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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  Fun To Drive and Reliable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - February 22 - 2:16 am

  This vehicle has set a new standard that will force the big 3 to change the way they build trucks forever. I have never dreamed this would be so fun to drive.

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  This car is a precious gem. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ani - February 22 - 12:20 am

  Would not sell this car for $50,000. An engineering marvel, the best handling car I have ever driven. Cars like these come along every 25 yrs. Everyting is optimum, power, power distribution, responsive steering, braking, gear ratios. It goes from angel to the beast itself in no time.

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  Sophisticated Samurai - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bon Accord - February 21 - 6:56 pm

  Excellent car - superb build quality, equipment levels, and performance. dealer was first rate - received a $2500 discount + an "excellent" Blue Book trade-in on my Passat. Dealer was professional and I felt very satisfied with the experience. Not the prettiest car Ive owned, but feel strongly it will be one of the most enjoyable and reliable.

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  About Time; Honda Listened - 2007 Honda Accord
  By The Colonel - February 21 - 6:16 pm

  This is my fourth Honda Accord since 2002. Had a 2002 6 cylinder coupe, loved it but hated the auto. Got a 2003 6 cylinder Sedan w/auto hated the car, suspension was the worse. The 2004 Sedan w/4 cylinder 5 speed totally built in Japan was awesome!! 100,000 miles in 2 years, no problems except for tires. This was corrected w/ Bridgestone LSVs. BUT the 2007, 6 cylinder w/ 6 speed is totally great. Honda did it all with this car! Will change tires soon. Stock Michelins are lame. Would put this car against Lexus IS 250, Cadillac CTS, Volvo, ACURA TSX and more. Thanks for listening Honda, you hit a home run with this car. Got great deal as dealer did not want the 6 speed on the lot. TOO BAD!!!

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  Prelude Power - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude Driver - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a 95 Acura Integra GSR. The GSR was a fun car to drive. Excellent gas mileage. Fast. Redline at 8k rpm. Lacked torque from 0-40 mph...smaller engine 1.8L Prelude kicks butt. No need to replace shifter. Lots of power with 2.3L engine. Handles like its on rails. Not us much aftermarket parts like GSR but theres enough parts to go around. I miss the high rev 8k rpm. Wish I had the 2.3L engine with the GSR body.

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  Got LUDE!!! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By azbanshee44 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it with 167,000 on it. Passed emissions with flying colors. Runs very strong.

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  Perfect balance - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Fliujniligui - February 19 - 9:26 pm

  This car has no defects, it is innovative, reasonably performaning for normal needs (speed limit is 100 km per hour) while allowing a superior fuel economy. The exterior design is remarkable and will stand the test of time while inside is made with high quality material and also really optimized and fun. Seats are comfortable. I like to find a reason to move out and drive the car. Going to work never was so funny.

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  A Honda Family Again - 2006 Honda Civic
  By steve - February 19 - 7:16 pm

  The 2006 Honda Civic LX is a dream car. The first car I ever had that I have fun driving it. It is our 5th Honda, 1982 Acord 1986 Accord 1993 Accord 1998 Civic and finally the 2006 Civic. By far the best one yet. Very roomy. Dashboard is cool. QUIET as our old Accords. I know Honda and its the best Ive ever seen. Honda is the only car Ill ever buy again.

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  Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Merritt - February 19 - 2:10 pm

  This car is reliable and fun! It doesnt take up a lot of gas either so its cheap when considering many other cars.

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  Honda vs Germany - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By peapop - February 19 - 11:00 am

  Before two kids, we always said no way to a minivan... until we saw and drove the current generation Odyssey. I agree with everyone else that the car is outstanding in many ways, blah blah blah. I have to stress that I am extremely picky about what I drive and no matter how much cash you want to blow on a minivan - Honda has everyone licked. The Odyssey frustrates me that for half of what my other car costs AND being a freakin minivan - it actually is all anybody needs. I rarely drive my car anymore.