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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  BEST MINIVAN. But NOT perfect... - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By conniereddy - March 22 - 4:19 am

  So, were at 3k mi. and I LOVE our van!! OVERALL, compared to 2012 Sienna: it looks WAY better, is safer, gets better gas mileage, and has MANY more features standard. My husband ENJOYS driving it (as do I). I think it drives beautifully - not at all like my step-fathers minivan. Its controls are reachable (love the steering wheel controls), and the electronics are rather intuitive, I think! That said, it has its design flaws and neither van is worth 35k so, the value factor just isnt there. Nevertheless, its the best on the market for the money and we bought it and are VERY happy overall :)

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  A reliable, durable pleasure! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By freshlife51 - March 21 - 12:04 am

  Ive thoroughly enjoyed this tough little SUV!! From Sept. 2005 thrul March 2012 Ive put about 70,000 miles on my EX automatic transmission, city driving about 3/4 of the time. Its agile (fantastic turn circumference & good get-up-and-go for hwy on-ramps), comfortable & roomy (great passenger & cargo space! Car seat plus 2 adults fit in back), & has cheerfully handled our over-loaded vacation road trips. Ive not had to put a dime into my CR-V except for scheduled maintenance & to (rarely) replace "disposables" like a bulb or tires. Not luxurious but quite comfortable. Road noise is annoyingly pronounced (get with it, Honda!!), but otherwise, this attractive workhorse has been a pure joy!

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  First major maintenance at 209,599 - 2005 Honda Accord
  By joeydnj537 - March 20 - 11:48 pm

  Purchased new. I am the only driver. Original Michelin tires replaced at 40,000 with Bridgestone Potenza a 50,000 rated Z tire, which I got 70,000 from. Replaced them with Bridgestone Turanza Serenty H rated. I rotate every 15,000 and filled with nitrogen. Replaced factory brake pads only at 70,000. Made mistake using aftermarket pads which yielded on 40,000. Replaced those pads only with Honda pads original rotors without cutting. Replaced spark plugs at 130,000. Replaced starter at 160,000. Replaced catalytic converter at 180,000 with a junkyard 2006 model crash with 30,000 on it. At 210,000 front Brembo rotors, rear rotors, Honda pads, 2 O2 sensor, MAF sensor, RF axle, control arm bushing

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  Love my lil 4 banger - 1998 Honda Civic
  By kickback2 - March 19 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car in 1998. Was my first new car. I was into the fast and furious concepts of things. The only mod I still have left on the car is air intake and the exhuast tip. I have gone through 1 window mash attempt to steal the car. They didnt steal at that time. On the side nice big scrape on the passenger door which I never fixed. Then the car was stolen and took my nice after market system with sub and amps. To say the least I was bummed. They found the car 3 days later. I had my insurace restore the car to stock has I bought brand new. I can say I have repalced several things over the pass 14 years with 145,000 miles on it ans still running great.

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  This CUV/SUV is great!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chuckles0505 - March 18 - 9:45 pm

  I absolutely adore mine! I bought it a couple of years ago, and I love it -- it is 100% better than the stupid Civic I had, a definite lemon, unfortunately. However, the CRV makes up for all that!!! It handles wonderfully, is quiet, has enough power for me, and has caused me no problems whatsoever!!! What a relief to finally have such a great car!!

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By techgromit - March 18 - 9:21 pm

  I owned my 2003 Honda Civic LX for 8 years now, its given me the least amount of problems compared to every other car I ever owned. True its also the first new car I ever owned, but Ive has far more problems with other used cars with less mileage. Parts last longer than other cars Ive owned, from tires, to struts to breaks, they all need to be replaced less often, at least thats been my experience. The transmission does slip a little when it cold out until the car is warmed up, replacing the transmission fluid twice did little to improve it, but so long as I let the car warm up before doing any drag races, it runs fine.

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  Another Great Honda - 2012 Honda Accord
  By mmill_1 - March 18 - 2:02 am

  Ive had many Honda vehicles in my life including several motorcycles, the Ridgeline, an S2000, a Civic hybrid and now this Accord. Its safe to say Im a fan but I write this objectively in order to hopefully provide feedback for prospective buyers. I was able to get into this fully loaded Accord and I couldnt be happier (I also intend to update throughout ownership). It feels as solidly built as any other Honda vehicle I have had, the previous best being my 06 Interceptor with the Ridgeline a close second. It is definitely the most advanced. It will be a while before I absorb the functionality of all the systems. Spectacular first impressions.

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  2010 Honda Civic Lx-s Sedan - 2010 Honda Civic
  By honduh10 - March 17 - 8:08 am

  Handles like a go kart, in a good way, steering is nice and tight, not too tight. Suspension is firm around corners but absorbs the bumps. Gas mileage so far is 35 mpg with an automatic 50% highway 50% around town. Stereo is decent, not cheap, but nothing high-end. The lx-s comes with a black interior for anyone who hates the all gray look. Also comes with a small deck lid spoiler, rims, leather steering wheel and sportier seats. Engine feels like its going to run forever. Cant notice the transmission shifting except when going from reverse to drive. Back seat room is amazing. My 6ft 4in dad has leg room to move around and enough head room to feel comfortable. The flat floor helps alot too.

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  2nd one and love it even more. - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By thomasj106 - March 14 - 7:47 am

  The Pilot is spacious and is loaded with features. The Nav system interface has improved dramatically. The new phone integration into the system is so much better than the 2010 model. Fuel economy is better in my new 4WD version that it was in my 2010 FWD. Amazing. Drawbacks to me include: 1) Acceleration/HP could be a little better, although acceleration has improved over the 2010. 2) The braking feels worse. In bumper to bumper I was nervous about stopping. 3) The Navs turn-by-turn has added a glitch. Exit warnings come up too early. I got off an exit twice because the system showed me getting off two exits ahead. 4) Voice recognition seems problematic now, but wasnt before.

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  You gotta luv it ! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By chuckles6 - March 13 - 7:23 pm

  I have only had this car for 3 weeks. I wanted to wait longer to write a review, However Im so excited about this little SUV I just had to let it out. With 600 miles on this car there is nothing I do not like about it. I have owned 60 cars and trucks in the last 36 years, 13 of them Hondas. Like always Honda has done it again. Solid, Quiet, and quality the just does not stop. I have owned Toyotas, Nissans, Subarus, Fords, Chevys, BMWs, Mazadas, etc. Everytime I switch to a different brand, I always miss my Hondas. This SUV feels very upscale when driving down the road. The interior is very pleasant and comfortable. Fit & finish is great. If you are thinking about it, you gotta get one.