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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  SUV owner converted - 2005 Honda Civic
  By chillinnsatx - May 16 - 8:53 am

  Ive always driven large trucks and SUVs, but recent gas prices got me to reconsider a more efficient car. The Honda Civic has great crash test ratings, great resale values, great "low true cost of ownership", great gas mileage, a huge trunk, comfortable ride. For a 4 cylinder compact, it gets me up & going on the freeway just fine, and friends fit great in the back seat. Its not going to pull a boat or anything, but I think its a vehicle Im going to have for a long time. I really cant see the logic of spending more on a car unless youre just really trying to impress the neighbors with an emblem, b/c this is an awesome car for the price.

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  2001 Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By rralls - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Zero service issues. Great quality and reliability.

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  awesome little car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Pheng - May 16 - 2:00 am

  i motor swapped this baby in a H22a engine and its jux a blast to see this hatchback run high 13s!!! wow, what an awesome timing for me

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  Excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Kar - May 15 - 7:26 pm

  Replaced my minivan with the CRV. After researching other competitive vehicles (Rav4, Rogue, Tiquan) went for the CRV. Have owned Hondas in the past and do now. Great vehicles. The CRV is in line with my past purchases.

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  My 2nd Honda Accord Coupe - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dab - May 15 - 2:50 pm

  I traded my 2000 Accord Coupe back in 2002, for a Mazda. Worst Mistake I Ever Made...that is until I traded my 2002 Mazda for a Brand New 2006 Accord Coupe! Smartest Move ever made! The Gas Mileage is AWSOME! The Horsepower is more than necessary when needed. I still get surprised when I hit the gas from a complete stop or to pass on the Highway. Take it from me...my original Honda Accord Coupe did not give me any problems at all. The are one of the MOST reliable cars on the road. I expect my NEW 06 Model will be just as dependable, if not better.

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  Workhorse - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Annapolis - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has seen us from a newly married couple using it on our daily commute to a family with two kids and a dog. We have only had two non- maintenance related trips to the garage and one was covered under warranty. While under-powered in the year we bought it, the CRV has been flexible enought to meet all of the demands of a growing family. We have >110,000 miles on it and it shows no signs of quitting.

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  Great so far! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rebecca.mattis@gmail.com - May 14 - 3:34 pm

  I got this car last week and am loving it so far. Very smartly designed, super sleek look, and incredibly comfortable.

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  Sporty coupe that holds it own - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Accordguy0325 - May 14 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Accord coupe automatic in EX trim a couple days ago and am quite satisfied. The styling is incredible, it is put together well, rides/handles well, is pretty quiet, and overall seems very solid. The steering is excellent, provides good feedback and this car is fun to drive (although may be more fun with a manual transmission). I traded in a 2003 Accord LX sedan and must say- the 2008 Accord with the 190 horsepower engine is a nice improvement. I would definitely reccomend the Accord 2 door to anyone looking for a sporty car that will be virtually flawless in reliability, and retain a good portion of its value down the road.

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  I love my prelude - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By jpf888 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  the car has needd a new radiator, head gasget, exhuast system, crank shaft, and now a new engine....why???

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  Honda Accords - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Linda Smith - May 14 - 12:56 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! It has everything I was wanting. It drives & rides like a luxury car. The Accord costs a little more than an average car, but after owning one I will never buy anything else. I knew they were awesome looking, but I had no idea what detail they put in to making them.