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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  Best Yet - 1993 Honda Civic
  By CivicRacer - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is both an amazing everyday driving car for the working person with great gas mileage or if you want to hook it up. Its Japanese snap on models at their best. They are very easy to work on yourself because every piecce on the car just snaps off. They are very fast stock and easy to modify. A fun car to drive and just the name Honda tells you that it will run forever. I bought this car and i found that it had absolutly no oil in the engine what soever. Most any other car would have seized by then but Honda engines just keep rolling. Theres just no better

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  Prelude Review - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Davew - August 30 - 2:00 am

  excellent car. interior and exterior looks are appealing. Icing on the cake would be, of course, optional v6 manual transmission.

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  Great choice for my first car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Littlemiss7075 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car almost four years ago with approximately 26,000 mileage on it and I dont regret my choice. This is my first car and I have to admit I had reservations about buying a used car....with all those "lemons" out there, but my honda has made my experience of owning my first car a good one so far. Hasnt let me down especially in the winter when I really need it.My next "new" car will definately be another honda.

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  Fitness of Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By AC - August 29 - 4:36 pm

  My Honda Fit drives like a sports car, carries cargo like a small SUV, reduces environmental impact and fuel consumption like a hybrid without the cost and complexity and is build solid and strong (no rattles, no squeeks no leaks). My mpg is averaging 40.7. The only hesitation was the size because I have never owned a car in this size category (subcompact). So far I think I made a good decision.

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  Outstanding Performer - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Len - August 29 - 10:23 am

  We were one of the first to buy one of these in our area. It has been an outstanding performer in all aspect with the possible exception of the rear view visibility. We have been very happy with the mileage. We just took a 400 mile road trip over a 3,000 foot mountain pass in both directions and at 70 MPH we still got 25 MPG. I love the leg room (62"). Before buying this car, we rented a Ford Taurus and the limited leg leg room had me in pain within 10 minutes.

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  More fun than a Honda - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By writesometimes - August 29 - 8:29 am

  This is not the Honda of old the outside is stylish and looks as nice as any in this class. Interior roomy and comfortable with plenty of storage. the turbo adds pick up and milage but this is not a rocket but suitable for entry to a highway. The weakness may be in the interconnect with the phone which now seems difficult the car is new but I have set up many phone interconnects and this ones tough.

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  Great Car, Great Mileage - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Love my Civic - August 29 - 8:06 am

  This is a great car! I love the CD player and the sunroof (never had either before). Some say it doesnt have enough power, but I disagree. Although I have to rev it a little higher than my VW Golf , it handles freeway onramps and the hills around my house just fine. Mileage is incredible (Im getting about 33 mpg combined even with the air- conditioning on). Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a solid value in a car.

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  2007 Ridgeline Review - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - August 29 - 3:10 am

  Excellent. This truck gives you the best of both worlds. Drives like a raceway Accord, but feels like you can take it anywhere.

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  Insight Built For The Track - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Iselin - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car over 30,000 miles and find it faster then all the magazines claimed it to be.The car is capable of standing starts much quicker than PT Cruiser,Mazda Miata,Dodge Durango,Porsche boxter,Cadillac STS,and many others too numerous to mention.Once you learn to sycronize the clutch,shift and gas pedal for best performance you get a car that out performs all the previous data that I have read. I have climbed steephills at over 90mph with pedal left over.I have embaressed Porsche owners as I have left them at traffic lights and out maneuvered them in traffic.

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  Luv this car! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By HiFlyer - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who says they need more torque doesnt know how to drive a high-rev machine. You can spin the wheels forever at a dead stop forever if you care to waste rubber. Shifting is smooth at all revs but dont try to skip gears at hi-revs. Tires dont wear...get the Dunlop super sport assymetrics at Tires.com for great wet/dry traction, anti-hydro and (relatively)long life...much better than the original Bridgestones. I wouldnt change much of anything.