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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  Dont let looks deceive you.... - 2011 Honda Accord
  By bimmercity1 - October 10 - 7:38 am

  I bought this car on account that I could not afford to buy what I really wanted. I wanted sporty and reliable. I was told top look at Honda. I ended up looking at the Accourd Coupe. It looked great on the outside. Its been 5 months, I am so disappointed with Honda. 1. Its the EX you would think top of the line would add insulation. I hear everything. I cannot use bluthooth on the highway. Dimmer on the display is a joke, light sensor too sensitive. Suspension is too soft, steering well has not been centered from day one. Windows if lowered, vibrate so does everything in storage along with rear shelf. Only some buttons are lit at night?? No puddle/underdash lights.

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  Disappointed, - 2012 Honda Civic
  By matt144 - October 9 - 1:58 pm

  I purchased Civic LX (1.8L 4-cyl Automatic) in August 2011.The first impression was the car looked sharp and the price was reasonable. However, after driving it for about 2,500 miles, the biggest problem is excessive road noise. I drove Toyota, Ford and Nissan before but I never had such a noisy car. The mpg is 35 to 38 which I expected but I didnt expected such a excessive road noise.

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  2012 SI Sedan - LOVE IT - 2012 Honda Civic
  By prelude2015 - October 8 - 12:56 pm

  I ordered this bad boy back in July and drove it home in mid-September. Extremely fun to drive. - Im not going to race any Mazdaspeed3 turbod rockets, but this thing has a lot of pep. - The 6-speed is smooth and sweet, on par with a much more expensive BMW or Audi, but without the electrical and high maintenance issues that come with the German cars. - Sport suspension makes the road noise more pronounced but its all worth it. It handles nicely. Anyone that complains about the road noise should buy a Buick and leave the pocket rockets to the car guys. Higher mpg than advertised - With more low-end torque, I avg 37 mpg by using 6th gear at 45 mph, even with revving up the hiway ramp.

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  One great little SUV! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By j1powell - October 7 - 5:51 pm

  I purchased this car used with only 7000 miles on it. I now have 126,500 miles on the odometer and have towed it at least 25,000 miles behind a motorhome. It has been serviced every 3000 to 4000 miles including all of the Manufacturers recommended services. Other than a few door dings from several unconscious sloppy people, it looks great and drives great. What a workhorse it has been for us. Great to own!!

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  Rust - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By raceee - October 6 - 3:36 pm

  My 2007 Honda has started to rust on the back of the trunk lid. I have had it rust proofed every year since I bought it, this is on the surface paint. I have only driven this car two years in all the time I have owned it in the winter. Of course they say it is out of warranty, but would like to know if anyone else has had this trouble. The worst is around the plastic honda plate on the back. Anyone else have this problem and how did you get it fixed. I dont feel I should have to pay for rust when I have done everything I was told to do. I am sure if I fix one spot there will be others pop up. It looks like a money grabbing thing that isnt going away even if it is fixed.

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  Awesome SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By rsgnice - October 6 - 11:20 am

  We have owned our 2011 Pilot for over a month now. This is our third family hauler – and the best yet. Shopped around for over six months and finally settled with the Pilot. It has everything we had hoped to have in our family hauler. It has good exterior looks and finish – love the boxy/angled shape. Engine has a lot of power and provides a smooth ride. Interior is roomy, comfortable and quite. Seats are firm with excellent back support. Music system is awesome. We had 6 adults and 2 kids on a day trip and the SUV hauled without a fuss. The only quirk - features offered in EXL are very few for the money. They seem to have rectified it for the 2012 model. All in all, I love the SUV!!!

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  Will not crank - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By kpair - October 5 - 9:43 am

  I am wondering if we just bought a lemon? I have looked at all the other reviews and must say I wish we had that experience. The only problem is our CRZ often leaves us stranded. It just will not crank every time, we have had it less than a month and been stranded somewhere at least 12 times. The dealer has replace a battery and clutch mechanism and today it is being towed back to see why it still will not crank...If it ran properly we would love the car but as of now it just isnt reliable which takes all of the fun out of it...

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  Back to my roots... - 2011 Honda Accord
  By thunderhexed - October 4 - 10:03 am

  My first car in High School was an Artic White 1985 Accord LX sedan that my family and I put over 200K miles on - it had 60K on it when we bought it in 93. The car I was driving before my 2011 Accord sedan was a 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe, which i THOUGHT was my dream car until I realized the headache it was to own - directional tires, premium gas, and electronic malfunctions galore - not to mention HORRIBLE paint that literally came off in chips - fast forward to 2011, and I traded it for my Accord. Its smooth, quiet, classy, GREAT on gas, gets compliments galore and I have piece of mind knowing that I have a reliable, quality vehicle to get me around town.

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  Best Honda yet! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By our2kids11 - October 4 - 6:19 am

  We have owened two Honda Pilots, most resently a 2011 and a Honday Odyssey. The 2012 Odyssey beats our previous hondas by leaps and bounds. The comfort is unmatched and the room inside it is crazy! Plenty of pep and smooth acceleration when needed. Plus, 20 mgp is hard to beat in our mountainous region. We couldnt be happier with our new Odyssey! Cant go wrong here.

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  Glad to be back with Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By scottwax - October 3 - 10:42 pm

  I had a 1990 Accord for several years, sold it with 280k miles, current owner works at a tire store near me so I know it still runs! After the Accord, I had a 1999 626 and two 2002 Nissan Maximas (one an automatic, one a 6 speed). After I found out my Dad was replacing his 2004 Accord EX V6 with a truck, I offered to buy it. Only 75k miles and meticulously maintained. As much as I miss the acceleration of my 6 speed Maxima, the Accord is no slouch, runs about as well as my automatic Maxima did but with better mileage. Im averaging 21-22 in the city (and the Dallas area has no clue how to synchronize traffic lights) and a trip to Kentucky and back got me 30.4 mpg at 75-78 mph!