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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  Look around - 2011 Honda Civic
  By flgirl23 - November 21 - 1:47 pm

  I bought a new Civic about a year ago. It has been to the shop 4 times already. Once for a stuck window, once for a door that wouldnt close, and once for a grinding engine noise. The car was brought in today due to peeling door covers. The dealer has been very difficult in fixing these issues. The quality of the paint, and over all materials are poor. If a leaf falls on it, the car will scratch. The placement of the speedometer makes it very difficult to see and the light coloring stains easily. I am looking at trading mine in and getting another make of car. They just arent what they used to be.

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  Seats are the worst! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By clusterliver - November 20 - 8:33 pm

  An otherwise very nice car is spoiled by seats that are hard as rocks. The seatbacks felt as though they were convex rather than concave making me feel as though there was a fist in my back all the time. I bought the car in 2011 with 17,000 miles on it and sold it 8 months later after putting just 4200 miles on it. I preferred to drive the car that the Honda was to replace - an 03 Saab with 121K miles.

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  BEST HONDA I EVER OWNED - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 2bad - November 20 - 5:07 am

  Sounds like some people bought cars made on a Monday or Friday. My 09 EXL is the best Honda yet, and I have owned them since 1988. No problems, looks like a BMW at a third of the cost! Great job Honda.

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  Still a great ride! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By limaguy79 - November 20 - 12:28 am

  My intitial impression of owning the car is great. Its incrementally better than gen. 8 (2006-2011) The information display is very helpful and the ride is comfortable. Continental 16" tires have been no problem in rain on the hwy and car handles in typical Honda fasion with a compliant and solid feeling. The interior, which has been the subject of much debate could feel a little "warmer" but overall isnt offensive. The navigation system in my vehicle helps to absorb some of the plainess on the dash associated with lower trim models. I continue to stay with Honda for their reliablity, strong resale value and for how well im treated at my local Honda dealership for service.

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  what a mistake - 2012 Honda Accord
  By mailman12 - November 17 - 3:27 pm

  We finally decided to replace my wifes 2001 Camry she always wanted a Honda and took standard 10 minute tes drive she loved it. We picked up the vehicle and after her driving back to work she stated to get extreme back pains which is caused by built in seat restraints, after numerous of dealing with dealership we went to Hond direct and they said nothing they could do and to get rid of car or live with it who wants to take that kind of financial hit so buyer beware make sure take long test ride is this vehicle.

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  I simply love the reliability and low maintenance - 2004 Honda Element
  By djevanstn - November 16 - 3:05 pm

  I love to drive it Its extremely easy to maintain It has very low cost to maintain Brakes are great Its tow-able (behind an RV) and Ive towed it quite a bit with not even the slightest issue I dont think I mentioned reliable - it is! EXTREME head clearance easy to add towing package with lights (simply plug in for trailer lights)

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  The One! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By pbconspiracy - November 15 - 11:21 am

  I bought this used in 2010 with 50k miles. Now at 77k miles. Not a single issue. After 1.5 years and 27,000 miles, I understand the Accord marketing slogan "The One". This is hands-down the best car Ive ever owned. The performance of the 4 cyl engine is better than V6s Ive owned in the past. This car is comfortable, smooth, sporty perfect.

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  Safest Minvan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By pbconspiracy - November 15 - 11:16 am

  Traded a 2008 Grand Caravan, which was nothing but problems for a CPO 2008 Odyssey. Had it for 6 months with no issues. Extremely comfortable, and performed flawlessly on a 1,500 trip this summer. However, the best feature is the safety of this vehicle. My wife & daughter were rear-ended by a car doing 40mph while they were standing still. Car totaled Odyssey incurred $5,000 worth of damage. Wife and daughter walked away unhurt.

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  Tires and oil use - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By david1237 - November 15 - 9:27 am

  I have 54,000 mi on a 2009 CRV we bought new. I am happy overall with the vehicle. Get 24 mph running around and have gotten as high as 30-31 mph long trip babying it! I seem to use a quart of oil Mobil synthetic every 2000 mi or so! The dealer says anything over a quart every 1000 mi is within normal limits. The Tires that came on the vehicle are "crap". I changed them at 28,000 mi and they were nearly bald. Could have been changed several thousand miles earlier. I generally keep the vehicles for 200,000 miles. I change the oil at 15% averaging every 10,000 miles or so! A little scary, but this is OK with the dealer. I do feel better using synthetic and have used since the first oil change

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  Great truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By muddyh - November 14 - 9:27 pm

  95000 K so far, no issues, very good in snow, easy to park, pulls 5000 lbs okay, also overloaded it a few times with heavy items and no issues, had full size before but dont need or want a full size.