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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  Sweet car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mike n. - June 1 - 9:53 pm

  The reliability of these cars cant be touched. Why buy American? The last Dodge I owned was a mud motor! I also owned an Oldsmobile, what a joke! Ive had my Honda over 2 years and no problems. Brakes and battery yes, but normal on any car. I also owned a Nissan maxima for over 10 years! Only normal wear and tear. Although I must say Chevy trucks are the best! Fords have horrible trannys! If not for Chevy I would only buy Honda or Nissan. I hope this info will help you when shop around.

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  1998 Honda Prelude - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Ivan Garcia - June 1 - 8:40 pm

  Well, what can I say about the Honda Prelude, I own one myself. A 1998 Honda prelude automatic which is much fun to drive in the city of Salem. Its real sporty car and has a decent 4cyl v6 motor making 195 hp.

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  Tons of Room! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tinydancer - June 1 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased my CR-V with about 22,000 miles on it and it now has nearly 55,000. It is a reliable vehicle and drives like a car. I feel very safe in it and it has room to spare. The CR-V gets decent gas mileage for an SUV, but it could be better. I commute about 50 miles per day, round trip, and road noise it a bit of a problem on the highway. Ive also been noticing an increasing number of rattles. Unlike many others, I have yet to have a problem with the air conditioning (knock on wood). Overall, I think the CR-V is a good compact SUV, but Im thinking of trading mine in for a smaller car since gas prices are so high and dont appear to be dropping anytime soon.

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  Honda Prelude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By anthony - June 1 - 8:01 pm

  Bought this car brand new right of the boat, they actually just unloaded it on the lot, bought it with 3 miles on it, the 3 miles I put on the car test driving it. It is too bad Honda cannot built a decent electric car that looks like this. They need to pay more attention to Tesla motors and get away from the electric cars that look like boxes with wheels on them

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bladebeme - June 1 - 6:16 pm

  What a great small mid-size SUV. Only problem is lack of power, but other than that its a SUV that rides and drives like a car.

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  Hybrid - great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By G. Gagnon - June 1 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great car - 45-52 mpg - original owner and I am very pleased. The downfall is the noise level, especially in the back seat. Seats could be a bit more plush also.

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  Very reliable - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SB - June 1 - 4:11 pm

  This is a great vehicle! I bought this car as a used car certified with 30,000 miles and it has been very reliable! I have driven long distances on numerous occasions and havent had one problem in the 3 years that I have owned it.

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  Good Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bob - June 1 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car since I commute over 50 miles to work. I am not getting the gas mileage advertised, but it is pretty close (44-47 mile range), and I drive fairly fast (70-75 mph). I dont do much city driving but when I do, I get in the 40 mph range. Its still a great deal though and with the mileage I save, the savings are adding up. I am a tiny bit disappointed by the interior room especially in the drivers side. The head room is fine, but my right knee continually rubs against the interior dash by the radio. The seats also dont have the greatest support in the world, so one is pretty cramped after a long trip. Cockpit dash design is pretty cool expecially a night! Radio is great.

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  Phoenix Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Phoenix Civic - June 1 - 3:06 pm

  Excellent car. Honda got it right with their redesign! Great normal Honda quality, ride, performance, etc.

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  My first Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Big Daddy "54" - June 1 - 1:40 pm

  Shopped around looking at Accord, Camry, Mazda 6. Hands down, the best overall value with standard safety features. Ive only had it for 3 weeks now. Plenty of pep in the 4 cyl. First round trip of 520 miles, mostly freeway, I averaged 38+ mpg w/5 speed manual (but Im a conservative driver). Handling is responsive but the ride is a little stiff. Plenty of leg and head room and ample room in back seat for 2 passengers.