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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  105000 miles and still loving it - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By idg914 - November 28 - 5:55 pm

  I bought this CR-V and I dont regret it one bit! At 65000 miles, the AC compressor blew up, I had been warned this might happen with this particular model. My dealer replaced the entire AC system under warranty with no problems after that. 100,000 miles rolled on by and I have never had any issues, mechanical or other with this car. The sunroof is still smooth, no rattles or noises, still solid and smooth. I do wish the seats were more supportive, but that is just about my only complaint. Im looking to upgrade to a new car next year, and Im looking forward to the 2012 model.

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  Going strong after 6 years - 2006 Honda Civic
  By viccard - November 28 - 3:14 pm

  Bought this car in Jan 2006, since then put 110K miles on. Had all the common problems described here: had rear bearings replaced by the dealership at 20-30K miles. My sun-visor is held by couple giant paper clips. Transmission would sometimes skip 3rd gear (happens once in a year, goes back to normal after restart). Most of the backlights under the heat/AC buttons are burned out. Battery died at 3 years. Power outlet and door lock had to be fixed. Seems like a long list but really its perfectly usable and all non-warranty covered repairs totalled to ~$300 over 6 years. There is no timing belt to change (it has timing chain). Rear brakes lasted 100K miles before needing replacement.

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  Even in 2011, still a great car. - 1998 Honda Civic
  By md1032 - November 23 - 9:56 pm

  At this point I am passing my 1998 Civic with 218k miles to my younger sibling since I bought a newer Japanese car. This car has been really good to us. We owned a 96 LX sedan, but that was totaled by a woman, so we bought a 97 LX sedan, which was also totaled by a woman some years later. That brings us to our current Civic, a 98 DX, Ive put about 80k on it. All are 5-speeds and I can tell you that all three have basically driven identically. If youre looking for a really cheap car that gets decent mileage, you can get one of these for next to nothing and you probably wont regret it at all. Its a great car, and very reliable (assuming you avoid the auto tranny...its a Honda).

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  LOVE my Civic Hybrid! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dev87 - November 22 - 8:25 pm

  Bought this car in November 2009 after making a move to Arkansas. I purchased it with only 48,000 miles on it, plus I lucked out because it is fully loaded with Navi and AUX input for my iPod. Had to drive two hours to Tulsa to get it but it was well worth it the drive home was so much fun I didnt want to get out of the car when we finally made it back! Its been to Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, and I am always the one volunteering to drive because I love it so much. The turn signals on the mirrors are an awesome touch. Has been in the shop twice but only for recall fixes. Would absolutely buy again

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  37.2 mpg!!! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By crappycorolla - November 22 - 7:29 pm

  I had read they got great gas mileage and they do! It doesnt feel as small as it looks. Its fairly comfortable, but crowded with 5 people in it. It doesnt have a lot of power for fast excelleration. The stereo is nice, I like that some stations say what song is on on this radio. I wish there was an outsie temperature gauge. I couldnt have got into a dependable car for less. I had been trying to decide between a Kia and Fit and heard at work someones Kia stopped running the first week! There is more room behind the back seats than you would think, we put 250 of food and 50lbs dog food.The brakes work better than any car Ive owned. Visability is amazing!

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  Honda Padding the dealers pocket - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ramjet1 - November 22 - 12:29 pm

  Great car with two noted exceptions. Road noise. As the top model for the Honda line I expected it to be quieter. My Nissan Frontier pick-up has a quiter cockpit. Exception #2 putting a rubber timing belt on an the V6 engine is planned obsolesence, and requiring it to be replaced at 60,000 miles. All this does is pad the Honda dealers pockets. Why is it necessary for Honda to give back money to the dealer? They build a great car but engineeer in a requirement that forces you back to the delaer every 60K to change the belt. That change is $700 + in 2011.

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  Best for teen - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By vern125 - November 22 - 4:47 am

  I researched for months on the best car for my 16 year old. Hands down, this was the best one in regards to safety, quality and even looks. My daughter is short and has a commanding view of the road. We got the EX with black bumpers because she is sure to bump something here and there and with no paint to scuff off it will stay looking nice:-). Not one rattle. My GMC sounds like parts are going to fall off when I hit a pothole, the CRV is rock solid. Yes, it does have more road noise than some others, but not that much. We came down to the Rav4 and this. This was a better choice, although Toyota would have been a very close second. The Honda just "feels" better if you know what I mean.

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  My New Civic EX - 2012 Honda Civic
  By pantera1014 - November 22 - 12:43 am

  Just got it! Fresh out of the box with 12 miles on it. I am replacing the wifes 2000 Accord that she totaled last week. I am a Honda guy and a Michelin man. It is a beautiful car, and has everything we need except for XM, though we can stream it through BT audio from our Droids. Continental tires suck, but just put Michelin Primacys on it at 101 miles. Crazy expenditure?! Not for my wife! Result: Like night and day! I am all Honda and am pissed about CR reviews, but bucked the trend. This IS a Honda. The iMid is fun, stereo sounds decent, seats (cloth) are excellent. Paint is beautiful. Not fast, but trying to keep up with the Priuss, no batteries! Scrap Conti tires you will will enjoy!

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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By lutzie - November 21 - 7:43 pm

  I went from a chevy truck to a Civic in May and I am very pleased. I test drove the 2011 and 2012 civic. The 2012 has more room for the driver because the E-brake is back further for more room. I am 76 inches tall at 265lb and comfortable in this vehicle. It also is iPod ready and very friendly to operate all features. The ECON feature is unbelievable to say the least. Gas mileage has increased since I bought this car. I now have 7500 miles on it and my MPG was 45 average on my drive home from work, it was 33MPG before I filled up due to my in town driving. You cant ask for a better car and gas mileage on a gas engine. It is peppy, but the more you get into it the lower the MPG.

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  Not a vehicle I would recommend - 2010 Honda Civic
  By jennamarie - November 21 - 3:11 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Civic last July brand new. In the last 4 weeks my power steering pump has been replaced and repaird five times -- as well as the seals on it. Not only have I had major issues with the power steering, my sun visors have both cracked and been replaced, my seat belt buckle was replaced as it was not functioning correctly. If you want a headache with good gas mileage and a company that does not have your back when its product is defective - GET A HONDA CIVIC!