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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  excellent - 2001 Honda Civic
  By azn boi - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car I own one and i think it is a wonderful car to drive around town with. I love Honda!

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  Best buy I ever did! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Oscar - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I actually have the 91 HB Special Edition (Canadian Edition), but with the same engine as the DX! ... absolutely astonished by my little baby! ... at 92HP, all Ive had to do is change the oil and the shocks ... its absolutely amazing! ... the gas mileage, the way it looks, the way it works, the way it comes alive every time, even at -50 degrees Celcius ...

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  Like It, Love it, Want Some More of It - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By nyccarguy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the Prelude since the 4th generation model came out in 1992 and then lusted after the 5th Generation model ever since it came out in 1997. I recently (4/27/02) bought a brand new 2001 Milano Red Prelude Type SH. I love everything about this car. The power is great, the handling is telepatic, I love the panoramic view. The wheels & ATTS sold me on the Type SH. Fit and Finish are top notch. The Black interior is simple & handsome, yet functional. After driving the car for 5 minutes, it is as if Ive been driving it for 3 years already. The clutch is easy to modulate & the 5 speed shifts are crisp. I look for excuse

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  S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By atul - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i test drove a boxter and it couldnt hold a candle to the S2000

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  Just what I expected! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bluefit - May 17 - 1:56 am

  I waited 3 months for a vivid blue 5 speed, and Im glad I did. I love the color and I cant stop looking at it. Ive driven almost 1000 mile in the first 2 weeks and I love the handling and great gas mileage (36 MPG on 2nd tank with mix of hwy and city). The only way to go in this vehicle is a manual transmission and it is so much fun to drive. I had a 96 Honda Civic Hatchback before this and the fit is much more quiet on the highway. For such a small car there is so much space for everybody to "fit" comfortably in the back seat. I look forward to having this vehicle for a long time.

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  My "E" - best value for my money - 2005 Honda Element
  By Marina - May 16 - 9:23 pm

  I drove my "E" out of the Hudson Honda parking lot on June 23, 2005. I love this BIG Car in a little body! Even my 64" - 18 year old son loves my "E". It is sooooo roomy inside. Who wouldve known. It is so economical on Gas! Big plus with gas prices as high as they are. I absolutely appreciate all of the storage places found inside at hands reach from the driver! The exterior design is just absolutely awesome...I feel like Im going away to my own little safari every morning when I drive my "E" to work. I feel very safe inside my "E". With Hondas reputation for quality and reliability, purchasing my "E" was a win-win option for me.

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  A car for peace of mind - 2005 Honda Civic
  By JC - May 15 - 9:13 am

  First Im cost concience and I dont like supplying the middle east oil with my hard earned money. I appreciate my 2005 Honda Civic hybrid for room, comfort, handling, a good safety rating,and especially excellent fuel economy. I bought this vehicle, not only for the above reasons but also to help out our environment being a clean car. I wish everyone was concerned as much as I am on this matter. The price of this vehicle is a little more than I really wanted to pay for a vehicle but if you want something that really contains all the reasons for buying then Its worth it.

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  Gorgeous and classy ! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Denise Hart - May 15 - 3:37 am

  This is a Honda, great quality, tremendous engine, low maintenance, beautiful sleek lines, durable, top notch electronics, sturdy, comfy, gas saving, and lots of air bags. Safety features are amazing, like brakes, airbags, stabilizing features for bad weather, too. Heated seats, dual controls for air/heat. Huge trunk. Roomy inside, and a smooth suspension system. We love the deep "steel" gray color, leather seats, sunroof, etc. Very happy repeat Honda customers.

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  What a ride! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By house_muzak - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The fourth generation Prelude V-tec is a beautiful and unique car inside and out. Its styling is timeless and seductive. The interior is like no other car on the road and is really very refreshing. The V-tec engine is ultra-reliable and a blast to drive. It handles superbly for a front wheel drive car and has great brakes, too. Buy this car, if you can actually find one!

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  Best car on the planet for the money!.... - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Remo William - May 14 - 5:40 pm

  Ive only had one issue with this car (besides the cheapo stock tires, which are noisy, and needing replacement @20,000 miles). That ONE ISSUE is, the car will decide to UNLOCK itself HOURS after I have locked it. Probably the idiot EPROM in the key....WHY does EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE COMPUTERIZED NOW? I will test and see if manually locking the car with the key makes any dif. And the accelerating is poor, but you already knew that. Phenomenal in city mileage-an honest 36-37mpg around town. The Taketa airbag was replaced efficiently by the dealer....let us HOPE they can do the same with the locking issue!