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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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Thorpe - November 21 - 3:56 pm

  What a great car. Plenty of pickup - super gas mileage. I have 1700 miles and have averaged 49.5 so far. I am really happy with my choice. I have had a lot of cars including mercedes, jaguar, porsche, volvo, bmw etc. I feel really good about driving this as it is the best car for our environment. Feels great to do good!

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  Preludes: The Ultimate 4 Cylinder - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By XxPrelude98xX - November 21 - 2:00 am

  With 200 hp 156 lbs of torque, this car hauls. Its fast and ist a tiny little civic. Preludes are a collectible, not a me too car as civics and integras are. Great styling, great engine, good looks, and good stock sound system. Only 4 cyl id rather have is the $10,000 more s2000.

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  preludes rule - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By jac04 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  best car eve. honda shouldnt have stoped making them

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  Never worry of getting stuck! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Mcync - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Reliable van! Knock on wood, I drove this van for 6 years now and never visited the dealer because of problems. The power is a little weak, but I gain in gas mileage.

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  Twelve years still like new - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Mcync - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car twelve years ago. after 5 years,(off warranty) the paint on top of the roof faded. I complaint to Honda of America and the company representative authorized the dealer to repaint my car completely. This includes stripping down the windshield, and baked after painting ...at no cost. I was surprised and intriqued by the fact they stand behind their customers (the company, not the dealers) Nevertheless, I bought my subsequent cars from Honda. My 91 model had radiator replace @ 8 years, Drivers window adjusted, and nothing else....great car!

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  My 2nd CRV they keep Getting Better - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph Evans - November 20 - 10:20 pm

  I leased a 2000 CRV and traded it for a 2005, they have made suggested improvements & will probably continue. I like the reliability and low maintenance the best. Seems like the car just keeps going & going with no problems if u keep up the regular mainternance items. Its THE BEST IN THE SMALL-MID SIZE SUVs.

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  Awesome Gas Mileage - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rick - November 20 - 2:30 pm

  I have 9000 miles on my Honda Civic. This is the 5th Honda Ive owned and one of the best. I average 44 MPG after 9000 miles and yes I keep track after each fill-up. Its fun to drive and I really enjoy the split dash design. It has adequate low end pickup but highway passing wont set you back in the seat. The car excels in its mission of mixed highway and town driving. The ride is sport-like but some may call it harsh. It has a tight firm ride which I enjoy. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent. I would recommend more outlets in the front interior area, but this is a rather picky criticism.

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  touch screen sucks - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By edward smith - November 20 - 2:41 am

  The touch screen is bad. Would be better to have a dial to change channels. The rear climate control doesnt work all the time. Sometimes it is blowing hot air when the front is blowing cool air. Easy to scratch the paint when putting items in the back of the pilot. Overall, I like it, but have a couple concerns. A lot quieter than my previous pilot. Rides good.

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  Good all around vehicle - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Willy - November 20 - 1:44 am

  Had mine for 13 months now with 28000. I have the lx model great SUV in the wonder time. A little trouble with the transmission seems when you slow down and pick right back up to speed it jumps. Noisy ride seems like wind comes through the window all the time. Cant really complain though with the price and miliage

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  2006 Honda Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By flyer68 - November 19 - 8:13 pm

  In addition to the above rating, SAFETY should have been included. This is one of the reasons I bought the car. With all the air bags and four wheel ABS brakes, the Civic is a very safe vehicle. It also has an excellent ride for a small car.