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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  goodbye chevy, hello honda civic hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ken good - August 17 - 7:36 am

  having been a chevy diehart most of my life, i simpley got tired waiting on g.m. hybrid. purchased a honda civic hybrid, got the shock of my life. handels great, fun to drive, gets 50 mpg and 100 mph if i want to. a very very solid car, compaired to my priouvis chevys. my corvette has been parked.

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  Safer than You Think - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Angcrum - August 17 - 3:03 am

  We bought a new base line Honda Fit several monthes back and absolutely loved the car. Last week my wife was driving home when another car hydroplaned and crossed the median. She hit the side of this car at 60 mph. Our Fit was totaled but my wife walked away with just bruising from the airbag and seatbelt. The other driver had to be cut out of the car and spent several days in the hospital. The front of our Fit was destroyed but the internal integrity of the cabin was never compromised. We have a new Fit on order and would recommend this car to anyone. We primarily use it for cummuting in Denver and were averaging 40 mpg for our base model 5 speed manual transmission.

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  I love my Lude!! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Akane-chan - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Prelude is my 1st car and I would never dream or ponder of selling it. I bought it just under 100K the handling is awesome, the body is strong (I was in a hit and run and thanks to its strong body styling I didnt get as hurt as I should have) and wow I have never seen a car get so many glances. ^.~ It has a lot of power for a 4 Cylinder, speedy, and very sporty. The interior is perfect with its bucket seats, and I believe even the stock system is awesome. I have installed a cd-deck so it sounds crisp and clean. Besides everything, Ive had few minimal problems with my Lude other than the normal changes and tune-ups. Its fun to drive!!

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  Third New Honda is a Charm! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Ed IV - August 16 - 12:46 pm

  This is my third new Honda in the last 15 years and i would recommend them all. This is my first SUV, I looked at Toyota, Saturn, Mazda but Honda wins in almost every category. If you are looking for more space for a growing family but dont want to sacrifice EPA this is a Great vehicle! Mileage after 7000 miles is 25 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Pilot won out over MDX and RX330 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Scubamaniac - August 16 - 12:13 pm

  Got a 2005 Pilot EX-L with every available option which will be installed in the next week including chrome side step runners, fog lights, mud guards, rear view camera, navigation, anti-theft upgrade, etc. All I can say is WOW! My wife and I have done two weeks of research and test drove the Lexus RX330 and Acura MDX and never imagined we would be buying a Pilot. Fully loaded was less out the door then either RX/MDX. This SUV gets up and goes fast and rides smooth! For all the safety features, accessories, incredibly smart interior layout and USABLE third row, why pay more for less? Pilot is a no brainer after driving and comparing to Rx/MDX (actually more comfortable). We are elated.

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  Fuel Efficient??? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By bob345012 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Lousy fuel economy. Have had our 2001 for 9 months and 13000 miles. Have had no problems and we love the vehicle...except for the 16-18 mpg.

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  Amazing! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By la_phuk - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I had never owned a Honda until March of 2002, and I am amazed every day with it. It handles beautifully, it is very comfortable, and it sure can take a hit. I had this brand new car for three weeks when a drunken kid rear- ended me at a red light. I was completely stopped, and he hit me at 40- 45 mph. His 90 Accord was totalled, but my bumper was just split open- not even smashed in. Not a bit of internal damage was done.

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  Worth every penny Ive paid for it - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By GreggK - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car really stands out. Ive made over 50000 miles in it and...nothing and thats what I love about hondas, I see my friends dragging their VWs back and forth to the dealer, with milage thats half of mine (German engineered and made in mexico...). But really Ive been looking to replace this car and there is nothing that even comes close. Toyota stopped making nice cars years ago, when they decided to hit all the age groups with their designs and thier cars are simply anal. The only alternative I was considering was VW, but they seem to have so many mechanical problems that Id rather stay headache-free with older honda

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  H22A VTEC is Excellent!! - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By AsianChris - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. The VTEC motor is very powerful when you need it to be. The leather is the tight leather type. I think the dash looks great, it is comparable to the Lexus Electro- illuminescent type dashes. This car handles pretty well around the corners. Parts are a little pricey, but worth it by far. I give it a 2 thumbs up!

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  Zoom zoom. Super smooth and responsive - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Robert Greger - August 16 - 1:16 am

  The power steering is incredibly smooth and requires practically no effort. Bluetooth sound quality is not great. Peppy even with econo mode engaged. Overall, a great car for the money.