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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  Things to watch out for on a 2012 4WD EX-L - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By flyguy405 - December 22 - 4:33 pm

  I have had the vehicle for about 3 months and have repeatedly tried to resolve a vibration/buzz in the vehicle. There was a vibration at 65-80mph in the steering and frame. There is a buzz when driving at any speed above 55mph. For the vibration I had to take it in 4 times and they were finally able to get rid of most of it. Replaced tires, and doing a RoadForce balance. There is still some vibration at 80mph. The buzz will always be there. Honda USA representative (customer service) said that "is characteristic for this vehicle". Take away from this, if you have your heart set on a Pilot, take it for an extended drive and make sure that you can live with these symptoms. Good Luck

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  2012 Insight EX with Navi - 2012 Honda Insight
  By john57110 - December 21 - 2:30 pm

  I recently purchased a Black Insight EX with Navi after careful comparison with the Prius. I concluded that the Insight is a much better value, ($10,000 less than top of the line Prius, although it doesnt offer quite as many options) and is much more enjoyable to drive. I purchased this as a commuter car (60 mile round trip to work) and for running errands. I consistently avg 45mpg (calculated by fuel up to miles driven). Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle and believe it would have see better sales if it was marketed better. Also, contrary to Edmunds review this car is capable of electric only operation although in very limited circumstances (flat level ground under 25 mph).

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  Great Car.... when the transmission works. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kramer265 - December 21 - 9:33 am

  My vehicle had its transmission replaced at 53,000 miles (under the extended Honda warranty), it is now at 134,000 miles and is again in transmission failure. The extended Honda warranty does not cover vehicles over 100,000 miles even if they replaced the transmission themselves. Cost for a rebuild is $1800 $3500 for a new one. The car is great!, but in my case the transmissions have averaged around 60k miles before failure.

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  Best car ever - 2006 Honda Element
  By elementgal - December 20 - 9:48 pm

  I have owned 2 Elements and I have loved them both. Best cars ever. Great gas mileage and roomy! Can clean out easy so if you have 1-2 kids this car is perfect. Very roomy in the backseat for your passengers. This car goes anywhere! Snow, Ice, Grass, Water... You name it, it goes!

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  Only slightly better than their nearest competitor - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By tastycakes55 - December 20 - 1:27 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda/Acura purchase in the last 6 years, and like my others, this is typical Honda. The Odyssey is only slightly better or manages to bring in more features than others in their class. By this, I mean you are getting a mini-van which has the most space, the best EPA mileage, likely the best re-sale value, and just about every safety and entertainment feature available. The implementation of many of these features, however, are often frustrating/incomplete/difficult to use. But, if youre buying an Odyssey, chances are you know that walking in and as I stated, its the best option. The Elite has the 6 spd transmission, gets you around town easily, and keeps the kids happy

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  What an amazing little car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By gmlover777 - December 20 - 8:28 am

  This was an amazing car, we bought it in 2000 with 15,000km on it, so it was basically new. Its a 5-speed manual gas millage was amazing. We only changed the breaks and the oil on it, and the only problem we had was the gauge light would come on for no reason but we got it fixed which cost use 35 bucks$!!. Well its one of the most reliable cars weve ever had, gas millage is amazing. We got rid of it this year because we dint need it anymore it was more of a spare vehicle for use. We got ride of it with 277,500km on it, and there was only a little rust on it. I could of kept it but it served no more use for use since it was a bit old as well.

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  read reviews before buying!! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - December 20 - 8:14 am

  Many people are reporting steering wheel vibration and dealers cant fix this issue. For example read this thread: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f197b14/0 Do your research before buying! Some people are reporting success in having Honda admit there is an issue but I bet not everybody has money for a lawyer. The best course of action is to call BBB Auto line and get them involved. With enough people complaining Honda must look into this issue.

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  excellent car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By edlchiang1962 - December 19 - 6:04 pm

  My wife and I purchased our EX sedan 4.5 months ago and we currently have 8500 mile on it. We both love the car. It drives well, it is quieter than our previous Hondas, and the fuel economy is excellent. It is true that the interior has suffered from cost-cutting such as the dashboard, carpet, and roof liner. However, I really dont touch the roof liner, our all season floor mats cover up the carpet, and even though the dashboard is all hard plastic it still looks o.k. to me. The stereo sounds pretty good and the bluetooth phone connection is great. I am very impressed with all the safety equipment that it has and the fact that it has great crash test results.

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  Build quality: Is this really a Honda? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By pokechimp88 - December 19 - 9:43 am

  This a 3rd update on our 2010 Honda Insight that we have had now for about a year in a half. It now is December 2011 and the car has 41K on it. At the 40K service, the guys found a worn out axle (left) and the drive shaft assembly was beginning to come apart (!!!!). Luckily, extended warranty covered it and in the process, they reprogrammed the IMA system and auto-stop feature and now the auto-stop engages even in sub 20 degree weather and in stop and go 5 mph traffic, something it didnt do before. The interior has held up fairly well and the stock tires are a joke they wore out at 26K miles. But its fun to drive.... I just wish we it was better built

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  First Month of Ownership - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zville46077 - December 18 - 8:25 pm

  Great family car! It is full size and fits our family of four perfectly. Weve logged 2500 miles so far. MPG mixed is 25 and highway trips have been 30. Havent seen the rated 34 yet. Seats are firm and you have to find comfortable position for driving. The electric drivers seat in the EX model helps to locate the comfortable position. Lower back can hurt and butt goes numb sometimes. Plenty of room inside and a huge trunk. Pretty quiet on the road, although you can hear road noise. Bought it for Honda reliability.