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 reliable commuting car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By truthful4 - December 29 - 9:49 pm

  I bought this car new and have driven it 1900 miles . The gas mileage is great! I have got up to 42 mpg on a good hwy. The average mpg in and out of town is 32. The car has an excellent audio system.The drive is comfortable for a small car. The noise level is not much different than any other small economical car . I am impressed with the fold down back seats for storage. I miss the middle arm console between the two front seats. I also noticed the cars acceleration is somewhat sluggish and loud going up hills and inclines. I miss an outside temp. gauge and would like to see an a.c. outlet added . Word of warning ..Four large adults is pushing it. So far a good little car

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  My Honda saved my life!! Thank you Honda! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By mbw5 - December 29 - 9:08 pm

  I was in a horrible accident last night - an ambulance slammed into me while I was sitting at an exit ramp from the highway. I must have been hit about 70 miles an hour and there was nowhere for me to go. My CRV is totaled and my face hit something -- Im guessing the steering wheel -- and I broke my nose. And that was it. I went to see the car at the impound lot today and I truly believe Honda saved my life. The car accordioned in everywhere but stopped before any damage could occur to the back row of seats or the front row of seats. The seating area is completely intact!! I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this cars safety.

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  Just bought - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ajmorin - December 29 - 12:25 pm

  Just bought this car. Found it fun to drive, comfortable (I am 5 9" x 210lbs). Gave it a 3 on reliability because not experienced. Read some things about funky dash design. Spoke with a friend that said it took 2-3 days to get comfort with it. Took me 1 day. Not a distraction .. rather an advantage by placing it in sight. Found you do not tend to leave directionals on as you can see as you drive w/o looking for them. Bought at local Silko Honda, Raynham, MA dealership (last place I thought of shopping for a car at) with the ONLY Lifetime Powertrain Warranty for the purchaser. This vehicle was also certified.

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  Honda, never again - 2009 Honda Accord
  By whiskeysausage - December 28 - 1:46 am

  Ive owned 4 Hondas in my life, and as the saying goes, they just dont build them like they used to. 94 Accord, 98 Civic, a 00 Accord, and now a 2009 Accord. I bought the 09 Accord because I wanted a new Honda (all my others had been 2nd/3rd owner cars) But, simply put, this 2009 is a disaster - from the sub par brakes, the sub par interior, the sub par dash, to the squeaky fan noise that everyone can hear except the Honda Dealership - all before 20,000miles. Its like they fired all of their good engineers and hired the interns. Simply put, DO NOT BUY a HONDA. You will regret it.

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  AS expected - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stevenzhuli - December 26 - 8:01 pm

  I bought 2011 CRV LX 4WD a few weeks ago, so far driving is ok. Not feel like 180 horse power.But OK for commute. Interior quality just So so. I found one thing seams not right, it is the tail pipe getting black, finger gets black if you touch the inside of the pipe. (I only drove 400 KM). If anybody can tell me it is normal or not? I have another new car Nissan Sentra, looks much better at the inside pipe a lot of cleaner. Please help comment

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  UGH u DAMN TRANS - 2001 Honda Accord
  By peteytemple - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 Accord and noticed some slipping within the first week from the Trans. Brought it back and they replaced it. Start driving down the road and realize the Shifting in the car is worse than it was b4. Brought it back and now they are fixing it again. Honestly after reading all the reviews about how this car has major transmission problems, I may just return the car. Something in my gut tells me to return it now b4 the 30 days is up and then to get screwed.

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  I love my Honda - 1995 Honda Civic
  By katemeister - December 22 - 6:09 pm

  I bought my car last year and have put well over 30k. The guy I bought it from figured it must be getting old at 230k for miles. Now at 266k it still goes and goes. I had to put a transmission in it when I got it. (which I got for $140 used and installed only into it less that $500). All I ever have to do is put oil in it .

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  Things to watch out for on a 2012 4WD EX-L - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By flyguy405 - December 22 - 4:33 pm

  I have had the vehicle for about 3 months and have repeatedly tried to resolve a vibration/buzz in the vehicle. There was a vibration at 65-80mph in the steering and frame. There is a buzz when driving at any speed above 55mph. For the vibration I had to take it in 4 times and they were finally able to get rid of most of it. Replaced tires, and doing a RoadForce balance. There is still some vibration at 80mph. The buzz will always be there. Honda USA representative (customer service) said that "is characteristic for this vehicle". Take away from this, if you have your heart set on a Pilot, take it for an extended drive and make sure that you can live with these symptoms. Good Luck

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  2012 Insight EX with Navi - 2012 Honda Insight
  By john57110 - December 21 - 2:30 pm

  I recently purchased a Black Insight EX with Navi after careful comparison with the Prius. I concluded that the Insight is a much better value, ($10,000 less than top of the line Prius, although it doesnt offer quite as many options) and is much more enjoyable to drive. I purchased this as a commuter car (60 mile round trip to work) and for running errands. I consistently avg 45mpg (calculated by fuel up to miles driven). Overall I am very pleased with this vehicle and believe it would have see better sales if it was marketed better. Also, contrary to Edmunds review this car is capable of electric only operation although in very limited circumstances (flat level ground under 25 mph).

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  Great Car.... when the transmission works. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By kramer265 - December 21 - 9:33 am

  My vehicle had its transmission replaced at 53,000 miles (under the extended Honda warranty), it is now at 134,000 miles and is again in transmission failure. The extended Honda warranty does not cover vehicles over 100,000 miles even if they replaced the transmission themselves. Cost for a rebuild is $1800 $3500 for a new one. The car is great!, but in my case the transmissions have averaged around 60k miles before failure.