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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  Good Car With Some Notable Exceptions - 2012 Honda Civic
  By terrainorg - June 14 - 12:35 am

  Ive driven Hondas for a long time now, so had high expectations with my Civic EX sedan. Unfortunately, I find the new Civic pretty underwhelming, based primarily on two factors: 1) Road noise, caused by a cardboard-thin floorboard. Its not wind noise but rather noise coming up from underneath loudest sedan Ive ever driven in that respect. 2) Im 65", and had no problem with comfort on the test drive. But after several weeks I still cannot find a comfort zone with the seat (headroom is fine). That could easily be solved by an electronic seat, which the Civic EX (like the Accord) should offer. There are lots of things I really like, but if I had to do it all over, Id get another car.

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  First Pilot,used to have Nissan - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug - June 12 - 3:54 pm

  Well we just bought a 2012 pilot.We traded in a 2010 Nissan Rogue(58,000miles).We wanted a little bigger car(2 grand kids)but the Pathfinder needs premium fuel.We decided to try a honda.We know going in the fuel milage will be not so good.Hoping for the honda reliability(the sun roof will not close properly)on the first day.And it started raining.Got it to close.The blue tooth paired with wifes phone effortlessly.WE will be putting more than 30,000miles on it the first year,so I will keep posting updates on how we like it and how it is doing.

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  A great little car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By papalogan - June 9 - 8:34 am

  This is our 4th Honda (previously had an Accord, CR-V, and Pilot). We bought this EX-L to use mainly as a commuter car for me. Weve had it about 2 months now, and Ive already got just over 3K miles on it. Gas mileage has been great, its comfortable, and wind noise is minimal. I know its considered a "compact" car, but it feels anything but compact. In fact, it feels about the same size as our 90 Accord! Overall, were very pleased with our purchase.

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By lizzylou - June 8 - 8:37 pm

  Traded in my 07 Civic coupe on a White Diamond Pearl CR-V EX. I love this SUV! Can be a little sluggish with Econ mode on but saves a lot on gas and its peppy and fun to drive with the Econ mode off. I love that the CR-V handles so well. It handles almost as good as my beloved Civic did, excellent turning radius makes it easy to park. The cabin is quiet but still hear some road noise and has minimal body roll around corners and good stability. Getting a solid 30 mpg on the highway which is my main driving ~66 miles round trip per day at around 70 mph. Has 1,500 miles on it now. Ive had several people tell me its a beautiful vehicle! No other SUV compares in features for the price.

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  I miss my Civic! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By mdries - June 8 - 12:53 pm

  This was my first car in high school, and I loved it. I now drive a 2001 Acura CL, which has a LOT more cool features than the Civic however, I often find myself missing the Civic. It did not have any modern features like power locks, power windows, or a CD player. However, the car ran unbelievably well considering it was 15 years old and had about 220,000 miles when we sold it! If I did not switch to my sisters Acura when she bought a company car, I would probably still be driving the Civic today. Also the MPGs on this car are phenomenal! If you accelerate conservatively you can get 35-40 MPG easily.

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  A quite functional car - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By cadrm123 - June 7 - 7:59 am

  We have about 8,000 miles on this car, and overall like it quite a bit. It has quite a bit of pickup, even with 5-6 passengers in tow. However, there have been a couple of small mechanical/electronic issues. Also, there is no windshield wiper fluid indicator, which has left us high and dry on two occasions. Really, Honda? Havent we progressed past 1970? A really tacky omission, particularly for those in regions of the country where fluid is used quite a bit.

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  Great car... Minor complaints - 2009 Honda Civic
  By remlap48 - June 4 - 11:17 am

  I only have 54k on my LX, so long term reliability is something Im counting on down the road at this point. As far as +s go... peppy performance for an auto- 4cyl. Very solid tight build quality. Corners well (although I really dont drive like that). Est. mpg. 25 city (Im actually getting 28 :o). Stock speakers thru quality stereo source, VERY impressive. My only complaints would have to be, a rather limited turn radius. Only 1 compatible tire size, and not being able to see any of the outside of the car from the inside, except part of sides thru mirrors. Makes parallel parking a real adventure at times. Over all rating ++++-.

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  Econ class do it urself car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jmarloe - June 2 - 9:42 pm

  Bought mine in early 2008 for 18.5 at 5%. It now has 98k miles on it, has been used for driving around the bay area in Cali for a job, multi trips from Cali to TX, and for the last 3 yrs Ive used it for pizza delivery in TX. Some repairs I have done myself are replacing both cv axels at 70k for $160, tires at 55k miles with good-yrs $540, the starter at 90k for $132. I am by no means a mechanic I bought some basic tools, spent a few hrs researching and as you can see from other reviews I saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars doing it myself. This car has been through a lot but still runs like new and feels as though it will for another 98k.

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  20.000 miles in 11 months - 2012 Honda Civic
  By erik25 - June 2 - 10:06 am

  Still going strong and no issues,would be bad just after 20k. See the car much more on the road then when it came out. I think people want a relaible commuter and cheap on gas. Its only a shame that in a few months a redesigned one comes out........hope this time they do it right and give it six gears with an overdrive.But this one has to make at least 100.000 miles before i even think of something else,and that will be no problem for this car.......

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  Sorry Honda, try again. - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By rcummelin - May 27 - 8:48 pm

  Our 2010 RTL was our second Ridgeline, and while we both liked the truck, after 17 months, we threw in the towel & traded it for a 2008 Lexus GX470. Of course, you may wonder why? The answer seems simple enough to us--while the Honda does some things well, it does an equal number of things poorly. While highway manners and ride are great, wind and road at highway speeds is absolutely terrible. WHen I tried to get Honda to address the wind/road noise, I was told that all Ridgelines are like that. Really? You mean they are DESIGNED to be noisy? Yes, gas mileage is more important. Gas mileage? Well, our 2010 recently averaged only a measly 17.x mpg on a recent 3000 mile highway trip.