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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  GREAT - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ANDRIA - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Between this and the Toyota Camry the Honda won by a thousand miles!

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  My second Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Rubired - March 30 - 3:30 am

  Ive owned a 2000 civic before this one and also an accord 2008 right now. This car is smaller than the Accord, but the quality is no less. This car is a great little 4 cylinder, very easy on gas, very quiet high quality Honda engine and nice handling. As I said on my accord review, I have own them all dodge, ford, chevy, toyota and Hyundai and where the Honda leaves the rest behind is time. After 3 or 4 years, the Honda still feels and runs like the day you purchased it. The others slowly show their age with squeaks, garage visits and part replacements. If you want a little car, easy on gas, top notch quality that will be trouble free for many years to come and hold its value - this is it.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - March 29 - 6:00 pm

  I am not an impulsive buyer, however once I compared the Honda to its competitors, there was no comparison. It is compact, yet very roomy. My husband is 67, 280 lbs., and is comfortable as driver and passenger. I live in the burbs and when driving the back roads it handles like a dream. It is smooth and sporty. Sound system is great, and the car, holistically, has been well thought out. I dont feel there is excess noise, however slightly bumpy over potholes, but this is an SUV. The backseat is roomy and reclining seats are a nice touch. Love it!

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  97 prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By thatkid - March 29 - 2:00 am

  In the big picture of fast cars I peronally dont beleive that my 97 prelude is fast but, as for as stock 4 banger automatic goes it is very fast. The car is very fun and comfortable, also extemely reliable. I live in Butte montana it can get to be -25 degees below vero during the winter and the car has started every time!!!

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  2001 Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By TomW - March 29 - 2:00 am

  An excellent buy for the money. Strong performance, points very well and handles predictably. I really like the car--its stacks up well against other sports cars I owned such as, Datsun 280Z, Sunbeam Tiger, a couple of C3 Vettes and a Jag. Have noticed that the 5th Gen Prelude tends to use oil. Mine uses a quart every 2,500 miles, which the dealer indicates is typical and not a problem.

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  Honda GREAT - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shahab - March 28 - 8:03 pm

  Great interior design with LOTS and LOTS of storage, great handling, beautiful front, awesome trunk space, looks very sharp and again a lot of storage GREAT FAMILY CAR WITH A SPORTY FEEL

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  PERFECT Van for family of 4 - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry H - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Typical HONDA reliablity. Only one UN-scheduled problem - replaced brake master cylinder. Ive owned two other minivans (Dodge and Mazda) and this has been the best all around. For my family of four, it is a perfect size with the middle captains chairs. We then have the flip up back seat for extra seating when we need it, otherwise it is a huge trunk. If you like the Accord but need just a little more room or occasionally carry 6-7 people, look no further.

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  Civics Great ! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By alvermette - March 28 - 2:00 am

  9 years of dependable, economic, maintenance & worry-free fun driving.

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  DRIVE ME HARD - 1996 Honda Civic
  By roadwarrior - March 28 - 2:00 am

  1st owner. 80K mi. I push the car to the red line nearly every shift to get the power that I like, and the car seems to like the abuse. Oil changes and one a/c fix have been the extent of the repairs. Avg mpg=36. Predictable and fun to drive when the snow flies, as long as you put better tires on it. Stable and purring at 100mph, but engine unlikely to go over 105. Be ready to rev on uphill climbs.

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  Hoping 2017 more reliable than 2013 - love the car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Chick - March 27 - 8:54 pm

  I traded my 2013 Accord V6 for a 2017 V6 Touring after replacing 2013 starter twice in 4 months. Loved the car, but couldnt stand the starter problem endemic to 2013-1015 V6s. Giving Honda another chance, since Ive had them since 1978. Didnt need all the Touring extras, but it came in the colors we both agreed on. Love the V6 power and open road economy [32-34/gal.]; mileage is only about 17+ in our local very short trips. Love the comfortable seats - 12 hour drive to Florida no problem. Love the backup camera, and the camera in right side mirror, which I use to monitor any open lanes to my right. Smooth and quiet, but enough feedback from suspension to remember youre still alive and awake. Great visibility/glass, which is what first sold me on an Accord back in 78. Touring 40-series tires are expensive to replace-have lost two to road hazards in 6000 miles. Top safety rating in 2013 also drew me to this model. A genuine bargain for the power and features this car packs... paid about $4000 under sticker on this last model year, and could have done better if didnt need car deal that day.