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 Car Ever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By AJB1 - May 21 - 5:16 pm

  Smooth Even Ride. Great acceleration on highway. Wish the seats werent quite so low.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By emmy - May 21 - 4:54 pm

  Purchased HAH used for $24K w/ only 7K miles. Like many, I am a little disappointed with the mpg for a hybrid but considering its a 6 cylinder, I really cant complain too much considering I average 26 mpg and have gotten up to 37 mpg on long trips. This car is so comfortable w/ leather seats, handles smooth and has great pickup. I drove a 97 Camry before this and, although I was very happy with Toyota, I really love how my HAH drives. Also have ridden in a Prius and the seats are so uncomfortable. I really have no regrets on my HAH.

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  Love the Car, Hate American Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Carrie - May 21 - 3:20 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2004. Have loved it ever since. Live in MI so more cold than warmth. Great car for the snow.AC just blew up on the road in the middle of Nov07. Wasnt even being used.Car has 104,000 miles on it. Called Honda after researching and finding out this a well known problem w/ the Air Compressors. Honda said because the dealer found clutch in April of 08 Rusted out in my bumper my car must have been in a collision. HELLO! Salt, SNOW.Yeah it rusted. No GOODWILL WARRANTY FOR ME. I have never had a single warranty claim and Honda cant help me out. Car has NEVER been in an accident. If I lived in Florida this would have happened a lot sooner. Will not buy a Honda again!

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  391000! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Matt - May 21 - 1:19 pm

  I have had the car only a year but it has been very good. It was given to me just about dead with a trans leak, broken windshield and ripped cv boot. After repaired it has been a great car, still going strong at 393,000 km!

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  Wind thru what little hair left. - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Bill Uthlaut - May 21 - 10:03 am

  Second car, only for those top down days. Better low end torque than 03s and earlier. One of few convertibles that will fit a 63" guy. I compared both of the BMWs against the Honda and just handed back their keys. I average about 24 mpg even with pushing it hard sometimes.

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  no more Hondas - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HYPE by honda - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Had the Accord SE 2door 13 months. Attracted by the exterior looks, promise of GREAT mileage, Honda quality and the best lease going. Been dissappointed for 13 months. Mileage is NOT as promised, fabric is CHEAP and rubbing thin on armrest areas, light put out by headlights is so low that I use the high beams, loose screws found everywhere, constant rattle in the dash, visor mirror covers rattle when visors lowered, heater VERY slow A/C is worse, took MONTHS to coordinate rear view mirror with vertical power seat settings and "tilt" steering wheel to stop my right leg from falling asleep after 30 minutes. The dealer is less than responsive.

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  Smazing car - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By ATMskater74 - May 21 - 8:28 am

  I love this car. Ive had mine a little over a year, and I have wanted one since this model year was new. It is built extremely well and they last forever with minimal expensive repairs. The engine is pretty peppy and it handles like its on rails. The interior is comfortable and the exterior styling is beautiful. One of the best cars available for that price, in my opinion.

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  2010 Accord exl 6cyl with Nav - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Paul - May 20 - 8:16 pm

  Very enjoyable to drive. Styling very similar to higher priced cars in this class. Excellent value, great equipment options comparable to cars costing 10,000 to 15,000 more

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  Our New Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Todd - May 20 - 7:03 pm

  Nice Crossover SUV. Smooth driving and roomy. NO mechanical complaints, only had it 6 days. Its a Honda, it better not have any! It is made in the US however.

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  Lots of Problems with Mine - 1999 Honda Passport
  By gladitsgone - May 20 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my Passport under the Certified Vehicle Program when it was 2 yrs old. Im glad I did, because the warranty covered 2 of my 3 intake gasket replacements, plus a bunch of other continuous problems. The dealer told me the gasket problem was a defect in the production of this vehicle by ISUZU, and that they had a lot of Passports come through with the same problem. I loved the exterior look, the interior styling was sharp, and it had plenty of room. Too bad I couldnt go a year without taking it in for some sort of repair. I just sold it at 133,000 miles, and it now needs a EGR valve replacement.