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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  You got to own this one to understand... - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Kenshin24 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  You just gotta have this 94Prelude Si to understand what I am talking about here....too bad that I dont have it anymore... It has great looks,gas mileage,reliablility, and much more to satisfy driver of this awesome car... I bought used and only had it for 2 years, but it had no major and minor problems.... I loved that car... if I ever buy used car again... Ill definitely put `92~96 Prelude on top of my list...

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  Id do it again - 1999 Honda Accord
  By sjmom - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This was a great car for us. We never had any problems with it. We are looking for a larger vehicle otherwise wed buy another Honda Accord.

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  Seats Are Fine! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mark - October 2 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 6th Honda that Ive purchased new and so far this is my favorite car. I purchased the Accord EX to replace a lease return Acura RSX Type-S. The build quality is excellent and the mileage is exactly what was advertised. I was a little concerned about the seat comfort based on some of the reviews left on Edmunds.com. I can honestly say the seats are far more comfortable than any of my previous Hondas (2 Accords, 2 Civics and a CRX) and also more comfortable than my Acura RSX.

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  The sport bike you can drive... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By RickyCRX - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is truly best-defined as "The sport bike you can drive." Or "A bike with doors." The electric top is a great creature comfort. The car is one of the best handling cars Ive ever driven (including Corvette Z-06s and 3rd gen RX-7s). Its reliable enough to be a daily driver. The "lack of low end torque" has never been a problem, except when initially starting out from a stoplight. Once you get moving 10-15 feet, you can blow away anything around you. This car does just fine if you drive around town all day shifting at 4000rpm (not even half of its usable RPM range).

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  TRADED IN BENZ FOR CIVIC HYBRID - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dennis Ang - October 1 - 7:23 pm

  I just bought a 2007 MB C230 first week of May 07, after 2 weeks, traded in the car for a Civic Hybrid with navi system. Had to learn a whole new driving method, enabling me to average 45-55mpg highway and city mixed driving. The interior feels well made and thought out. The lay out of the control panel is user friendly. I test drove the Prius and compared it with the Civic hybrid; the Civic has more accessible lay out. The Prius felt like an office desk on wheels. Was able to upgrade the interior with leather... the shiny Silver leather made the interior 200% more attractive!!! The handling of this car was better than my recent MB C230. Audio is great, with aux input for mp3 players.

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  rag top for the track - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Event Horizon - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a classic and will always be a classic there is no equal.

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  3rd owner - 1993 Honda Civic
  By josef - October 1 - 2:00 am

  i bought my car last year ,i like this car very much.travelled to many cities in the midwest during winter time,when i bought it was108k,and i changed the front brakes and silenser,

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  Accord Coupe - 1999 Honda Accord
  By nselvera - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Its been a great car to have, it rides smooth and feels very well built. Its a great car for the younger crown like myself, there are tons of ways to customize the car any way you want. I threw on a set of 17 inch wheels with low profile tires and it makes it look even more aggressive. overall its been a great car to own, easy maintenance, nice quality, and great style makes this car a winner.

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  Love this car - 2003 Honda Element
  By Cfabtrev - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a wk, but I love it. It runs smoothly, its fun to drive, I like the weird look of it, and all of the space that it has. Its really easy to clean. My son loves the fact that he can put the back seat down and sleep comfortably and he loves the space and that hes higher up in the back and can see everything. I did a lot of research before getting it, and its worth every penny

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  Honda Element.... Gotta love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By MajorElement - September 30 - 10:00 am

  If you want a great, reliable, spacious, and stylish vehicle, then youll certainly appreciate the Honda Element. I bought mine for my birthday last month, and I love it. Besides benefiting from Hondas reputation of building reliable vehicles, I have lots of storage room and the vehicle gets "oohs and ahhs" every time I drive it. Please dont buy one, because I enjoy receiving the exclusive praise and treatment when strangers see it for the first time.