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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  Awesome alternative to BMW/Audi - 2008 Honda Accord
  By cvdood - March 9 - 10:12 pm

  Having been a Honda owner for 10yrs I wanted a change but didnt want to put up with the excessive cost of ownership of the Euro entry-luxe cars. I was going to replace my 4door Accord with the gorgeous Lexus IS350 but found this beauty on the lot and on the very first drive was sold. So much different than the 4door, super sporty, great looks and that engine, revs upto 8000rpm and begs to be driven hard. IMHO this is the only real life alternative to the mustang if youre looking for a sporty coupe with an eye towards your wallet and the resale value when youre ready for something new.

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  2012 Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By happyhonda2 - March 6 - 8:31 am

  I love my new Honda Crv and was lucky to have a great salecman named Oscar G. Nichols who even offered to pick my new suv up when it needs service.This was a good experience for me because I think I was treated very fair and good.

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  Much Better Than a RAV4 - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By dave347 - March 5 - 6:30 pm

  Just traded a 2009 RAV4 for the 2012 CRV-EX. The CRV is much quieter, less road noise, peppier and much more comfortable. It looks better and rides so much better. We are hoping the reliability is as high but we think that with Honda it will be.

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  Great Car - Great Dealer - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By paul_sb - March 5 - 10:41 am

  SUV is awesome, i got this for my wife but i am always stealing it on her. Back-up cam and NAV are great. Moon roof is great especially in summer. I drove some big executives that normally drive Mercedes and Lexus, to a golf tournament this summer and they were blown away by the Pilot. I got this SUV through DCH Honda in Paramus, great group of people over there. They offered me the most competitive price around, without any haggling. The process was quick, painless and everyone was very pleasant. If you like Hondas and want to make sure you are taken care of fairly and by a car dealer you can trust, do yourself a favor and go straight to DCH Paramus.

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  Fun little car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By grahamola - March 3 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Civic back in Sept. I like howit rides, handles, and is quiet too. I would agree that there is a lot of hard plastic surfaces and blank switchplates, but they are built right.Seats are comfortable and have lots of room inside too.

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  Love My Civic EX - 2012 Honda Civic
  By civiclover1 - March 3 - 1:47 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Civic EX last May, and I love it! It is a zippy ride, and I get compliments on the appearance of the car all the time. I had a "08 Civic and loved it too, but the new technology in the new Civics is great. Drive one....you will like it and the reliability and resale are awesome. You cant go wrong with a Civic!

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  Never loved a car before in my life! - 2003 Honda Element
  By sarahkate - March 2 - 3:48 pm

  Cars were always simply a way to get places for me, until I bought my Element! I have 154000 miles on it. I have done basic maintenance brakes, struts and only just did my exhaust. I do have the original clutch, tho! It does not look 9 years old, either. I only have 1 complaint and that is that Honda has stopped making it!!! I was looking forward to a second Element when I need to replace this one. I am hoping that by that time Honda will have reissued it. I love my Element so much that I convinced both my sisters to get one!

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  All hail HONDA - 2000 Honda Accord
  By dlpadilla1 - March 1 - 3:11 pm

  All I can say is "WOW FACTOR", I have owned my Honda for the past 6 years, brand used with 49,000 mi on the odometer. Reliability - flawless, fun factor - yeah baby, comfort - oh yeah! I have put little into this car with the exception of routine maintenance and here 136,000 mi later it still runs like a dream. I have no plans on getting rid of it, new car - uh no, new motor - yeah when it needs it, same goes for the tranny, I would definately recommend this car to anybody looking to buy one, sorry kids, get your own Honda.

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  The way a Honda should be - 2003 Honda Civic
  By honda4311 - February 29 - 8:57 pm

  The seashore mist metallic coupe now has 120,000+ miles on it and still runs great. It uses a negligable amount of oil, and the oil stays clean between the changes. I just changed all of the belts, thermostat, plugs, brake rotors, and tires. The car runs like new except for a little belt screach when its cold and/or wet. Im really anticipating getting 200,000+ out of this car. My wife however, not so lucky. A 2002 Honda Accord SE with the same mileage riddled with oil consumption problems (1/2 quart week) and a transmission that is holding on for dear life.

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  Fun to Drive and Economical. - 2012 Honda CR-Z
  By lw3 - February 29 - 12:33 pm

  Im not a typical Hybrid buyer and this wasnt a car I was even considering until I saw it on the showroom floor. I took a test drive almost on a lark. But then a funny thing happened, I fell in love with this car. It feels like a sports car, and yet it gets great gas mileage and looks great. The design team looked at Minis, VW Sciroccos and Lotus. I would say they relied on the Lotus most of all. Yes , theres no back seat, but have you ever sat in a Mini backseat or a VW? I actually feel the cargo room is a better way to go.