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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  Reliable transportation - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dee A - November 6 - 12:58 pm

  Great car to purchase

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  Smooth and Powerful Ride - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Brandon C. - November 6 - 5:13 am

  After shopping around for months, looking at many makes and models, the Honda Accord EX V-6 ended up being the winner. It replaced my old 1987 4-cyl Toyota Camry. And did I make the right choice. The ride is both smooth and powerful. The 8-way power drivers seat control is great for my big frame. It has a very spacious interior (for a big guy like me) and I like that the rear bench collapses to expand trunk space when I need it. Even though the Accord doesnt get the same great fuel economy as a hybrid would, Im satisfied with the way it performs. Its a keeper.

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  The Honda Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By MichaelWee - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fine sporty car, and is inexpensive. They have great handling and are built well with good safety standards. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  93 lude Si - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Chad F - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Great reliablity, fun as hell to drive, with enough kick to spank most cars out there. Extreamily versitile, I used mine during the winter in the northwest with out any problems, even up on the ski hill. Seats are quality for factory, and the lumber support is nice. So far the car has gone 100 thousand miles with out any big problems at all. Also, living in an area with snow 5 months out of the year, i have not had ANY problems with rust.

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  Great Car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mackjohn - November 6 - 2:00 am

  212000 Miles and counting. No Mojor problems. Still in great condition.

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  Better than my 2000 Corvette - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Eric Armstrong - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I had an 87 prelude and it was the best overall car I ever owned. It wasnt the fastest or best looking but it had quality, reliablity, was sporty. the only thing to make this car better would be to have more power, no pop-up headlights and ABS. I sold my POS 2000 Corvette because of all the problems I had with it,the dealers and Chevrolet. I will never ever buy another US made car. As soon as I took my 2001 Prelude out for a test drive I loved it. I love that feeling and have more confidence in a car like that. The fit and finish of Honda makes American cars look like a couple pieces of sheet metal bolted together.

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  Excellent - 1996 Honda Civic
  By chuns_chan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  U cant beat the price and quality

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  Still My Car of Choice - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Don410 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Honda that Ive owned. The car is fun to drive, although it doesnt seem quite as powerful as my 1990 EX. The A/C condenser fan quit at 67,000 miles. Cost of replacement: $230. Just last week, I lost the timing belt at 72,200 miles. I assumed that my 96 had the same timing belt interval as my 90, which was 90,000 miles. Unfortunately, the interval for this engine is 60,000 miles instead! Surprisingly, no engine damage occurred. For some unknown reason, the coil and igniter gave up at the same time I lost the timing belt, so Im looking at a grand total of almost $1000 in repairs (I am waiting for the new igniter to arrive as I write this).

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  Looks like a more expensive car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris H. - November 6 - 1:33 am

  Have owned a Civic for 10 years, but wanted more leg room(im 65")When I have my drivers seat back all the way, there is still tons of room in the backseat for tall passengers. Honda did everything right, from the exterior styling, great stock stereo and speakers, to one of my favorite features the racing "feel" steering wheel they borrowed from the Civic. The interior is laid out great,appreciate the large screen, touch controls on the steering wheel. The fit and finish are great, as with all Hondas, the buttons and switches all feel like quality, I couldnt be happier, it exceeds all my expectations, it came down to a Camry and the Accord, and it wasnt close styling wise Honda wins!

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  Overall good - 2008 Honda Accord
  By EC - November 5 - 4:46 am

  Overall a solid car: big, roomy, handles very well and holds a family of four. I brought my 2008 Honda in April 2008 and have not had any issues with the brakes. I checked my rear brakes three months ago and they look OK. Uneven rear brake wear where the inside pad wears prematurely indicates a problem. Regular use of the parking brake should SET the rear inner brake pads. I believe that is the cause for all the brake problems. I had a 1994 Honda accord and the rear pads wear at about 40000 miles and the front at 60000 miles.