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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  Best in Class - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kerpalsingh - November 8 - 7:50 pm

  I needed a reliable commuter car. I looked at the Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta and Mazda 6. The Civics handling is just as good as the Mazda 3 and the LX has way better standard features. Ive driven almost 1000 miles and have very few complaints. I drive about 60 miles a day (mixed) and with the Econ feature off I get about 36 mpg, when its on I get about 38mpg. The handling and build quality of the car are outstanding. The seats could be more comfortable and the standard speakers have muddy mids and highs, but good bass. I paid almost $1000 less than INVOICE so that was a huge factor in me getting the Civic. I have no complaints about road noise but the engine can get loud.

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  Lack of Power - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By flyguy405 - November 7 - 9:17 am

  Just bought a 2012 last month and have put 3500 miles on it. Biggest gripe is the lack of power from a standing start. Either the gearing in first was changed to somehow get better mileage or the computer is not set up correctly. Power kicks in at about 3500rpm. Actually makes it real difficult to pull into traffic. Dang thing crawls along until you get to that rpm. Just took it on a 2000 mile road trip and averaged 21 MPG. Not bad for 80-85 speeds. (AZ/NM/CO) with hills. Rest of the stuff on it works well. Wish there was a lumbar support on the pax seat and a fulltime power plug.

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  V6 Oil Consumption - 2010 Honda Accord
  By thechiefusaf - November 7 - 8:30 am

  This vehicle from day one used oil --The break in oil, used by Honda had to be drained and changed in less than 2000 miles Honda attempted several fixes then says its normal to burn one quart every 1000 miles!! My lawnmower does better than that. My old Toyota with almost 200,000 does not burn oil--It will rust out first. The maintance reminder is a joke as it is suppose to get to 15% before oil changes it never gets below 50% and there is no oil reading on stick. I have checked this on line and its a big problem with Honda as reflected by many many other owners. My plan is to use the Lemon Law and possibly use Chapter 93A in Massachusetts against American Honda.

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  SUCH A GREAT CAR!!!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By 01robbie - November 6 - 10:47 pm

  this car is seriously the best car i have ever owned. it just turned over 240,000 miles and only ever needed its routine maintenance done and a new clutch. i have owned this car since it was new and it still drives like it did when it was straight out of the dealership! these cars had issues with the automatics so i would stick with the 5 speed. its much funner anyways. oh and this has been driven down back roads and dirt roads all its life, just had the allignment checked and it was totally perfect to spec! that is awsome!!!

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  I love my Odyssey - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By michard85 - November 6 - 9:21 am

  At first I did not want to get a minivan, but with 2 kids and my wife watching my nephew, the decision to buy one made perfect sense. The Odyssey is so smooth, easy to drive, and turns on a dime. My wife loves to drive it and I dont mind driving it myself. Its quiet but dont let that fool you. If you need to, just punch it and it will surprise you on the amount of power it has. The automatic doors are a life saver, especially at Walmart.

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  Fun Car - Buy Accord not Camry - 1996 Honda Accord
  By ernie_8000 - November 5 - 4:23 pm

  1996 Accord LX (no VTEC) with over 235,000 miles. The car has been to Lake Tahoe, to LA and long distance trips (over 300 miles). car still runs really well (except engine is a bit louder than it was when new - which is understandable). Great chassis, ample seating for 5 (cars nowadays are too large). When driving highways, gets around 32 mpg. When primarily city, gets around 23 mpg.

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  Do your research before purchase,lots of complaints! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By 2011lemonlx - November 4 - 5:54 pm

  This will be the last Honda chosen, have also a 2005 model which is a great car. 2011 EX-L 4cyl is more like a lemon,driving 135 highway miles daily, speed 60-75mph, fuel mileage 26-27mpg,no mountains,1 person in the car, has issue with fuel tank when more than half filled you hear fuel splashing in the back giving impression of waterbed in the trunk. Hydroplaning starts at 55 mph with normal rain, rear brake pads wear prematurely,driver seat lumbar defective causing discomfort and requiring to adjust seat constantly to remain in the car. Leather is low quality, exterior appears cheap, "lighting section" left & right to license plate is fake, would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Civic - better than ever! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By winkr22 - November 3 - 12:34 am

  We bought the car a few months back with overall value in mind. Overall value, for our purposes, was defined as a combination of reliability, gas mileage, safety, long term cost of ownership, and comfort. I would say in that order -- but really all of them were high on the order list. We were not looking for the type of car to modify or look thuggish, and we did not want the type of car that gets stolen for that purpose like some of the older Japanese models like Civics did. As a VALUE oriented car, this vehicle is spectacular and exactly what we wanted. We have stopped subscribing to CR as their quality of reviews over the last couple of years has gone more the way of sensationalism

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  Great Little Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - November 2 - 11:01 pm

  I am in sales and I can drive as much as 300 miles in one day. Probably an average of 130 or so. The Civic runs great, and gets 41mpg! They say these VXs can get as much as 50mpg... I dont know why I dont get that, but Im not complaining... It could be that its a 95 with 180k on it and its just not going to get 50mpg. I think its funny that these hybrids today get the same mpg as my little cheapo honda. Its pretty slow and could definitely use some more hp.. espically with the AC on. If performance is important, dont go with a VX.. get an SI. Also, make sure you change the timing belts and water pump every 90k mi.

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  6 weeks of driving - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By dgconnall - November 2 - 7:39 pm

  This Odyssey replaced a 2003 Odyssey with 120K miles, which was trouble free and an excellent vehicle. At first I did not care for the lighter steering on the 2012 model, which has less road feel - but now I like it. Steering is accurate, and effort less. Ride quality, and barking is very good. The engine has not quite the power of the older model, but it gets 25 mpg city/hway v. lifetime 22mpg - and I am happy with that. First time Ive had a nav. device. I like it, although I havent mastered the audio recognition yet. I have only done 2000 miles, but like the car very much, and would recommend it highly. My wife likes to travel in the middle seats, which she says are very comfortable.