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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  Been a great car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By usedlux - February 4 - 12:41 pm

  I owned this car for 10 years and loved it. The transmission started to act up, so I am moving on.

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  Awesome 2012 CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By rnwong - February 1 - 7:58 pm

  We owned a 2003 CRV EX for 9 years and traded in for a 2012 EXL AWD. To begin with, the trade in price is amazing. We got 30% back after 9 year!! Honda Power. We got this black EXL in mid-Jan for $200 above invoice price and cant be any happier. This car is stylish, roomy, functional and easy to drive. My wife doesnt care too much about cars but now is in love with this car. It offers so so much more than our old CRV. At the end, it drives really well and with some power. Not too much, just enough for a small family car. Its now also quieter and feels more upscale. Gas mileage isnt great yet, but winter mileage is usually lower. Highly recommended.

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  New update ruins my car - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By vacrv - February 1 - 12:52 pm

  I got the new update for my 2011 CRV. This software update adjusts timing. I was getting 32 MPG hwy before, now at best I get 26 downhill. I drive 25,000 miles a year, so this will cost me over $800 per year. I have the extended warranty, but Honda will do nothing! They they they cant back out the code. All I get is the runaround. This is my last HONDA!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  2010 Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By burguy - January 30 - 5:36 pm

  Bought new & have owned a little over two years now. Sixth Accord we have owned since 1989. The car is all Honda, except for the road noise. We have had the car back to the dealer multiple times and they finally said the V6 is just noisy. "after all, its not a Lexus" We were told that "this is a common complaint and the 4 cyl. is much quiter". I think it will be a great car mechanically, but we are trading it in at 30 months and about 30,000 miles. Move over Honda, we are going to look at the 13 Camry & maybe the ES350.

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  prev gen to current gen - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By sirtiger - January 30 - 4:54 pm

  Lease was up on the 2009 LX and took on the 2012 EX for the SAME price. 2012 Pro: -Luxurious feel & I still own luxury cars for comparison -Many neat features are standard -Compared to the 2009, I feel is slightly wider but not sure on length. This is based on pure feeling. Cons: -Harder to see the corners. More difficult to make tight turns & parallel parking -Lost the lower latch storage in the 2nd row. -Lots of buttons to play with. Its not very intuitive and I am a techie -Compared to 2009, it loses some of its sporty cornering. The ride can be a tad numb.

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  Fun and good car, but has its flaws... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By skydiamonds - January 29 - 5:25 pm

  I just bought the 2012 Civic sedan in October, so Ive had the car for 3, almost 4, months now. I was in LOVE with the previous Civic models, particularly the coupe. My friend drives the black 09 coupe and I wanted something along those lines. I test drove a gorgeous blue one which was probably 2009 as well and really liked it. However, my mom wanted to get me a brand new car and all the older ones were used, so we settled for this one. Really not much to complain about, except for the cheap plasticky interior and the loud wind/road noise. Ugh! Other than that, beautiful and colorful graphics/dashboard and a reliable car. Great w/ gas too! Got plenty of compliments on it.

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  Disappointed Touring Elite Owner! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jake121 - January 26 - 6:32 pm

  Just took delivery of our new 2012 Odyssey Touring Elite last month after trading in our 2007 and were really disappointed. DonÂ’t get me wrong, we love the ride and comfort but it seems Hondas quality has really slipped. When I first washed the van I noticed the rear quarter panel has ripples like there has been body work done. It had been on the dealer lot for only a couple days. Additionally, around the sunroof there is fabric that isnt glued down and is protruding between the headliner and the sunroof blind. The blinspot warning monitor on the passenger side is loose and rattles. The DVD has pixels burnt out and the rear bumper is warped seems to only be on Touring Elites.

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  Road Noise - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By drivingcrazy - January 25 - 4:07 pm

  I purchased the EX CR-V yesterday. I test drove one earlier in the month but was waiting for the blue color. I went around the block when it came in and it seemed fine. I am surprised that no one has complained of road noise. I find it sooooo noisy from both the road and passing cars. Everyone keeps saying last years model was noisier but I cant imagine how. Please before purchasing take it on the freeway and rough roads to be sure. I am stuck for a while.

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  Big Problem - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By joyfuljoy - January 24 - 12:55 pm

  I have had my 2012 Honda Pilot for over two months now. The first day I drove it from the lot (I test drove a different car and picked mine for color-so never drove mine) There was a loud humming noise when the AC compressor kicked on. The dealership replaced the Power steering twice (at 200 miles and 600 miles) Needless to say, the humming noise is there louder than ever. I filed a vehicle defect notification with Honda. I received a letter saying they are going to attempt to correct the problem for the third time. He said it should lower the noise but not eliminate it. I am so upset. I feel like I live at my dealership/service dept. I wish I never bought this 2012 Pilot

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  So Far So Good 68,000 miles! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By mlady - January 22 - 9:48 pm

  Im surprised at how many wrote in saying they were disappointed with the 07) but the star rating they gave the van was 4 stars--huh? This is our second Odyssey. Our first was a 2004 lease that was very nice. A few problems we had with the 04 were covered under warranty. The battery had to be replaced, rear window in the back motor had to be replaced. And even though I hit the button to lock the car (and heard the beep) one of the back doors was not locking. For our 2007 . We now have 68,000 miles on the car and it has been very reliable (knock on wood) all we had to do was normal maintenance. New tires, alignment, battery, and brakes. We did replace the battery (with in first 2 years