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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  Smart Purchase - 2012 Honda Civic
  By cathy51 - January 11 - 9:29 am

  I have been looking for a while to a secondary car for our family that will be used mainly in town. I have test driven Corolla, Mazda 3, Elantra, Sentra, and Focus. I could not fall in love with any of them either due to comfort level, suspension issues, reliability, or re-sale value. Our primary car has always been Honda (our latest is a 2012 Accord LX) and my husband suggested that I consider the 2012 Civic. Though I drove a Civic few years ago, I was hesitant because of all the talks in the media about the new geneneration of the Civic. However, as I had nothing to lose, I went ahead and actually test drove the car both in town and on highway for 20 miles and was pleasantly surpised.

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  Hondas greatest car, excluding the NSX of course. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By juegavivobuay - January 10 - 1:32 pm

  Bought my lude at 252,000 miles for 1600 from someone in my area. Original engine. Weekly commutes between ATL and Charlotte by previous owner. It had 4ws(amazing in the parking lot, seamless at cruising speeds). it was auto(booo) but the 2.3 motor was still pretty quick. smoked eclipses, civic, integras, even a vtec lude. interior comfortable. 6 spkr audio setup amazing. car carries sub base extremely well. very fun to drive, almost gokart like. Totaled her at 305,000 miles, car split in half, roof smashed down, could touch the pavement from drivers seat through floorboard, and i still walked away without even a cut. Speed sensor went out and a/c lights went out. Thats it.

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  Great comfort and feature sets for a family on the go - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By happyvan - January 10 - 11:01 am

  This is a review after owning the car for 3 wk and 900 miles of driving. The V6 is extremely smooth—when it idles, there is no sound or any sense of vibration, and when pushed, it gives off a nice sporty exhaust note. The engine could use a bit more low end torque but has enough power for passing with a full load. The seating are very comfortable, even after a 300 mile trip. The versatile interior is wonderful to accommodating the need of a family on the go — we have two toddlers in car seats. The fit and finish is very good if you are not too picky. But taking a close look, it is hard to ignore the use of cheap materials in some areas to save cost. I have no QC problems at the moment

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  Third Pilot Owned - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By wallsttrader - January 7 - 6:18 pm

  Purchased a 2012 LX 4WD for 28,000 before taxes and plates. Much better than the 2011 LX 4WD I traded in. Traded in the 2011 because my company pays for my vechicle. I expected the 12 to be the same as the 11. However, I found the 12 handles much better at highway speeds on twisty roads. Not sure why, but the tires are more highway like. But, the difference is huge. City gas mileage is much better by about 2MPG. Freeway mileage is about the same. I also have a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The 2011 Highlander was much better than the 11 Pilot. However, the 12 Pilot is as good as the 11 Highlander. However, Highlander still gets a little better mileage than 12 Highlander.

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  2012 odysseys has its flaws - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By antech555 - January 7 - 3:45 pm

  take a close look at the 2011 -2012 odyssey. Ours has 80 miles on it, 1 week old. Rear brake pads was changed, it was literally deteriorating badly , rear rotors had scores in it. engine light came on and to get reset, poorly aligned rear tail gate, bad gaps in body panel, misaligned, poorly painted front and rear bumpers, take a close look at the two rear bumper reflectors, on either sides of it is not painted, under the bumpers are not painted. Honda bean counters are trying to save money by skimping on paint here folks, what else are they doing to save money on a 35K van, it is inexcusable in my book. Other areas of the van that paint is not applied because most consumer dont pay know

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  Bad 2007 Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By eric1987 - January 6 - 7:24 am

  First and last Honda. We get only 12 MPG in city and the dealership says it is within specs. At 55K miles on 3rd battery, tire rods had to be replaced, power steering pump replaced and now the motor mounts being replace. When we took it in for the tire rods they informed us that the motor mounts were bad, however, they failed to tell us it was under warranty and wanted us to pay $1K. Read the warranty book and found out it was covered. Discussed with the service manager and got a BS excuse for not informing us that it was covered. Piece of junk.

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  A great value - 2011 Honda Accord
  By gccmb5 - January 5 - 9:27 pm

  This is my fifth Accord, and they continue to improve and refine them with each new model. Very well put together. I have had mine for about eight months and have almost 10K miles on it. Everything is still as it was when new. No squeaks, rattles, or issues of any kind. Great ride, great feel and handling. Tire noise is a little loud, but once I wear out the Dunlops Ill put on something quiter. Im 64", so the seats could be a little larger, but there is plenty of head room and I have no problems driving for six hours at a stretch. The 4cyl is peppy around town, but it is by no means fast, I would describe it as adequate. I have need averaging just over 30mpg in mixed driving.

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  Disappointment! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mansell2004 - January 5 - 2:48 pm

  When my husband died I decided to trade our Honda accord in for a fourwheel drive Honda Pilot. We had been so pleased with our other cars that I felt sure that the Pilot would probably be my last car, We had put so many trouble free miles on the earlier cars, and I had all the confidence in the world in Honda. This no longer holds true. I was totally amazed when I had to spend over $3000.00 to replace the transmission with a little over 80,000 miles on my car.The Honda dealer wanted over $4,000.00. Then I find this was a well know problem when I purchased it. I will never recommend Honda to anyone again!!

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  LOVE!!! I dread the day I have to replace it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tessa77 - January 4 - 1:32 pm

  This is the best car I have ever purchased!!!! I bought my 2003 Cr-V brand new and 9 years later have put 160,000 miles on it. I have had no major repair issues that are not associated with normal wear and tear. I did have to replace the A/C compressor, but only once and after 100,000 miles of use. I put mainly highway miles on it in New England with snow, ice, road salt, and a heavy lead foot without a problem. It drives like a dream and I have no issues with noise. I have been rearended on the highway 3 times and only sustained significant damage with the 3rd accident. This car is very well built and incredibly safe. I wish Honda still made them the same way.

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  I will NEVER buy another Honda - 2008 Honda Civic
  By morganne - January 4 - 10:35 am

  I bought my Civic brand new off the lot in 2008. It has been a problem since the first year I bought it. Sunvisor broke, air vent adjusters broke, laundry hanger broke, and it vibrates when I put it in reverse. I feel unsafe driving it because it is such a tin can. I will never ever buy a Honda again. I would be more than happy to just give the car back. Not worth the $$