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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  Love my Civic Si - 2012 Honda Civic
  By buckeye99 - February 23 - 10:30 am

  This Honda is a great car. The 2.4l iVTEC is an absolute BLAST to drive. The 6spd manual transmission is fantastic. While not the fastest car in this price range, I believe its the best all-around vehicle in its class when considering price, gas mileage, reliability, 4 door practicality, and performance. I live in the midwest and weather is not always ideal. With the FWD, the car works very well as a daily driver. The new 2.4l engine offers plenty of torque and power for a vehicle in this class, but with the limited slip and stability control, torque steer is almost non-existent. In spirited mixed driving, Ive averaged 28MPG. In highway driving, its easy to get over the rated 31MPG

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  Going for 200,000 miles - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ferguson10462 - February 21 - 9:05 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002 and havent looked back. I have 180,000 miles on it now without issue. I have no interest in buying a new car. Even the new versions of the Honda Accord Coupe do not appeal to me. If they still offered this car without alteration as a new vehicle, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

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  The Honeymoon Continues...Mostly - 2011 Honda Civic
  By 90in55 - February 15 - 1:30 pm

  My initial thoughts were posted here a little over a year ago, and I have since put about 6K miles on the odometer. I thought Id provide a more objective review, now that the giddiness has worn off somewhat. Im still in love with this vehicle! It provides tremendous bang for the buck, has been trouble-free, and looks like a poor mans exotic from certain angles. I will break down and admit that the lack of low-end power has become apparent, and sometimes I feel like a show-off when Im revving the engine alongside my fellow motorists. They think Im trying to race them, while Im just trying to keep up. Oh, but what a sound! One day soon these high-RPM engines will be no more.

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  Comfortable Car - 2012 Honda Crosstour
  By sco1 - February 12 - 10:36 am

  The hatchback is perfect since I used to have a Volvo XC wagon and wanted a cargo area. I leased the car instead of bought because I had reservations about the back window. I am thankful for the rear backup camera, which is VERY helpful in the dark. However, on the highway, in the dark, it is hard to see out the back window. My son pointed out to me that while he was driving it, he liked that the headlights of vehicles behind him were NOT in his eyes, due to the break in the window line. After considering this, I use my side view mirrors more at night on the highway. I am considering buying out my lease. Gas mileage is decent, though not as great as posted, 22 most.

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  Mugen SI - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jordan231479 - February 12 - 8:41 am

  With just only 2 weeks with the Mugen SI Im completely in love with this car. Not only does it get attention from everyone but its a blast to drive. If your a Honda enthusiast, this is definitely the car to own. It drives like a dream with a stiff cornering when you want it but comfortable enough to drive in long trips.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bsalzano - February 9 - 6:17 pm

  Average 36 mpg, super reliable, classy look,and fun to drive. I bought brand new and have over 160000 miles on it. No problems on this car. Just had one front brake need a new pad but that is all. I love Honda quality!!!

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  Great Vehicle but has comfort issues... - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By roamfree - February 4 - 11:53 pm

  Bought this CRV in Jan 2013. Have about a thousand miles on it. Power is nicely responsive for a 4 cyl. Steering and Road/Ride Quality is sweet! Bluetooth works great with my iPhone 4s. Radio & Phone steering wheel controls are nice. If I had a main gripe its the comfort of seats and the whole Steering wheel/Arm Rest Combo. Im 510" & 220 lbs and seats are a bit small for me(width-wise). Steering wheel doesnt telescope nor move down enough towards driver. On hghwy trips Im unable to drive as casually as I would like whereas my wrist is on my lap and holding steering at 5-7 oclock..and thats with my seat ratcheted up most of the way. Armrests are too narrow and unsupportive.

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  PERHAPS THE BEST CAR IVE OWNED IN SIXTY YEARS - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By caraewron - January 27 - 10:35 pm

  Bought a 2012 CR-V LX Nov. 1, 2012 for $21,600 plus tax and license. Gave away my 10 year old Matrix which had held up nicely. Shopped online for best prices. I saved $1,100 by buying from a dealer 70 miles north. Honda seems to have anticipated what I want in a car: good radio sound easily read instrument panel daytime running lights radio controls on steering wheel good acceleration head room comfortable back seats height adjustable front seat constant mpg readout respectable gas mileage those high and narrow taillights headlights are good high and low. The front seat seems almost to firm but most seats are a challenge for a tall (6ft 2in) driver. Id gladly buy it again.

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  Quality, Quality, Reliability - 2009 Honda Accord
  By jarred - January 27 - 1:20 am

  It is true that most people who write reviews are the ones with problems, and they want/need to vent. Happy customers just enjoy their purchases. But still, reading some of the low reviews here makes you wonder: are those people for real? In my experience Honda is nothing but quality, quality and reliability. My wife and I bought our 2009 EX-L V6 accord with 44000 miles on it. The car drove like new from the dealer, and drives beautifully now, almost a year later. Everything works perfect, the doors close with a nice thud, the engine is smooth like butter. Steering is sooo precise, every switch and control operates with assurance. Seats are comfortable and we have no problem with brakes.

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  Spory Luxury Accord with room for 8 - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By milescruiser - January 26 - 7:26 am

  This is our 2nd odyssey , first one is 2005. It is a much improvement, very refined quiet, very comfortabe, and fun to drive. it takes the curves better than the old odyessey, despite of the reduced road feel secondary to the electric power steering. The driver seat is very comfortabe. I choose this over the Mercedes GL 450, essentially I have every thing for 1/2 the price and Honda reliblity and good resale value. the car does not lack any horse power, push the gas and vtec kicks in at 4000 rpm and the car flies, most of the time you do not need that with family and kids. It realY feels liKe a sedan. 4000 miles no problems. Gas consumption much better than my old odyassey.