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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  2012 CR-V EX-L is superb... - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By pvachon - February 22 - 1:00 pm

  After 4 weeks and 4000 miles, I have to say that I am truly impressed with this vehicle. It has met or exceeded every expectation I have had about both a Honda and the CR-V line. The ‘car’ is well put together both inside and out, with function-by-design throughout. The ride is smooth and quiet, the acceleration is totally fine and the braking is excellent. The model I purchased has AWD and I have used it in snow a few times and found it to be excellent. Keeps totally control during wheel slippage and remains sure-footed in deep snow. Really confidence building when carrying the family through bad weather. This has proven to be an excellent choice and a very strong love affair with my car.

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  Its a small car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By es330suck - February 19 - 4:10 pm

  The resons i bought this car are MPG and its style. I get Lx and add fog light for reason. The car run loud under 35 mph but much quiet above that range. Upgrading better tire maybe can reducing some road noise, but I can live with the firestone fuel fight tire for now.There are a lot of places could be done better but it will add more cost and weight for any impovement. The cheap carpet and insulation The easily scratched plastic door panel are the obvious.

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  Better car than it looks on paper - 2011 Honda Insight
  By mike579 - February 19 - 1:31 pm

  I do a 40 mile highway commute on weekdays and some city driving on weekends. By my own calculations, I get an honest 50 miles per gallon. The dashboard readouts give you the information you need to modify your driving style to maximize MPG. I see people complain about a noisy car, but thats not my experience. Its quiet on the freeway. It will get noisy on a rough roads or if you stomp on the gas pedal. The interior is a little plasticy, but it still looks clean and functional. Because of the car styling, the car has larger blind spots than I would like.

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  Great car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By llorcan - February 19 - 2:52 am

  I bought my CRV about a week ago from a broker and I love it. I got the urban titanium color and it is really cute. The car with the color and options I wanted at the price I was looking for was hard to find since its such a new model, so I went thru a car broker. I had to pay a $300 fee upfront but they found the exact car I was looking for (on a boat still being shipped over) and negotiated an amazing deal with the dealer. I got it for $300 over invoice. I love all the features except for two that I can think of off hand. The parking brake is set too low so it sometimes hits my left shin depending on how Im sitting. It also doesnt sync well enough with my iPhone to play music.

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  2004 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By flamio - February 17 - 9:17 am

  I bought this car with over a 100K on it and have had it for about a year. So far it has been fantastic! It has nice power and runs very well. A couple months ago I hit a big Ohio deer and I barely felt it. Me and my family were completely safe, which made me very happy I bought this SUV. Last winter I could not get my Odyssey up my long driveway in the snow, with this, its a breeze. The leather is comfortable. The kids love the heated seats. Im 64" and its very roomy. Sound system is awesome. I average about 19.6mpg. On a long trip through Canada I actually had 25mpg highway. Its used, buy the extended warranty if youre worried about the tranny going and drive worry free!

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  this is my second Prelude! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By jg323 - February 14 - 10:52 am

  In my teens i bought a 4thGen Si Prelude for practically nothing with over 100K on it and i drove it to 230K until it was totaled while parked w/ the only problem being that it burned oil (not leaked.) Then i purchased an 01 Base model and at 1st was disappointed because i couldnt find an SH, though shortly after i realized that seats and the ATTS, wheels and a spoiler were not really worth it the extra bucks and found my car at Buena Park Honda with only 40K on it. That was five years ago and i still havent reached the 100K mark but im close. The 5thGen changes gears not nearly as smooth as the 4th. and sadly this Prelude burns oil also between changes.

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  Mostly satisfied - 2011 Honda Civic
  By fore4me - February 13 - 9:53 am

  I have owned this 2011 Civic EX for a year now. I have to say that I am "mostly" satisfied. I really do enjoy driving the car. I think I would like the Civic SI a lot more, because I have a lead foot, but I probably wouldnt like the decreased gas mileage. I love the way the car handles and the car has adequate power in most situations. I really dont notice the road noise until I go above 65MPH. On a recent weekend trip, the road noise at 80MPH on the interstate was tiring after a while. I have also experience a wide variety of gas mileage figures. A recent interstate run at around 80MPH resulted in 25MPG. The best i have achieved is 32MPG. The gas mileage is worse when I use cruise control

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  17,000 mile update - 2010 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - February 13 - 7:35 am

  Well something went wrong with the civi ex coupe, a strut joint of some sort went bad at 15,000 miles and was replaced no charge, only took a couple of hours and they said it was unusual. I am a car guy, oner 50 cars and have this civic coupe and 2010 crv ex as well, my wife and i swap so i dont get bored with either. I keep trying other cars, sportier, and more frugal ones as well. The civic coupe gives you a bit of both, it is prety frugal when driven properly and can be 30 city and upper 38 plus highway no problem. It can be sporty to but not a sports coupe like an si or miata which i have had, but it gets far better gas millage than those two. a fun good looking car !

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  My First Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By sblennis1 - February 7 - 6:13 pm

  This was my first car, given to me by my step dad. I got it with about 180,000 miles on it. I drove it up until about 200,000. The transmission started acting up but we didnt think it was a big deal. Turned out the torque converter went bad and ruined the solenoids. Other than that issue, i had no other problems whatsoever. The car has been in an accident and all that happened was a bent hood and a scratched headlight cover. This car could take just about anything and i loved it. It was extremely comfortable to drive and had pretty good gas mileage. The motor ran strong and still does.

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  Great value for a entry level SUV! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By whchuang - February 6 - 1:37 am

  We have owned the CRV for about a year now and so far we are happy about it. It is NOT perfect and we still have some unresolved minor rattle sound coming from the front passenger side dash board, but again NO car is perfect, period. The car is the best selling SUV in USA, and on kbb enjoy the #7 slot for the best resale value award. Reliability history is great. With the money paid, I found that the interior design (especially the trip computer, etc.), provide excellent value. The 2012 model also improved the roof strength so I think safety wise it should be a all 5-stars vehicle. Build quality in general is good (cant compare to a Mercedes, but not bad either). We like it so far.