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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  An even better CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bongo1945 - February 12 - 8:09 pm

  This is my 4 th new CRV.since 2005. I got hooked on them with the first. Bought a new 97 because of the newer body style, then again in 2010 because I never keep a car over 3 years. I loved my 05 and 07 . Bought a 2010 and wad disappointed in it from the get-go. No power,rode rough, just didnt mister up. Took it in to my dealer to have a software recall completed and walked out with a new 2012. I have had it only 2 weeks and about 1500 miles bunt the love affair has started again. What a great car. Lots of new improvements. Im a sucker for creature comforts hence the EX-L fits my needs. Love the new dash design with new Bluetooth feature, great audio and just plain easy controls.

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  best little car ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By cj62 - February 11 - 10:05 pm

  i have had my element for 8 years i have 173,000 miles on it and have had NO major repairs!!! Only normal wear and tear repairs,tires ,battery, starter and misc. It has been the best little car so handy and practical , i haul alot even my grass clippings and leaves, its a work horse !! I will hope to get 300,000 miles out of it ,im gonna try.

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  What an outstanding automobile!! John of Columbus, NC. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jaacolumbusnc - February 9 - 7:54 pm

  On 31 January 2012, I purchased a 2012 Honda CR-V 2WD EX-L and traded in a 2011 Hyundai Genesis after a year of ownership. I was able to purchase the CR-V for $26,761 not including taxes, tags and admin. fee. That price included body side molding, splash guards and rear cargo tray. It is a fantastic vehicle right from the first drive home from the selling dealer.

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  Love my "new" car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sbmendoza - February 8 - 2:18 am

  Now that Ive had the car for a week or so Ive been able to play with the car and Im loving it! The gage in the car that shows the mpg has made me become more aware of my driving habits. So not only am I saving gas money from switching from my gt mustang to the hybrid, but I can learn how to save even more gas everyday.

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  Honda Civic rules - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ras1305 - February 6 - 4:16 pm

  Honda Civic rules

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  Great!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By kleiner - February 5 - 7:05 pm

  We bought this car used in February 2011 with 71,000 miles in it and love it. We like to sliding doors. There is a lot of cargo space. Plenty of leg room in the 3rd row. The only problem weve had is a new starter and the power-steering pump recall. We now have 88,000 miles on it and plan to drive it till it drops.

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  An Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By jay2012 - February 1 - 8:28 pm

  I brought my pilot used with 45,000 miles on it back in May of 2009. Its been a very good suv and very proud of my pilot. I wrote an review about my pilot before and wanted to write another review. Its has almost 103,000 miles on it with no issue at all. The check engine light has came on two times before and found out that there was some water in the fuel from the gas station but did not cause any harm to engine but made the engine misfire and did not feel the misfire. I always change the oil every 5000 miles using the best oil. I change the transmission fluids every 10 to 15,000 miles and other services needed and its pretty cheap services needed. Good gas mileages for the size of suv.

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  Well worth the price - 2001 Honda Accord
  By bizemoma - February 1 - 8:24 pm

  We bought our 2001 Accord with 19K on it. We have owned it for 10 years now. All we have done is the major services, oil changes, breaks and tires. It now has 93K on it and we fully expect it to go at least another 100K. We love this car. The only issue is in the fan for the heater there is a little rattle now but that is it.

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  Great sporty sedan for the money. - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cesarcoral - February 1 - 1:37 pm

  I have owned the car since April 2011 and it has 4,600 miles on it so far as of Feb. 2012. Great car and fun to drive! I have a couple complaints. Shift knob, seats adn road noise. The shift knob has an aluminum top and when the car has been sitting in the summer heat all day that shift knob becomes as hot as an iron. I ordered a leather knob yesterday to get ready for this summer. The OEM one looks nice, but its not practical. The sport seats initally are a bit tight, breaking them in now. Way too much road noise. Engine noise is nice, but noise from tires is excessive.

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  So Happy I Didnt Listen to the Reviews - 2012 Honda Civic
  By tejai - January 31 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my last Civic used--I was the 4th owner....she was a 2004 EX Coupe. Due to mechanical issues I was forced to trade her off about 2 years before I wanted to. I had read the reviews on the 2012 Civic and I was leary...so I test drove three Toyotas, a Subaru, two Mazdas a Ford and a CR-V, Accord and a Fit. Still undecided, I decided to drive a Civic. Thank goodness I make my own decisions and dont listen to everyone else..... I knew before I hit the interstate I was going to buy it. It is somewhat noisy--but nothing like my 2004. The ride is way smoother and its a fun car to maneuver through town. I have no regrets at all--very happy with my purchase. This is my 6th Honda.