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:

• 

  Love My New Civic! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By drewdiddy - December 17 - 6:05 pm

  Okay, so its a little premature to write a review about a car Ive owned for 6 hours, and 50 miles. However this is my fifth Civic and Im loving what Ive seen so far. The technology is awesome, the mileage has been outstanding, and to be able to see your actual mpg improve by my method of driving, and using the ECON button is short of a incredible. Ive owned a 1989 Civic, 1993 Civic Coupe, 2004 Civic Coupe, and most recently acquired my moms 1996 Civic sedan.

• 

  Great little suv but not a true suv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By lillukas - December 17 - 12:01 pm

  I bought my car 2 years ago with 104k and now have 144k and really havent had any problems with it..just replaced tires and radiator..i needed something bigger for work and this suv was perfect..plenty of room inside..fit 5 ppl often in the car..awd works very well in all conditions, and is quite fun on a little bit of offroading..but you have to be careful with that.. its awd is good but its not 4WD..i didnt have success on the sand but havent tried it often..mpg are about 25mpg combined..my only complain with the car is that the engine is just too weak..yes its why it gets good mpgs but only 146 hp and 133lb ft..its peppy but just needed more power..but honestly its just so practical

• 

  From 2011 Pilot to VW back to 2012 Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By pa350z2006 - December 16 - 1:25 pm

  I have only had my 2012 Pilot EX-L 4WD for 1,000 miles but felt compelled to write a review since I had owned a 2011. I left the 2011 because the car was just too loud with road noise as I found myself turning up the radio to drown out the noise. I went to a VW and have to say that car was a very nicely built car, but the ride was just punishing, it had more of a sport suspension. I came back to the Pilot and it feels good to be in a smooth riding car. They really did address the issues for 2012, at least some of them. The noise level is down quite a bit from the 2011 model and they fixed the messy center stack of controls.

• 

  long gone the Honda myth of reliability - 2011 Honda Accord
  By kyrider - December 15 - 8:59 pm

  Bought a 2011 EX-L sedan and after 6 month I started to experience steering wheel shake, took the car back to dealer more than 5 times and they cant find the problem. Last time they told me this is "normal" road noise.... go figure from a 6 months old car the wheel shakes like crazy and they cant find a problem !? If this is Honda quality Im looking at other brands. Check forums for many many similar issues with the Honda Accords. I contacted BBB to get this issue resolved because Honda is not making good on their warranty. Over time Honda brand has slipped way down in quality/value. Look at other brands for better buy for your buck. Better options for same price @ other brands.

• 

  Its an okay car - 2001 Honda Passport
  By holdem185 - December 15 - 6:36 pm

  This car has made me so mad on numerous occasions. On 2 different times it randomly shut off while I was making a turn. I had to get the transmission fixed because it was leaking fluid. The suv doesnt use oil properly. This thing has just left a bad taste in my mouth and Im so glad I just sold it, hopefully i get my reliable toyota 4runner for Christmas.

• 

  A Civic With the Soul of a Racing Machine - 2011 Honda Civic
  By 90in55 - December 15 - 12:28 pm

  This car in my opinion is one of the greatest Hondas ever built. The Si is really in a class by itself, as Honda has continued to shun turbos in favor of high RPM fun. Youve no doubt read about the severe lack of low end torque, but Im here to tell you that this complaint is way overblown. The car moves smartly around town, and is perfectly calibrated for American highways. The interior is a combo of jet-fighter/Prius, but works fine for me. If you intend to purchase an 8th generation Si, know that the car underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 09, which addressed some minor issues affecting earlier models. There were also some exterior cosmetic improvements in those later years.

• 

  40 miles on my new car and its in the SHOP THIS IS RIDICULOUS PLEASE READ - 2012 Honda Civic
  By lylarose13 - December 14 - 7:39 pm

  My 2012 Honda Civic had 43miles on it when the Check Emissions light came on. I was near the dealer and took it straight in. He said you have to leave it here. I had groceries in the trunk and had to go home only to bring it back and told I could get it that night. Only to get a call saying its not going to be ready until Wednesday only to get a call on Wed saying the car wont be available till Friday if that because they had to order a part thru Honda Factory that was coming from Kentucky. Only to get find out I am asked to be a "Guinea pig" for Honda to put a "black box" in my car to track my car for two weeks to see if this is going to be a deal they need to bulletin.

• 

  2012 Honda Fit Sport MT in Vortex Blue - 2012 Honda Fit
  By hondalvr4life - December 14 - 4:26 pm

  I waited 2 weeks for this color to come in from Japan and boy am I glad I did, It is gorgeous, and you dont see it as often as the other colors. The car is fantastic, I def had to get the Manual Transmission and it is soo much better than the Auto. Right now, the car has almost 1,000 miles and I am soo far averaging 33.5 MPG. The updates for 2012 seemed to have worked as the interior is much quieter than the older model. The seats are comfortable, it only cost me $28 bucks to fill up, and its fun to drive. Id say I have a winner with this car and I could not be happier!

• 

  Pretty Good - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kleiner - December 14 - 1:42 pm

  We bought this car in Febuary and it had 71,000 miles on it. It has only needed new engine mounts, a new starter, new tire, and a power steering pump.

• 

  Unparalleled - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 006_si - December 13 - 8:00 pm

  I have had this car for 6.5 years and can confidently say that it is one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. Performance is superb. Handling is absurdly exciting! As a daily driver, though, it is beautifully well-behaved and placid. Gas mileage is perfectly acceptable, even when you drive it like a speed-demon.