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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  Cant go wrong with this CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By shadow303 - June 1 - 11:16 pm

  After deciding that it was finally time to quit repairing older cars and just invest in something new, I researched, drove, looked at, and considered just about every manufacturer in the compact SUV market, and the choice was the 2012 CR-V EX-L, (no nav). This drives like a car, turns on a dime, well, maybe a nickel..but incredible turning radius, the inside is ridiculously roomy, and the dash and controls are laid out in a simplistic and easy to use manner. Its still less than a month old, so I will try to update any issues again later. Go drive one, go drive the competition, and see for yourself. The ultimate review? After owning one for two weeks, I bought a second one. Its that fun.

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  One of the best choices I made - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sepbone - May 30 - 7:48 pm

  Bought one year ago at 175,000 miles and have no problems and has gotten more and more fun to drive. This is my dream car. Keep up on maintenance and you will have a great car for a long time! Thanks Honda!

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  still great!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - May 26 - 2:15 pm

  been 8 months now and STILL GREAT....we are soooooo happy with our choice...almost wish for snow to the the 4 wheel drive!! but not just yat summer beckons!! I would highly recommend a honda to anyone!!!

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  Great car! - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By suswaski - May 23 - 11:52 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a mini van that had four real opening doors- I love the size of it, decent power and gas mileage, very versatile vehicle, super reliable. I have driven mine about 4 years now on a Salvage title- I was hit by a teenage driver and my car was "totalled" due to the costs of the repair- I have almost 180,000 miles on the car and it is still going strong! I bought it with about 88,000 miles on it. i only wish it came in a AWD, and that they still made these cars-- I dont know what I will buy when it finally dies. :(

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  Bang for the buck - 2012 Honda Accord
  By camrykiller - May 23 - 12:42 pm

  Cant beat the price on the new Accords....Hyundai and Ford will blow head gaskets at 100K, but this Accord will keep going. The EX is sweet cause it has the better engine at 190hp, better suspension, 17" tires, killer rims, wood grain, moonroof, power seat, great stereo, and rear ducts. Add the wing spoiler and tint and the car becomes beautiful. Camrys are boring, Ford and Hyundai are a fad, and European cars will make you pull out your check book at service intervals. Get the new Accord cause all the bugs have been worked out of this body style for this model year. Fun to drive, and can fit the whole family

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  I bought my new 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchback with cash way back then... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By biggeek - May 23 - 3:33 am

  2012...Perhaps 20 years, 140k miles and $5k total so far over that entire time for non-consumable repairs (CV boots, cracked engine mounts, etc.) The original engine is still running fine. It seems like every other year, I get a note left on my 1991 Honda Civic SI hatchbacks windshield: "Do you want to sell this as-is? Call me at xxx-xxxx"

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  Great Car / Great Mileage - 1995 Honda Civic
  By kendaddy126 - May 22 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my civic for a while now. It gets as high as 48mpg. I average around 39mpg. Its not big on creature comforts... no cruse, no power steering, no power locks, no power windows. Its got AC and a radio. It also has over 200,000 miles on it. Still runs strong. Ive done the timing belt once (time for another) CV axels, master cylinder, battery, alternator, and general mantance.. thats it! Im now debateing spending more money on another timing belt and to have the seat re-done.. dont know if its worth it on a car this old, but its paid for and runs great so I probably will... Its also bone stock.. no rice rocket here

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  Fun Drive! - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By rzmann - May 21 - 10:55 am

  Had this car for 5 months now and cant wait to drive it each day. We live in the Rockies and travel to Salt Lake Utah valley often. Love the ride up and down the mountains. No lost of power coming up. Fuel average is 40 mpg. Sport car all the way!

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  Honda got this one right - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jhonda82 - May 21 - 10:46 am

  This one softens the blow a bit for all those who just need a bigger family friendly car. Ive been a sedan guy all my life but it was time to get something with some more cargo space and good on gas for those long road trips. My wife and I spent months researching both new and used vehicles in the crossover segment. Ultimately the redesigned 2012 CR-V is IMO a huge step forward over previous model years. It was certainly worth the extra few bucks to get the 2012. Many new features are now standard. My smart phone integration is flawless. Album art from Pandora/Ipod shows on display. Bluetooth quality is good too if you dont want to use the USB cable.

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  FANTASTIC VEHICLE!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By tlccar1 - May 19 - 9:29 am

  Let me start by saying is any vehicle perfect? No. But this CR-V comes close. It is very roomy, fun to drive, gets decent mileage (22 mpg all the time) for an SUV and is as reliable as can be. It is great in the snow and gives a firm but comfortable ride. We replaced an Accord wagon that was loved but this CR-V has surpassed our expectations. If you want reliable transportation wrapped in good looks and comfort, the CR-V is the way to go.