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:

• 

  Fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Snor - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding slow or fast when not in traffic. Love the car. Attracts police like magnate. I would not want to take a 400 mile trip in this car. Snow / ice traction is a joke. Wet/dry traction is unbelievable. Very quiet. Im 6 ft 2 in, just barely fit in car (legroom is tight, top is ok)

• 

  excellent - 2002 Honda S2000
  By air dog - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 is by far the most exhilarating car I have ever had the honor of experiencing (Ive driven cars such as the 300ZX, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, and Corvette). Not only does this car possess the handling of a true sports car, but also a naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engine pumping out an astounding 240 horses!

• 

  The most fun yet ! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By diabless55 - January 23 - 10:53 pm

  This is my third new Honda Civic and it is by far the most amazing to drive. The suspension has been totally changed and feels just like a luxury car. The transmission is flawless and the handling is perfect. The interior is quite nice but the dashboard is truly awesome and very unique. Curtain side airbags are one of the reasons why I chose the Civic over the Mazda 3.

• 

  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny - January 23 - 2:40 pm

  Only a month into ownership, but so far a great vehicle. A smooth ride, decent handling (great in rain), great stereo and abundant storage and cup holders are all pluses. Also, the leather is of high quality (it actually smells like leather, not plastic). Its not perfect. It would be more convenient if both front windows had express up and down. Also, when the windows are turned off (to prevent children from operating), the driver also is prevented from operating the passenger windows. Finally, the three power points for cell phones, etc. are not powered when the car is turned off. Finally, the sunroof is not express open or close.

• 

  A beautiful ride - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Cortlandt Bender - January 23 - 2:49 am

  This car has more features than one will master in 6 months. The ride is smooth and powerful. The interior is quiet. There are numerous safety features that are designed to keep the driver safe. The only quibble is the mileage, but we opted for that with th 6 cylinder model.

• 

  Great family van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By dnc4009 - January 23 - 2:00 am

  We went from a large Ford Windstar to this smaller van and have never looked back. Honda is by far the most reliable auto maker we have experienced. The only thing they could have improved on this van would be more power. Other than that I plan on driving it to its grave!!

• 

  My Honda is Great (why such bad reviews) - 2002 Honda Passport
  By D.Goodwin - January 23 - 2:00 am

  Actually bought a silver 2001 LX model, same as 2002. We have had it now 18 months, and not one problem at all! Seriously, not one trip back to the dealer. The ride was a little squishy, leaning and tilting too much, but when i checked the air in the tires, Bingo. There was only 12lbs. in the tires, so when properly inflated the ride improved greatly. We camp with it, drive it around town, and even load it up with lumber. And it looks great, too! Why has Edmunds slammed this SUV so much, I just dont know.

• 

  unbeatable performance/reliability value - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By chuckyr - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Want a car that doesnt look like every other boy racer yet fits four, handles as well as any front wheel driver, is fast, gets decent mileage (when youre not blasting around), and is 100% reliable? There is no better choice.

• 

  Spread the good word! - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Prelude kid - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! the Prelude had the styling and performance to jerk me away from the dog-slow Eclipse GS that Id been hooked on since watching The Fast and the Furious. Its handling is reminiscent of a Stingray ie: the faster you go, the more she just wants to suck to the pavement. Spread the word people! I got mine for $6500 and can blow away any eclipse in my town. This is a very good, and VERY underrated car. Civics cant touch her and the new V-6 Eclipse gets a very good competition on the highway from the lude. I stand 59" and its very comfortable to drive, as long as nobody has the misfortune of sitting behind me.

• 

  Prelude Pride - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By aeropostel - January 22 - 2:00 am

  The honda prelude is trhe best car ever. i love it. its so good. it very reliable. i love the acceleration and the power. the engine feels liek a v6. none of my friends beleive me that its only a 4 cylinder. i like how i can feel good about it being over 100k. it runs perfect, and i have had no major problems. this car would smoke half of the performance cars out there, and thats only in its stock form