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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  Honda Lude Review - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By wkaisers - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car and a shame Honda stopped production of the Prelude. A great used car and fortuneately for prospective buyers, good deals are out there for low- mileage Preludes.

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  This Is It !!! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By ggovert - October 27 - 2:00 am

  When I test drove the Insight it handled great with a lot of pep, and thought this was pretty sharp. I wasnt looking to by a car for myself. Then my dealer made me an offer I couldnt refuse. I drove it home, and got over 90mpg. Since then I average between 55 & 90mpg, depending on how much in a hurry Im in. Definatly the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By Joseph Lipnickas - October 26 - 11:16 pm

  A versitile SUV. The various ways the seats can be folded or removed makes this truck great. Combines a SUV with a cargo van. Waterproof interior a breeze to clean-just dont aim the hose towards the speakers. Plus Hondas reliabilty. I traded my 1991 Honda Civic with 189,000 miles in for the Element. The Civic was still running great 14 years later but my kids need something bigger.

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  for young couples who wants to save mone - 2008 Honda Civic
  By umi - October 26 - 8:43 am

  We bought our Honda Civic on April 2008. Since that time I am trying to calculate the miles on the each tank. But I never got more than 23 miles average MPG with the mixed driving in city and highway. I cannot believe that someone gets more than 28 miles MPG. The interior is fine except the place for speedometer. The starting of movement is fine. I can get 40-45 miles per hour when RPM under 1700. The exterior is really nice. The car is wonderful for a small family. I could get 32 miles MPG just on highway, but I never got 38 miles MPG on highway, it is unrealistic. Even I have a hard foot, I think that I could get more MPG than I have now. I made 7600 miles and generally OK with the Civic.

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  Forget the Suburban, this is much better - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Mark McKenzie - October 26 - 1:10 am

  The touring Odyssey is incredible! I have an 02 Tahoe and my wife had a V6 Passat before trading the Passat for the Odyssey. We both love the van! I may trade the Tahoe for my own Odyssey. Our opinion, pay for the upgrades...the back-up camera is great, power doors and power liftgate, intergrated DVD and NAV, voice activation...this thing is awesome. I drove the Toyota Sienna and it does not compare to the Honda. Go drive one if you dealer has one; they can be hard to find.

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  A Great Car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mike Stonewall - October 25 - 5:54 pm

  For the price you get the most bang for your buck with a Honda Accord Sedan.....the EX model is more than well appointed and this car is just the right size. Gas mileage is excellent.

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  A fun, sporty ride that wont disappoint - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Patty - October 25 - 4:43 pm

  I fell in love with this car the minute I saw it. Instead of purchasing a new coupe, I scored a Certified Used 2006 with only 771 miles in the beautiful Royal Blue Pearl for a fraction of what a new one would have cost me. Ive only owned my coupe for 7 months and today was honestly the only day I had a problem with it. For some odd reason the engine wouldnt turn over!! It finally started. That was very puzzling and if it happens again, I of course will take it back to the dealer. Other than that, this car has not disappointed me at all. I get endless compliments on it all the time.

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By AZLUDE - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Best Car on the road fast anf fun what else can you say.

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  Ill buy another - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Bonnie Antalick - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Insight. My large 64" 250 lbs husband does also. We drove it from St. Louis to Palm Springs California this summer and all he did was rave about how much fun, power, and gas economy it had. I have had people I work with ask to drive it and they loved it. I dont understand why I dont see more. You can test drive mine any time.

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  Great family car - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By sreiss - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This car doesnt sell at MSRP for no good reason-- its definitely in high demand because its a great car. If you have young children, this car does it all. Even if you dont, it does. We know more than one older couple who have bought this car just because its so well built and well designed. Its very flexible and comfortable on long trips. Highly recommended.