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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  Great car making for a GREAT BUY ! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By James Fisher Sr - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  Finest driving automobile, I have ever driving. Comfortable for a short fat old man and sits that hugs you like a pretty woman. Leased to replace a 2012 Accord Ex-L Totaled out from hitting a cement wall head on @ 70 MPH with no injuries. Insurance paid the whole note and some extra $16,000.00 + . Didnt even come close to needing GAP insurance. Residual value after 57 months with 48015 miles 62%. If my 2017 Accord does that good I just made ONE HELL OF A DEAL!

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  Excellent - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By fblueprelude - September 10 - 2:00 am

  A great car. Honda never should have stopped making them.

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  happy honda civic ex owner - 1996 Honda Civic
  By r b - September 10 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car brand new in 96. it has been a joy to drive and very reliable transportation mode. through aaa i landed the best pricing with their no haggles pricing agreement. ive kept consistent with the maintenance schedule in the owners manual and havent had a single extra- ordinary problem with this car. what a wonderful car.

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  Mans best friend - 1996 Honda Accord
  By stillwatercove - September 10 - 2:00 am

  NOT SEXY, but oh soooo dependable, functional, and comfortable to drive. The wagon has so much room. Easyily convertable to put 2 bikes in the back without removing wheels. Quiet on the highway and nimble in the city.

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  I love my CROSSTOUR! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By a happy driver - September 9 - 6:00 pm

  I dont know what is not to love about this car. I wanted an SUV with better gas mileage that had a lower profile and more sedan like. This is it!

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Carl - September 9 - 11:00 am

  Bought an 05 SE LX with 5spd. Got 40 mpg on trip from VA to NJ with air on, and pushing each gear out of each tollbooth. Looking at 41-42 after car is broken in. Now have 500 miles on it. Handles great local and on highway. Has some wind noise at highway speeds and road noise on grooved road. And I fit well for a 62", 235lber.

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  I wish they still made the 4WS versions. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Nene - September 9 - 2:00 am

  At 185K plus miles, Ive had only one incident of breaking down on the road and it has seen me safely through two accidents. I was rear-ended by a 3/4 ton truck, his bumper had more damage than my Prelude. This is the most reliable car Ive ever owned and I still get compliments about how good it looks despite the age.

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  One of the Finer Things in Life - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By CharlieLiu - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is very fun to drive and is quick around the turns. Even though the car is 30xx lbs, it sure doesnt feel like it when you use it as a daily driver.

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  LX 4Dr / 5Spd - 1992 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new, passed along to my daughter in 1998, still going strong. Smooth, easy shifting clutch/trans provides excellent performance for a 4- cyl. Excellent car in New England winters - never stuck in the snow. Only components that didnt have long life were radio speakers and A/C. Comfortable for 4 adults, acceptable for 5.

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  Love everything but the A/C - 1994 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new and passed on to my daughter in 2000 still going strong. Smooth, easy shifting 5-spd trans makes it fun to drive. Great acceleration for a 4-cyl. Interior room and trunk space great, comfortable for 4 adults, acceptable for 5. But the A/C has never worked well, and has sucked up a lot of money.