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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  Know what youre buying. A top notch sedan. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Zak - January 5 - 4:26 am

  I think most people have always confused the accord and the civic with some kinds of wannabe track car. These are passenger vehicles. Front wheel drive and fuel efficient. Everyone wants these tight handling sedans. Honda would not survive if they did not grow. In this country we have wide open streets and long straight highways. Yes; we will have the occasional twisty. Think of this car as a step up from the 07 accord. Similar to the 2000 Acura RL. It is a safe reliable family and passenger vehicle. If you want performance, you want rear wheel drive. Get an S2000. Its a great car with good firm wheel feel. Consistent steering and solid brakes. Roomy and comfortable.

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  Awesome Power! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Steve Austin - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car to look at and a joy to drive! Closet thing youll ever get to driving a race car! I will get it on the track for some fast laps!

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  Worth Every Penny! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By gmrfish - January 4 - 10:06 am

  We compared the Subaru Forester and the CR-V. The Forester had a bit more pick- up, but was such a "wagon-style." The CR-V put you in a commanding position without compromising design, safety, nor gas milage! Honda did an excellent job redesigning an already great model. The ride is smooth, but road noise is pronnouced. This can be corrected by purchasing better tires (comon Honda, Duellers are NOT the best tires in the world) such as the Goodyear Assurance, or the Regatta IIs. Storage space in and around the cockpit is exceptional, the cargo bay can fit 2 large dogs (65 each) comfortably and easily. The lowered rear deck is very accomodating for easy access into the back.

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  Great car!! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By KimTX - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car for young adults just getting out of college or high school. This was the first car I bought out of college and have enjoyed it ever since. There is a lot of storage for the moving days or shopping sprees. If you just change the oil regularly, this car will treat you right. I have 141,000 miles on it and have only had to have the normal maintenance work done on it. If you come across one of these, it would be a great choice for those looking for a great economical car.

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  the civic - 1993 Honda Civic
  By linz26 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned my car for a little over a month but i can generally say im quite satisfied with it! Because i bought it used it only had minor things wrong with bout since they are all fixed the car runs excelent! I absolutely love this car!

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  2016 Accord V6 EX-L with Nav, etc. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ron Duvall - January 3 - 11:04 am

  The only feature of this car I do not like is the infotainment system, which is overly complex and unintuitive. Also, be sure to make the dealer FULLY demonstrate the use of this hodge-podge system. Otherwise, a great drivers car, even for tall people.

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  Old Reliable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Carl Schlanger - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of three Honda Accords I currently own -- 1990, 1992, and 1993. Among them, Im nearing the 500,000 mile mark. I dont hesitate to repair or replace any part that fails because it happens so seldom and my mechanic gives me a lifetime warranty on any work he does. Transmissions are tough, engines last forever. Those assemblers in Marysville, Ohio really know what theyre doing!

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  Excellent car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ronald Castro - January 2 - 7:13 pm

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  Prelude Type SH with ATTS is amazing! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By tilenius - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Prelude Type SH for almost 6 years now and LOVE it! Its been a joy to drive every day! Hondas Active Torque Transfer System is truly amazing! This comes only on the Type SH model. This feature basically makes the OUTSIDE wheels on a turn go FASTER than the inside wheels, and can transfer up to 80% of the torque to those wheels. The result is almost NO understeer and amazing road-hugging ability. This has to be one of the best-handling cars on the market. Its been 100% reliable, no problems, except a slight rattle around the moonroof. Honda is so incredibly reliable!

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  Love My Lude! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By ShortyONE30 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Lude for x-mas and i was so excited to have it sittin in my drive way! Its the greatest car in the world and i love everything about it! I have tons of plans for it too! This is a great sporty car and sooo much fun to drive! Just gotta watch out for the Po Pos!