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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  168,000 km (104,000 miles) - 2007 Honda Civic
  By vtwins - April 29 - 10:01 pm

  Had the car almost 5 years. Most recent mileage of 60/40 hwy city with a heavy foot netted the equivalent of 30 mpg or 7.72 L/100km. Not bad. Yes, there were two recalls during my warranty period and one warranty work. No big deal. I just brought it in during my oil changes at the beginning. Now I do all the fluid changes myself. Worries. One touch up stops about an inch from the top and comes back down. That was the warranty work. Just after the warranty it stopped again so I just hold the up button. Other concern is the transmission. At 25km accelerating slowly, there is a shutter. If I accelerate quickly, there is no shutter. Yes, Ive been changing the transmission fluid. Well see.

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  Totally worth it :) - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mau1740 - April 29 - 5:30 pm

  I bought mine used 2 yrs ago with 48K miles. Today it has 103K miles and I have never had a problem with it .The only thing I have done is change the battery. Drives excellent and is very reliable. It gets about 29 to a gallon on average. Great car :)

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  update to last review - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - April 29 - 7:08 am

  our crv now has 3300 miles on it and we just went from nj to newport ri on vacation.....still a fantastic vehicle...read some stories about tires wearing out early and some suspension bolt problems,but so far so good..despite high winds on the drive home this car was incredibly stable...glad we chose it

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  2012 Honda CR-V LX - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By indigo1 - April 28 - 5:25 pm

  Just got my new crv lx model today. Love It!! The dealership was very pleasant to work with. I purchased mine for $23,200 it was $463 lower then the TMV for my area. It drives so very smoothly, I can not hear the road noise and going over imperfections in the road is smooth riding. The only thing I need is to locate a retractable shield cover to hide any items in the back. Love the back up camera and the fact that the back head rest do lay down when not in use, this allows for more vision through the back windows. Love being able to talk hand free with my Galaxy S phone paired to the imid. Great car this is my second Honda purchase.

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  Great crossover - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By enginemedic21 - April 27 - 9:26 am

  I purchased this vehicle in the past week after doing about a month of researching different vehicles online and visiting the dealership for test drives.As I am a college student I was not able to purchase the EX-L model but I am more than happy with the LX model I purchased.I drove pick up trucks all my life(F150/Ranger/Tacoma) so I needed a SUV that could pull a trailor but also wasnt bad on gas as my commute is going to be far.I test drove the new CX5,Rav4,Rogue, etc and found these to be the strong points on the Hondasmooth/quiet ride,most power(for the 4 cylinder),interior build quality and there sync system is amazing.Im able to like/dislike Pandora songs from my steering wheel.

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  I love it - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By dano_seattle - April 25 - 12:02 am

  I saw a couple of these running around town, but never really stopped to look. I began calculating gas costs of my 1997 gas eater and decided it was time to look around. I looked at all kinds of different models, hybrids, new, used, etc. I finally settled on the CR-Z as my first choice for test drive and once I drove it, that was it. If I wasnt convinced before I was then. Sleek, sharp, and comfortable all around would be the best way to describe. I completely agree with the other reviewers as well.

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  LOVE this car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By shootingstar3 - April 24 - 9:42 am

  I wasnt even going to look at this car due to poor reviews, but my hubby had to take his CRV in for service and I was killing time browsing the lot, sat in one, drove it, loved it and traded my 07 RAV4 on the spot. Super glad I did! Dont understand the knocks this car is getting. Over the last month, I drove a Prius, Fiesta, Focus, Elantra, Mazda3, VW GTI, and Volvo C30(loved that one, but $$), and ruled them all out. Was just going to keep the RAV until this car. It is comfy, sporty, and OMG, the mileage! I just filled it for the first time and got 35mpg in TOWN people! This is an automatic and not a hybrid. It rides smoother than my RAV and handles great. Not a rocket, but adequate power

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  Great Car,A Few Minor Complaints - 2012 Honda Fit
  By giantravis - April 22 - 12:04 pm

  Ive had my Fit for about 2 months now. I spent a lot of time on here and consumer reports before choosing the Fit. I was sold on the reliability history,cargo room, and mpg. The mpg is just ok for a car its size in the city. However, if your commuting and driving between 55 and 65 mph, you can probably get 40 mpg during those stretches. Ive averaged 30 mpg with about 60% hwy/40% city. A few small things bother me. No miles till empty reading, no outside temperature reading,and the cupholders are awkward underneath the console. Also, the body is soft like most Hondas and may ding easy. Other than that, good mpg,great handling(fun to drive) and most importantly has great reliablity record.

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  Great small Suv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By small3 - April 22 - 6:35 am

  I have had my 1999 Honda Suv for 6 years with no problems! It now has 343000 on the clock but still goes like a dream. The AWD for me is great. I have launched my boat in some really awkward places at Jozini dam but the car never let me down. We had a holiday at Pont D Outo this year and the car had no problems with the sand we didnt get stuck once!!! And those sand roads are bad.

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  lovin the new 2012 Honda cr-v ex-l awd - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bbhondaguy - April 19 - 12:34 pm

  I am not affiliated with Honda, I just buy them. This Honda is stellar in every aspect. I traded in my 2008 crv lx, which I liked also, very good quality. This redsigned crossover is so nice and if you are thinking of buying one...go for it! If you can opt for the the ex-L I recommend going with this one. It will not disappoint. People that say Honda needs to put a 6 speed tranny and 6 cyl in these are nuts! This 4 cyl. has more HP than previous models and better gas mileage. Stellar performance and reliability is what consumers want and its what Honda delivers in all of the their vehicles. You cannot go wrong with the 2012 crv or any Honda new or used!