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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  2000 S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By 2000 S2000 - November 19 - 6:22 pm

  I have owned my 2000 S2000 for about a year now. Im in love! For the price range I wouldnt rather have any other vehicle. One can easily appreciate the engineering hours logged on the design of this car after driving it. It might look fun, but it doesnt stop there.

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  1998 Honda EX Coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Viking9950 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new. Vehicle is better than what we expected. No troubles what so ever. The 4 cyl. engine has plenty of power, is an excellent preformer, great fuel mileage. Vehicle has been lowered, rear spoiler added. Still gets plenty of looks. The leather interior is great with the sunroof. Radio needs to be upgraded (only bad feature on car). All else is wounderful.

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  sweet car for a 17 year old - 1999 Honda Civic
  By fbpcivicsi - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third car in less than two years (after 92 S10 and 91 Celica GT) and i know that is pathetic. this is the car i will be keeping. This car revs into the stratoshpere, which i do and still get 26 mpg in city driving. i will eventually get an intake, exhaust, and new wheels and tires. only a few rattles (wierd sunroof rattle) with 53k on the clock from the previous owner. great car.

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  CR-V The Perfect Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By fdopk - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is a versital ergonomically designed vehicle. If you are worried about saftey, it is the first SUV to get a quadruple 5 star crash test rating by the U.S. government. Price, anywere from 19k- 25k. Gas milege is anywere from 20- 23 mpg.

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  Honda accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chio-1 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my Accord! It looks great drives even better and its awesome on gas. I have owned Accords and civics and this baby has it all and more. All I can say is go test drive one and be ready to get blown away.

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  Great ride and value - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Very satisfied crv owner - November 19 - 12:29 am

  Honda has stepped up the crv with its styling, features and safety. One test drive and the explanation of all the standard features and we were sold. The EX with the turbo is all you need unless you really need leather seats,navigation or roof racks.Your phones navigation can be connected and it works great. The adaptive cruise control and lane centering features make driving relaxing(it practically drives itself). Drove from Ct to Florida and back with a loaded vehicle at 70-75mph and averaged about 37mpg. Touch screen is easy to see and use. Traded in a 2014 Toyota Camry se and my auto insurance actually dropped in price. Only negative Honda had no incentives or financing specials, but it is still a great value. No other SUV in this price range or higher can compete with this crv, I checked them all out.

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  The Family Mans Coupe! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By shaymasdaddy - November 18 - 9:56 am

  Just trade-in a Civic EX-L for a 2010 Accord EX-L V6 coupe. It handles great and my kids (5 and 9) fit in the back sit with no problem. Now that the 2010s have the tan leather with the contrasting black floor mats, the interior looks awesome. I got the taffeta white with no pinstripe which gives it a more upscale look. If you have a family of 4 and thought having a coupe was impractical, check out the Accord V6 coupe, youll be in for a surprise.

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  Accords rule ! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - November 17 - 7:10 pm

  Our Accord has given us ZERO problems the last 3 years. Bought it used with 16K miles, now it has 65K miles and no problems at all. I am 62" and it has plenty of leg room, sits 5 people easily, and has good pickup for a 2.3L 4 cylinder. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for a vehicle they can hold onto for 7-8 years. Also holds resale value extremely well so it is good equity-wise. We took a 60 month loan on this vehicle and with 24 payments left it is worth $2000 more (wholesale) than what we owe which is excellent.

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  91 Prelude SI - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By PrElUdE RaCeR - November 17 - 7:09 pm

  The 91 Prelude is a great first car. Its sporty,fast and powerful. The only downside is that performance parts are hard to come by. Also the B21a1 engine burns oil very quickly. Other than that, its a great car.

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  Lovin My Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By vito - November 17 - 9:56 am

  I needed better gas mileage yet I wanted something fun to drive and with good sporty looks. The Civic is it! The car is tight, quick enough to be safe and drives great. I get 30+ mpg around town with the air running all the time and I dont baby it. The interior room is more than ample with good comfort in the rear. I find the driver seating comfortable. The car is loaded with engineering you cant see and deserves more credit for that. The Honda engineers put a lot of thought and design into the drivetrain which is most important. I liken this car to my first Accord that I purchased in 1973. This is that car reborn in every way for fun, drive and economy. I plan on 200k miles.