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 SUV for a 4 cylinder - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stevenzhuli - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  I have been driving about 3 months and 6000KMs, take me about a month to get used to this little SUV. Overall I rate this car "OK" level. Only thing I feel not so good is the acceleration. A little bit slow to speed up from a complete stop. Also only when run at about 75-80 KM/Hour, I can feel some kind of vabriation, which is wired, normally should be very smooth at this speed. My small car 2011 Nissan Sentra, much more quieter than this SUV at any speed. Also my gas mileage: use 87 regular gas, get about 9.2L/100KMs. With 89 gas, get about 8.2L/100KMs. 75% on contryside road, 25% cuty driving. So I feel put 89 gas is a win for the money and car. saving about 50 cents per 100 KMs.

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  You are not buying a Mercedes - 2012 Honda Civic
  By carlonz - March 1 - 10:27 pm

  So I have had my Civic for one week. Traded a 2005 Altima SL LOADED. I have a base LX automatic. I bought this solely for the gas mileage and in that respect I am getting much more than I expected. This is not a luxury car so dont buy it if that is what you are looking for. The drive is nice and tight, shifting is smooth, braking is decent. It is stylish and solid. I have about 250 miles on it and I have averaged about 36 mpg with 80% hwy and 20% city driving. This is my first Honda and so far I am extremely impressed. I was able to buy it for a touch less than invoice which made it very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this car if you are looking to save gas money.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jj772528 - March 1 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles on it. Ive driven it 80,000 miles with just oil changes and one break job and a alignment. The car handles great on dry and rainy roads. Its pretty comfortable even for me Im 6ft 2in and over three hundred pounds. The only negative I find is that it doesnt handle that well in snow. Over all I love it and would recommend it.

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  Oil consumption issues & soon-to-go tranny - 2002 Honda Accord
  By honda4311 - February 29 - 8:49 pm

  The cherry red accord has 120,000 miles on it and as of the fall of 2011, has been consuming 1/2 quart of oil per week. It is evident the oil rings went bad as black oil deposits coat the inside of the tailpipe. Its not blowing blue smoke, just consuming oil. We are still on the original transmission, which is better than most people have faired, but the hesitation in shifting is evident. When you slow down, you must come to a complete stop and wait a second for the car to shift into 1rst gear. Oh, Honda, I lost a lot of respect for you & these engineering f*&k ups and you wont admit it. I drive a 2003 Civic LX with roughly the same mileage. It has been a gem. No issues whatsoever.

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  Good deal at Galpin honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cmed1 - February 27 - 6:17 pm

  purchased 2011 certfied honda, fair price, helpfull sales people. 2nd car from Galpin Honda Sons car he is very happy with car good gas mileage. car lacks power but its expected if you want good gas mileage. overall very happye with Glen salesman at Galpin Honda will recommend friends and family.

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  Its been good to me - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mickeycasa - February 26 - 9:30 pm

  I purchased my Honda Accord new and have been the only owner. The car now has about 108,000 miles on it and I havent had any major issues. The only problem that just developed is that my rear passenger side door locked and I cannot get it unlocked. I will have to take it in to the dealership for this. I have it serviced regularly and could not ask for a better vehicle! Buying a Honda was a great choice. I will be giving mine to my son in four years and expect it to last him through his last few years of high school and through college!

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  2012 CRV Review From A Unique Perspective - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksako - February 25 - 11:17 am

  I recently purchased a 2012 Honda CRV EX. My perspective may be unusual because I also purchased a 2011 CRV EX a few weeks earlier, so I can compare the differences in both. Both of these vehicles replaced my 1999 & 2000 CRV LX, so my take on the differences in CRVÂ’s may be somewhat unique. Honda may have picked areas to improve on that not everyone may agree with.

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  Money saver - 2011 Honda Insight
  By barbarossa3 - February 24 - 9:10 pm

  Weve had our insight for 10 months now and have been completely satisfied with the car. We normally achieve 43-46 mpg CITY ! At 75 on an interstate it drops to 40 MPG but I usually get 50-53 on a 55 mph highway. Some routes to work net me 53 mpg city. We replaced a 4.2 litre Ford Freestar which gave 17-19 mpg city and are saving the entire car payment in cost savings. Free Car!! Ride is a little rough and firm as new cars go(typical for Honda). Interior on LX is a little too plastic. Blind spots are awful in traffic.

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  Five Month Update - 2012 Honda Accord
  By zville46077 - February 23 - 5:36 pm

  Still running great. No problems. Have 5k miles now. Glad we bought it. Still only 25 mpg though - kind of dissapointed with gas mileage. Have gotten use to firm seats. Havent had it on a long road trip yet.

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  Good Travel Vehicle - 2008 Odyssey - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By kathy68 - February 23 - 3:15 pm

  Owned a 99 Honda Odyssey and had it for 9 years. Many recalls including transmission replacement on that model year. Purchased a new 2008 Honda Odyssey and have had good luck with it so far -- over 65,000 miles on it. Soft brake issue recall was resolved. Traveled 4,000 miles last summer to Colorado through the rockies and also to the east coast and it was a great travel vehicle.