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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  I love it - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Honda Girl - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new - it was love at first sight. Ive had so many compliments on it. In over 68,000 miles Ive had no major problems with it, with the exception of a rattling sunroof that, despite about 5 trips to 4 different dealers/mechanics, has not ever been fixed. My only complaints are the turning radius is not good and its sluggish when you really need quick passing power. A major drawback is that it is really hard to get in and out of both the front and back seats because the car is so low (which also causes you to bottom out on steep driveways). EVERYONE complains about this.

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  Outstanding - 2000 Honda S2000
  By oksurb - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Coolest car Ive ever seen and/or driven. Handles impeccably. the car cas often gotten knocked for not having much low-end power, but I think that is a plus as it makes driving in stop-and- go traffic much easier...and the "juice" is definitely there when you need it. I wish I oculd have two of them...one to drive to death, and one to just look at every day!

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  Love my convertable..lifetime dream! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Pharmacist - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a convertable since 1953. The S2000 is my first and the true joy of driving has been revealed. I really do make up excuses to drive somewhere just to get behind the wheel. What a delight!

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  This is a great all-around rig - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent - September 5 - 9:30 pm

  I have had this truck for nearly 2 months now and I like it more with each day that goes by! All upside with this one. I have always purchased American made vehicles, but this purchase has been a great one.

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  What a great buying experience! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Jan T. - September 5 - 2:46 pm

  I recently traded in my 2005 Honda Accord EX-L for a 2010, and even though I loved my prior car, I love the new one even better! The new car sits a little higher, and I definitely feel the better pick up that the car has due to higher horsepower. I felt very safe in my former car, and feel very safe in the new one. The salesmen treated me with the utmost respect, and with this new car being my 2nd car purchased at this dealership, I will come back and buy a 3rd in due time! Ive already referred two people to this dealership, and will refer more in the future!!

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill - September 5 - 7:36 am

  I love my honda civic. The ride is very smooth. The gas mileage is wonderful ( 30 town / 40 highway). This car is very fun to drive around town. The ex is worth the extra money to get get all the extra options. Honda is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I traded this honda for a bmw, then went and got my honda back.

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  Ambivalence Prelude Si-R - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Ambivalence - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, been having it for almost 9 years now, no major problem so far. High: Excellent design in and out. Smooth yet powerful engine, and smooth transmission. True sport car look, perfect with 17 or 18 wheels and performance tires. Low: Minor understeer, as most FF cars do. Rear seats too small, definitely not good to carry adults for long trips. Relatively small trunk space.

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  Test drive it first! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By J Miller - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine when the thing was so hot many dealers were not allowing test drives... This would have been a mistake if I were over 6 foot 3.

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  Best Value on the road - 2002 Honda S2000
  By frussell - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months and it gets better every day. I bought it on- line and paid $200 over invoice. I had to travel an hour to get it but it was well worth it, local dealers were all sticker or sticker +. After driving Z3s and Boxsters this is faster, better handling and I dont see 5 on the way to work every day.

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  2006 Honda Pilot EX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By DCS - September 4 - 5:10 pm

  The Honda Pilot is an efficient blend of practicality and good looks. It rides and handles well with a solid feel, and has plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It accelerates strongly yet averages over 20 mpg in every-day traffic. The V6 uses only 3 cylinders under light load, yielding about 25 mpg on the highway. Reliability after one year and 12,000 miles has been perfect.