fun car to maneuver through town. I have no regrets at all--very happy with my purchase. This is my 6th Honda.

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  My Good "ol Hondi - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By zozing - January 30 - 7:05 pm

  I will never sell my car. Very reliable and dependable. Just feed her with good oil and she is ready to roll! Bought as a demo model with 5000 miles on it, never stopped rolling since then. never stalled, nada. Just changed timing belt and water pump as needed and keep oil clean. Still saving me at 22mi/gal city and 30 mi/gal highway @ ave go 65 mi/hour. My daughter grew up in that car and is now practicing with it. Love it...love it...love it.

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  2010 Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By burguy - January 30 - 5:36 pm

  Bought new & have owned a little over two years now. Sixth Accord we have owned since 1989. The car is all Honda, except for the road noise. We have had the car back to the dealer multiple times and they finally said the V6 is just noisy. "after all, its not a Lexus" We were told that "this is a common complaint and the 4 cyl. is much quiter". I think it will be a great car mechanically, but we are trading it in at 30 months and about 30,000 miles. Move over Honda, we are going to look at the 13 Camry & maybe the ES350.

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  prev gen to current gen - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sirtiger - January 30 - 4:54 pm

  Lease was up on the 2009 LX and took on the 2012 EX for the SAME price. 2012 Pro: -Luxurious feel & I still own luxury cars for comparison -Many neat features are standard -Compared to the 2009, I feel is slightly wider but not sure on length. This is based on pure feeling. Cons: -Harder to see the corners. More difficult to make tight turns & parallel parking -Lost the lower latch storage in the 2nd row. -Lots of buttons to play with. Its not very intuitive and I am a techie -Compared to 2009, it loses some of its sporty cornering. The ride can be a tad numb.

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  Nice but poor MPG - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By randluke - January 29 - 5:47 pm

  My wife and I bought a new 2012 2WD CRV EXL. The handling and Interior design aspects of the CRV are nice. But for a model that is touting its fuel efficiency it does not deliver. I am getting 16 mpg in the city. Not at all what I expected.

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  Fun and good car, but has its flaws... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By skydiamonds - January 29 - 5:25 pm

  I just bought the 2012 Civic sedan in October, so Ive had the car for 3, almost 4, months now. I was in LOVE with the previous Civic models, particularly the coupe. My friend drives the black 09 coupe and I wanted something along those lines. I test drove a gorgeous blue one which was probably 2009 as well and really liked it. However, my mom wanted to get me a brand new car and all the older ones were used, so we settled for this one. Really not much to complain about, except for the cheap plasticky interior and the loud wind/road noise. Ugh! Other than that, beautiful and colorful graphics/dashboard and a reliable car. Great w/ gas too! Got plenty of compliments on it.

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  Thank God for this car!!! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By dreamaker9729 - January 29 - 11:14 am

  Im not trying to knock anyone down because your opinion is your opinion, but im not complaining. I went from a 87 Chrysler 5th avenue to this car, it was a God send. I was getting 17 hwy on that thing and i put 50 dollars in 3 days later, im putting in 50 more. I guess when you come up with nothing and finally have something you appreciate it more...So buy one youll love it!

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  Poorly Designed Lots of Rattles and Buzzes - 2012 Honda Civic
  By ielmike - January 29 - 6:32 am

  I just bought a 2012 Civic and I cant enjoy it because there is a vibrating/rattling sound coming from the dash and it is driving me crazy. I took it in and the service department said there was no noise. Huh? My mechanic and I went for a ride and he said Honda is nuts and there is a problem with the assembly with loose screws and vibrating cables behind the dash. I wish I could enjoy it but I really cant. I am going to get rid of it and get a Toyota. Ill loose a lot of money but i cant stand that noise. I drove from Chicago to Grand Rapids and had terrible neck and should pain afterwards. I could deal with it if it werent for that stupid noise.

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  documented torque converter problems...DON"T BUY - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hapeacres - January 27 - 11:08 pm

  I purchased a used 04 Pilot with 100K from a used car lot for 9,000. The car drove great during the test drive. On the way home I felt a "rumble strip" like noise under the car when exiting the highway at about 40 mph. I found out that the torque converter is a common problem and leads to transmission failure on the 03 to 05 Pilots. Acura did recall on this same problem. Why not Honda? Are they waiting for someone to die? My car was bought "as is" so I am S*** out of luck. I am still a Honda fan as I bought an 08 CRV for my wife which performs flawlessly, as well as two ATVs which I beat the snot out of. However, I am ready for a class action suit on this one!

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  Disappointed Touring Elite Owner! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jake121 - January 26 - 6:32 pm

  Just took delivery of our new 2012 Odyssey Touring Elite last month after trading in our 2007 and were really disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, we love the ride and comfort but it seems Hondas quality has really slipped. When I first washed the van I noticed the rear quarter panel has ripples like there has been body work done. It had been on the dealer lot for only a couple days. Additionally, around the sunroof there is fabric that isnt glued down and is protruding between the headliner and the sunroof blind. The blinspot warning monitor on the passenger side is loose and rattles. The DVD has pixels burnt out and the rear bumper is warped seems to only be on Touring Elites.