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 kaneohe00 - July 4 - 8:06 pm

  I test drove a hyundai elantra, a corolla and corolla S before I drove the Honda. Didnt bother with Ford, Nissan or Kia because I wanted a car that would last for a long time without a doubt. The Hyundai drove well and had a lot of extras but based of past performance and current reviews I felt like they were trying to sell you with extras versus a solid performer. So it came down to the corolla and civic. The civic drove better, had a more attractive and functional interior and I felt Honda put a lot of effort into the design of the civic while it seemed Toyota hasnt done anything to improve the Corolla since 1985. It reminded me of the Tercel my mom had when I was 10 years old.

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  Honda, please fix the road noise problem!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsonaday - July 4 - 2:13 pm

  Loud definitely describes this car. One can barely carry on a conversation on the freeway. I bought this car used and after only 3 years, the cushions on both seats were flat. AWD sucks bec it only kicks in when it feels the car slipping.. but there is a up side to this car, and that is its a little bigger than most rivals. Only thing is, you have to sit in the most uncomfortable seats..it got so bad that i had to replace the cloth with am leather.

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  EX-L What a Disappointment - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jennnevada - July 1 - 1:31 am

  I purchased this car new and put on 69K miles before trading it in today. It was great for hauling around children and provided a comfortable ride and plenty of cargo space. Now the downside: lousy gas mileage (13 in town/22 hwy), on my 3rd power steering pump, my alternator recently failed and was replaced by Honda for $600, rear sliding door opening/closing mechanism failed last year, battery and brakes were replaced often, constant loud & jolting popping when turning at low speeds (cv joint issue?) and a host of other issues amounting to significant repair costs. I am happy to be rid of this money pit! My past Hondas have been great but not this model and year.

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  Poor gas mileage & seat construction - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By deb103 - June 28 - 9:20 pm

  This is my second CRV - in my 2009 the drivers seat kept coming apart and the same thing keeps happening in my 2011. I work from home so I dont drive that much and feel that the seat should still be in excellent condition. The plastic molding around the seat keeps separating and the leather cover tears where it is hooked on. Since they upgraded the computer the mpg on the road dropped from 29 mpg to 24 mpg and in town from 24 mpg to 17 mpg. I am getting ready to trade it because of this.

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  A nice family car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By cfl63 - June 28 - 3:04 pm

  We bought the 2001 Honda Odyssey new. It has been a good car for the most part. The trans was rebuild at 180,000. I had the main water hose blow a few months ago driving home on 95 North between Washington and Baltimore. My main problem has been the "check engine" light which came on at about 70,000 miles. I took it to the dealer and they had not a clue. They did clean the engine, but the light continued to go on and off. I have 262,000 miles on the car. Im in the process of replacing it, but I do not think Ill buy another Honda...

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  An ok car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By kenny117 - June 22 - 6:15 pm

  I Have had a 91 civic dx (with a d16z6 engine) and It drove well. They are nice little eco cars but they get stolen alot because of it. mine was a canadian model and stolen twice before 2000 when it came to the US and then it was stolen another three times. But I also have had a 91 CRX hf and they both ran well and lasted 300k+ miles. The worst part about this car this whole car is... No cup holders, but other than that and being stolen alot it was a great cheap car that got 30-40 mpg (hb) and 40-50 mpg (CRX)

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  Better than my 2008 Odyssey! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By mapperone - June 22 - 3:54 pm

  I decided to wait till I had at least 2000 miles on my 2012 Odyssey EX-L before writing a review on it. I test-drove the Honda, Toyota, and Nissan minivans. What I traded in was a 2008 Odyssey EX-L. Here are the Pros and Cons of my new one compared to my old one: Pros…… 1) More comfortable seats. The lower cushions tilt more than the other brands, plus a darker fabric (truffles, a darker grey) is available, which won’t show the dirt as much. 2) Cabin is 2” wider, and the extra room is very helpful when carrying adult passengers. 2nd row holds 3 adults very comfortably. 3) Engine is very smooth and all but silent. 4) Like the trip computer, where gas mileage can be computed for each trip. 5) Like the large, easy-to-read, digital display of the TIME on the monitor screen. 6) Like the standard equipment Bluetooth capability. (NOT on my 2008) 7) Like the ability to load in numerous CD’s into hard drive of the sound system. Saves having to insert and eject CD’s countless times. 8) Minimal vibration in the powertrain. 9) Like the standard power liftgate. (NOT on my 2008) 10) Gas mileage averages 20 mpg in the city and at least 27 on trips. 11) Love the speed-compensated volume control on the sound system. I haven’t had this since my 1998 Chevy Venture LS. 12) Lower suspension noise going over rough pavement. (although sharp bumps come through loud and clear. 13) It tracks well on the Interstates with minimal steering corrections. Cons…… 1) Noticeable wind noise heard around the windshield pillar on the driver’s side at highway speeds on windy days, though it’s not intrusive. Dealer hinted that windshield might have to be re-installed, but they didn’t want to do that. 2) Wind whistle heard on top of driver’s side window at speeds as low as 30 mph, but dealer was able to fix it. 3) Grating sounds heard in rear of cabin when going over uneven road surfaces at slow speeds. (could be the sliding doors. My ’08 Ody made the same noise after 3 years) 4) Miss the storage area under floor, in front of the 2nd row seat. (it’s now mostly taken up by the spare tire)

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  226K, super reliable, cheap to own and sporty around corners! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By danwat1234 - June 22 - 12:26 am

  The 6th gen Honda Civics have supreme reliability, and good gas mileage (http://www.fuelly.com/driver/danwat1234/civic). It does as well or better than my mothers 2012 Elantra! I am the 3rd owner and has 226,000 miles on it, mostly highway. Automatic 4-speed transmission, d16y7 engine. The coolant system has a very very slow leak it in it somewhere but everything else is absolutely perfect with this car. Supreme reliability, great suspension, handles really good after installing a rear sway bar and 205/50/R16 tires. I love that this car is so versatile. I plan on installing a trailer hitch so I can tow small trailers with this car too! This car has supreme usefulness.

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  Wheres the "SU" in SUV Crossover? - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksonnenberg - June 18 - 11:47 am

  It is a nice vehicle in that it drives & handles well, comfortable interior & some nice luxury features. However, Honda removed much the "Sport Utility" and now looks and feels more like a Hatchback/Minivan Crossover. We needed to replace our 02 CRV but we suppose got spoiled by it. The 02 w/ the tire on the back door left extra room in the spare tire compartment to store emergency supplies like blankets and tire pump, but not anymore. I miss the table that was a feature of the 02 trunk base handy for camping & picnics. The new CRV has 2" less of ground clearance & no longer lets you pop open the hatch window which was great for access to our dogs or supplies w/o open whole hatch.

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  Like it better than Prius 95% of the time - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hybridrocks54 - June 16 - 8:53 pm

  Weve had it since it was new and now just over 30K miles. Fun car to drive. Use it as urban around town commuter car with occasional highway trips and get consistently 39-40 mpg. We are all very tall and fit fine in front seat adults are somewhat tight in back. No mechanical issues whatsoever, so really appreciate Honda reliability.