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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  Nice - 2012 Honda Accord
  By paguy - August 12 - 7:22 pm

  I respect Edmunds points on the Sonata and the Optima, but this years Accord is a safe bet. I like the fact that it has been in production for years, and hondas have a good track record. Had an 03 until 130k when its started drinking oil. Drove the others, but bottom line I got a super car...got 7 accessories thrown in like ambient lighting, splash guards et al to make a base line really nice. I have always liked honda service as well. the 2012 may be one to scoop up before they change them for 13. My 2 cents, good luck.

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  Good quality, so so interior...love the manual - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pmm21 - August 10 - 1:35 pm

  Since most cars in this size and price range are automatics and I wanted a manual, this was the car. The seats arent too great though and it lacks basic options that most LX sedans would have like outside temp and gas mileage reading and maybe auto headlight settings. The manual is smooth as silk although the acceleration is poor. Once you are up and running on the the highway, the car performs nicely and handles good overall. I leased it and its a good value so I may buy at the end of lease and sell on my own to make some money. Its not a keeper but good enough for now with Honda reliablility.

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  New owner preliminary review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By fonguy - August 5 - 5:09 pm

  I dont fit the minivan demographic as an old retired guy. Trading my 6 year-old Lexus RX for an Oddyssey was not an economic decision but I am now a Honda owner for the first time. Its only been a week, hence the word preliminary. Fit and finish excellent, interior roomy and comfortable, seats relatively easy to manipulate into many configurations. You need a little muscle to get the second row seats out, though, if the room is needed. Adequate power, handling surprisingly sedan-like, reasonably quiet. Many advanced safety features and air bags. This vehicle represents a highly evolved version of the classic minivan. The communications features-radio, CD, Bluetooth, USB, are great!

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  Road trip - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By mcallen1309 - August 2 - 8:02 pm

  Just got back from a 4100 mile road trip through 5 states with 3 kids my wife and I. The Pilot was roomy enough and handled very well. I was impressed having owned suburbans and excursions before. Gas mileage was good. I dont like the way audio controls are set up and that you cant dim the dashboard lights at night, Honda should change these things. The seats were uncomfortable after 10 hours of driving but I dont know many seats that would be. But if something can be done ,please change it. Great overall.

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  Lease end decision - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By nyken - August 2 - 6:33 pm

  The lease on my 2010 CRV- EXL is up in a few months. I most likely will be looking to replace this with something other than a Honda. For 3 years I have never really bonded with this vehicle. It is not much fun to drive. Acceleration is sluggish and handling is just OK. The ride is very noisy and it rides more like a truck than a car. I have been dissipointed with performance in the snopw. It just does not feel very sure footed and slips and slides. I have not had any serious problems with this vehicle, but the OEM tires wore out after only 15K miles. The dealer service department always comes across with an attitude. Good bye Honda

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  96 Civic EX just wont die! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By tareseb1 - July 31 - 5:56 pm

  I bought my 96 Civic EX in 04 with 60k miles on it, and have been driving it ever since. It now has 160k miles and they have been really hard miles. I will admit that I was young when I bought it and did not take care of this car the way I should have. 10k miles between oil changes, and really no regular maintenance. I have horses and I use this little car like a truck. It has never let me down. Besides tires, the only things I have had to replace on it are tie rods, belts and a starter. I really cant believe I didnt kill this car!

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  BAD NAME WITH HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By car_owner2004 - July 27 - 3:26 pm

  I honestly have become disappointed with this car - I have owned this car for over 6 years and ever since I went over the 100K in miles (the past two years - currently at 121K) - This car has completely fallen apart.. I have never missed an oil change or maintenance - I have copies of ever invoice since bought at 21K miles. I just found out today I have to have the MOTOR replaced, this after replacing the Power Steering Pump, hoses, axle, arms, door locks, needs new battery every year and many moe items. Every six to seven months I am spending 600- 1K on work and now 3K to replace the motor.

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  Bad Honda CRV Experience - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By kimimimi - July 25 - 6:05 am

  I did a lot of reserach to before buying this Honday CRV and was confident that I was buying a more energy efficient vehicle that requires little maintenance. I purchased the car new in February. At under 2,000 miles the battery had to be replaced. At under 2,000 miles I started hearing a "chirping" noise. First visit they replaced a belt. Chirping noise persisted. Second visit that replaced a pulley and the alternator. Third visit they replaced the water pump. All of this engine work done on a vehicle with under 4,000 miles on it. The black rubber door molding around passenger doors started drooping and the final straw was the mirror on the passengers visor just fell off!

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  Not one does econobox better - 2011 Honda Fit
  By 204meca - July 23 - 1:56 am

  Im bias, this is the 8th Honda I have owned. While not as fun as the Del Sol or as economical as the late 80s models, it does everything well. It hauls almost as much as our 2010 Outback, using 1/3rd less gas. Consistently gets 37-38 mpg in mixed driving, tops 40 with consistent driving under 70 mph. The Fit is just plain easy & fun to drive. I opted for the Base to for the better gas mileage & ride. Outfitted with better tires & aftermarket rear sway it never lost its composure driven as when driven as hard as possible in performance driving school. My only complaints are road noise & the fact that my thighs get a little sore after 90 minutes behind the wheel - not good for distances

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  very reliable. - 1994 Honda Civic
  By kaytebug22 - July 23 - 12:56 am

  i bought this car used at 176,000 ish miles for $2,300 in 2005, already 11 years old. its just had its last run now in 2012 at 312,000 miles!! honestly i could probably get it running for $50 but its had its time and im ready for something different. I have never had any major repairs done to this car. although ive always had some blower motor switch problem that i could have fixed but didnt. the blower finally quit nov 2011. if i had fixed my problem when it was small it would have been fine. i drove this car across country 900 mile journey 3 times and countless trips in range of 100 miles at a time. great long lasting car!