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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  Accords rule ! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Kevin - November 17 - 7:10 pm

  Our Accord has given us ZERO problems the last 3 years. Bought it used with 16K miles, now it has 65K miles and no problems at all. I am 62" and it has plenty of leg room, sits 5 people easily, and has good pickup for a 2.3L 4 cylinder. Would recommend this car to anyone looking for a vehicle they can hold onto for 7-8 years. Also holds resale value extremely well so it is good equity-wise. We took a 60 month loan on this vehicle and with 24 payments left it is worth $2000 more (wholesale) than what we owe which is excellent.

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  91 Prelude SI - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By PrElUdE RaCeR - November 17 - 7:09 pm

  The 91 Prelude is a great first car. Its sporty,fast and powerful. The only downside is that performance parts are hard to come by. Also the B21a1 engine burns oil very quickly. Other than that, its a great car.

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  Great car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Jill - November 17 - 10:15 am

  Buyer Beware!....always. Some People will do or say just about anything to sell you a car!

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  Lovin My Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By vito - November 17 - 9:56 am

  I needed better gas mileage yet I wanted something fun to drive and with good sporty looks. The Civic is it! The car is tight, quick enough to be safe and drives great. I get 30+ mpg around town with the air running all the time and I dont baby it. The interior room is more than ample with good comfort in the rear. I find the driver seating comfortable. The car is loaded with engineering you cant see and deserves more credit for that. The Honda engineers put a lot of thought and design into the drivetrain which is most important. I liken this car to my first Accord that I purchased in 1973. This is that car reborn in every way for fun, drive and economy. I plan on 200k miles.

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  Lovin my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gary - November 17 - 9:07 am

  This is the most practical vehicle Ive ever owned. Its a hoot to drive and its as rugged as it is dependable. Sometimes aerodynamics are overated. This little "box" gets 25+ MPG and keeps up with most vehicles on the Interstate. However, it could use a couple more inches of ground clearance.

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  Fourth Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bluesky - November 17 - 2:46 am

  See my previous review 3-17-08. Only update is after about 5k miles the fuel mileage is less than I had anticipated. It is about 5 mpg less than the 2003 Honda V6 (previously owned)and about 8 mpg less than the 2006 Honda V6 (still own). Had I known what gas prices were going to do I might have opted for a more fuel efficient car.

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  Do all Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bob & Barbara - November 16 - 11:50 am

  The car is well made and drives easily with a lot of comfort. It is a remarkable bargain considering it costs some $10,000 less than the Acura MDX with which it shares more than chassis. Have had no problems though its width can be deceiving, particularly in a parallel parking situation.

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  Honda 05 S2000 - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Simon - November 16 - 10:51 am

  From car fanatic and previous owner of numerous sports cars, nothing comes close to the thrill ride of the S2000, unless youre willing and able to spend 50k or more. This is a car you must learn how to drive to appreciate its performance ability. It will stir your power-pursuing soul and defy gravity with every crooked country road. Audio is poor, but I would rather listen to the engine and exhaust note of this formula 1 bred sibling, depending on how hard you want to push it. And it likes to be pushed. Lack of low end torque is not an issue, once you become one with Vtech. I have owned 5 new Honda products over the last 10 yrs, all have been great. Im always being asked, what is this?

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  Best Minivan in its Class - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By KIDDADA - November 16 - 10:03 am

  I test drove all the minivans and Honda Odyssey was the best in its class. It drives like an Accord and handles pretty good. My wife loves this car and she canÂ’t wait to go out of town. The dealer gave me $7000 off the MSRP which was a bargain. TheyÂ’re giving out good deals and its affordable than a big SUV. You want a reliable car for a big family, Honda Odyssey is the van to buy,

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  I love this car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Geno - November 16 - 8:52 am

  Only one minor complaint with the walk away lock set. Every now and then when I walk away there is a rapid beeping of the lock set alarm and the doors do not lock. Could not get an explanation from the dealer.