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 for teen - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By vern125 - November 22 - 4:47 am

  I researched for months on the best car for my 16 year old. Hands down, this was the best one in regards to safety, quality and even looks. My daughter is short and has a commanding view of the road. We got the EX with black bumpers because she is sure to bump something here and there and with no paint to scuff off it will stay looking nice:-). Not one rattle. My GMC sounds like parts are going to fall off when I hit a pothole, the CRV is rock solid. Yes, it does have more road noise than some others, but not that much. We came down to the Rav4 and this. This was a better choice, although Toyota would have been a very close second. The Honda just "feels" better if you know what I mean.

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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By lutzie - November 21 - 7:43 pm

  I went from a chevy truck to a Civic in May and I am very pleased. I test drove the 2011 and 2012 civic. The 2012 has more room for the driver because the E-brake is back further for more room. I am 76 inches tall at 265lb and comfortable in this vehicle. It also is iPod ready and very friendly to operate all features. The ECON feature is unbelievable to say the least. Gas mileage has increased since I bought this car. I now have 7500 miles on it and my MPG was 45 average on my drive home from work, it was 33MPG before I filled up due to my in town driving. You cant ask for a better car and gas mileage on a gas engine. It is peppy, but the more you get into it the lower the MPG.

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  BEST HONDA I EVER OWNED - 2009 Honda Accord
  By 2bad - November 20 - 5:07 am

  Sounds like some people bought cars made on a Monday or Friday. My 09 EXL is the best Honda yet, and I have owned them since 1988. No problems, looks like a BMW at a third of the cost! Great job Honda.

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  Still a great ride! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By limaguy79 - November 20 - 12:28 am

  My intitial impression of owning the car is great. Its incrementally better than gen. 8 (2006-2011) The information display is very helpful and the ride is comfortable. Continental 16" tires have been no problem in rain on the hwy and car handles in typical Honda fasion with a compliant and solid feeling. The interior, which has been the subject of much debate could feel a little "warmer" but overall isnt offensive. The navigation system in my vehicle helps to absorb some of the plainess on the dash associated with lower trim models. I continue to stay with Honda for their reliablity, strong resale value and for how well im treated at my local Honda dealership for service.

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  I simply love the reliability and low maintenance - 2004 Honda Element
  By djevanstn - November 16 - 3:05 pm

  I love to drive it Its extremely easy to maintain It has very low cost to maintain Brakes are great Its tow-able (behind an RV) and Ive towed it quite a bit with not even the slightest issue I dont think I mentioned reliable - it is! EXTREME head clearance easy to add towing package with lights (simply plug in for trailer lights)

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  The One! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By pbconspiracy - November 15 - 11:21 am

  I bought this used in 2010 with 50k miles. Now at 77k miles. Not a single issue. After 1.5 years and 27,000 miles, I understand the Accord marketing slogan "The One". This is hands-down the best car Ive ever owned. The performance of the 4 cyl engine is better than V6s Ive owned in the past. This car is comfortable, smooth, sporty perfect.

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  Safest Minvan - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By pbconspiracy - November 15 - 11:16 am

  Traded a 2008 Grand Caravan, which was nothing but problems for a CPO 2008 Odyssey. Had it for 6 months with no issues. Extremely comfortable, and performed flawlessly on a 1,500 trip this summer. However, the best feature is the safety of this vehicle. My wife & daughter were rear-ended by a car doing 40mph while they were standing still. Car totaled Odyssey incurred $5,000 worth of damage. Wife and daughter walked away unhurt.

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  Great truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By muddyh - November 14 - 9:27 pm

  95000 K so far, no issues, very good in snow, easy to park, pulls 5000 lbs okay, also overloaded it a few times with heavy items and no issues, had full size before but dont need or want a full size.

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  love car, hate headlights - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By dj1937 - November 13 - 5:18 pm

  When driving with low beams on the visibility is terrible. it looks like a dark shade is pulled down 2/3s of the way on the windshield. On a hilly, curvy road you can see the posts , but not the sign on top of it.. I think it is dangerous. I have written Honda and have talked to the BB for Auto and filled out a kit they supplied. Honda in Calif. says there is nothing wrong with the headlights. . I am sure I will hear from the Better Business for Autos.

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  Best Car for the Value - 2012 Honda Accord
  By gooddriver - November 12 - 5:05 pm

  After careful consideration, I ended up with an 2012 Accord SE. I had a 2006 SE which I hand it to my teenager. The new SE is even better and with more standard options, like heated leather seats and power seat. I compared this car to 2012 Camry, and Acura TL., okay TL is not in the same class, but there is nothing less that SE offers for substantially less price, and you dont have to worry about a timing belt that the TL (and all 6 cyl. Hondas have). The new SE has plenty of power, nice tight ride, beautiful and logically layout dash, and controls. I just finished the first tank of gas, and got about 30 MPG, in combined driving, same as my 2006. So, the SE is the best choice I say.