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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  Nimble SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jim W. - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Well-built vehicle. I have put 58,000 miles with no problems. Regular maintenance is all it needs. I have the Manual transmission which works flawlessly.

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  The great Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By george - July 27 - 7:20 pm

  I owned a Honda Civic back in the 80s and loved it until I bought this Hybrid Honda Civic. Its fun to drive and I dont want to get out of it. Not to mention I get 38 mpg on the streets and 47-52 mpg on the highway. What a great car!!

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  97 Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Krisl20 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Little slow off the line but when that V-tech kicks in there is some power. Very reliable car just like any other honda made. Awesome gas mileage and a great looking car. A little uncomfortable for me being 61" Knees hit the side where the CD player is located.

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  5th HONDA CIVIC & NOT THE LAST - 2005 Honda Civic
  By LEC - July 26 - 2:06 pm

  Ive owned a new Mercedes 190 Baby Benz, a Chevy Camaro & Citation, a Ford Fiesta, Pinto & Taurus, a Pontiac Fiero. Ive leased numerous vehicles including Cadillacs, Lincolns & Buicks. And as an automotive engineer Ive tested and driven dozens of vehicles including Porsches & Corvettes. Most are more expensive, more powerful and more glamorous but the Honda Civic is the vehicle I am most comfortable with having my wife and three (now) college children drive. NEVER a defect or failure, best powertrains in the automotive industry, direct handling, ergonomically right with comfortable interior space & trunk and great dealer service. Im looking forward to seeing the new model this fall.

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  Best - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By nelia jucu - July 26 - 10:39 am

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  A Real Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Justice - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I realized that the Pilot drove more like a Honda (car) than a truck. I was aware of the convenient placement of the gauges, and the audio,heating and cooling controls. The interior of the Pilot was - well thought out, well constructed and pleasing to the eye. The configuration of the seats and the ease of converting the rear ones to allow for more space is a definite plus. The V-6 engine does its job well on the open road Overall my Pilot has lived up to my highest expectations.

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  the best - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By navi - July 26 - 2:00 am

  i test drove lots of suv but the pilot was the best.it has better gas millege then other suvs. iam a 6ft person and i could fit in the 3rd row seat.the ridding is smoth.looks good.dont listen to honda haters. try itand youll like it

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  Love My Lude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By gshhk - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car!! Handles Superb,Panoramic View,Excellent Shifting,Hot Styling. This is the FIRST new car Ive EVER had that did not have to go back to the dealer to get the "BUGS" out.Ive yet to have to bring it in for a problem! This car SHOULD NOT have been discontinued. What a mistake on Hondas behalf. I was going to buy one in 1998 and bought a Ford Explorer Sport instead which cost MORE and what CRAP!!! So the time came when I couldnt deal with the problems of it anymore and found out "NO MORE LUDES AFTER 2001!!!" I HAD TO GET ONE!!!

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  S2K is the best car ever (for the money) - 2001 Honda S2000
  By biberachie - July 25 - 2:00 am

  You can say the Vette is the best bang for your buck, you could say that a BMW Z3 or Porsche Boxster are more appealing, but you could never say once you have driven them all that the s2000 isnt the most fun. I have been the proud owner of a new s2000 each summer that they have been built and I have never had a single problem with any of them. 9300RPM are you kidding? Test drive one and fall in love, however I would recomend a 2001 or newer, the synch is bad from 1st to second in 2000 and also there is no clock in the car untill 2001. Hooray for Honda on finally building a car thats a blast to drive and not a blast to your wallet.

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  Awesome - 2017 Honda Civic
  By maria sara - July 24 - 2:45 pm

  Great acceleration.