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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  To keep Or Not To Keep Is The Question. - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Kuma - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely great. I have had no problems ever! My mom bought the car in 96 and I took it over in 98. It is so reliable. Gas mileage is great. I dont take care of the car to the best of my ability but Ive never totally neglected it. If you want an affordable dependable mode of transportation Civic is the one.

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  Outstanding Value & Fun! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gary Y. - July 31 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had the car for 4 months, and traded in an Audi Q7- the best move ever! I love the drive, the power and the looks it gets everywhere I go. For me the Q7 was too big, the CT is perfect- quiet ride, efficient, more room than a sedan for storage and fun to drive. I wanted value, space to haul stuff and better ride, and better gas mileage than the Audi- got it in spades! The use of Regular Gas is a plus as well.

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  Last Forever - 1993 Honda Civic
  By AandFchica410 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost two years now and it is a 1993 Honda Civic LX. I love the car, it runs great and gets great gas mileage. I would be careful with the a/c system because mine blew out around 100,000 miles.

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  your Civic responsibility - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BLCarper - July 31 - 12:50 am

  I have been a sports car guy - until $4.00 gas. I traded my 04 Accord V6 M6 on a new Hybrid. You have to learn a new driving skill - slow and steady vs. pushing apex turns. Have been rewarded with combined mileage 43.8 and Highway is 55.6. There is a lot of no a/c use to get this. Wind drag at speed over 50 mph kills mileage. Im staying at 58 mph on I-95 (dangerous but economical). You need to squeeze the pedal gently and learn to coast a lot. I have enjoyed the smooth driving style that results in top mpg. No rushing, no frantic lane changing - slow and steady wins the race. In this era of energy crisis I felt led to do something to do my part - Civic Hybrid is my statement.

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  Pilot on top!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rob Mart - July 30 - 5:04 pm

  We are currently leasing a Pilot. This SUV is a great vehicle. The interior space is so big and the ride is so comfortable. Great for family trips as this seats 8 comfortably. A little pricey but worth every single cent. Really glad we went with Honda as our make.

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  Loving my Pilot! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By MDudas - July 30 - 5:04 pm

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  Strangely Underrated - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Crawdaddy79 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Strangers continually compliment me on my Civic or Accord, and I tell them its a Prelude, and they get surprised. This car is 8 years old (its a 95)this model has been around since 92, which makes it 10+ years of chance that youve had to know what it was. They are surprised to find out that it is faster than a formidably upgraded Civic (!) (even stock/non-VTEC Preludes). Preludes are not in production any longer because people have some sort of fascination with Civics that sound like weedwhackers. Mine has 120,000+ miles on it.. No mechanical problems as of yet, and no signs of future ones.

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  Best All Around Bang for Your Buck - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Redline - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now, and added almost 35k miles. This car has to be the best used vehicle I have ever owned. I have not had one problem with this car even way after hitting 100k miles. The base performance on this car is awesome for being a 4cylinder. Ive had a few passengers ask me if it was a 6cylinder! Styling is fun, young, and sleek. Interior is absolutely amazing and none that ive ever seen. The quality of build is definitely there. Sure, its not a lexus, but for the money I paid for it, it feels like it. Handling is top-notch. I have no doubt that it will easily reach 200k. This is the best all around bang for your buck.

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  Great - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Kerim - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car with a great fuel efficiency and inner space. I have never seen such a specious car among other brands. I certainly suggest Honda Civic LX to anybody who wants to feel the comfort and luxuary.

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  Best Mini SUV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Marcy - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. Honda has really done it. Since 1997 I have had not one single problem with this vehicle. The engine is fun and peppy though a few extra horses would certaintly help, though I believe the 1999 model has 147-hp as opposed to the 126-hp engine. There are only two gripes about this vehicle how ever. There is no arm rest on the passenger seat, which I believe the arm rest should be since the driver should have both hands on the wheel. The other minor gripe I have is that the window controls are to the left of the steering wheel. These are little things I can live with and have for the past 5 years.