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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  PRELUDES RULE - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Rick Bailey - March 20 - 2:00 am

  My first car and im gona keep it till it dies

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  Your Car Uses 100 Year-Old Technology - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Tim Drager - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Insight over 22,000 miles, I feel that Honda is the best car company on the planet. They are about the only car company to put their money where their mouth is. Theyve "walked their talk", in that theyve created a major evolution in the automotive industry, taking 100 year-old combustion technology and brought it into the 21st century. That 3 cylinder engine sounds like a V12 purring under the hood. Ill be darned if I can figure out how Honda did it. Only the best engineering can make a 3 cylinder engine purr like that. I tell you that the Insight IS fun to drive, with its strong torque at the low end and electric steering. Hope you decide to walk your talk.

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  2nd Prelude Ive owned! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Jessie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 96 Si Prelude I have owned. I loved my first one so much, that when circumstances changed that I couldnt have it, I went in search of the exact same car. I work at a car dealership and have driven just about every type of car out there. I can only say the S2000 has gotten the same rush out of me as the lude. I still get stopped at red lights and asked what kind of car it is. I love that you dont see a whole lot of them on the road and the exclusivity that goes with it.

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  Take a holiday... after work. - 2001 Honda S2000
  By salsaweb - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The s2000 packs a punch. 240hp power this light weight roadster (go-kart) from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. This car is for those who truly love driving. I have owned this car for close to a year and though its price matches that of the BMW z3... The performance of the z3 does not even come close to the s2000s. Test drive it, that is if you can get your hands on one of these rare beauties.

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  Just bought mine and love it! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By ehickman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 99 Honda CRV EX AWD (AT, CD, etc) in March, 02. It had only 24,000 miles on it...and is super super clean. Paid $16.5 at a dealership in Bay Area, CA..not bad. I love it! Its so practical and drives like a car, not a truck. Really just perfect for me.

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  Best van anywhere - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By KevinOMReb - March 18 - 5:08 pm

  Ive test driven every van out there and the Odyssey is in a class by itself. All of the features and quality for less price. And talk about resale! Im selling mine and buying a new one w/leather + dvd. Smooth, big, functional (love the doors and hideaway seat). Dont even think about buying anything else.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Rajesh Oad - March 18 - 5:04 pm

  Ive never owned a car that I love driving this much. No ifs and or buts about it.

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  Everything is all good.... - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Thomas Nhan - March 18 - 3:46 pm

  no problems fast car......

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  Sweeeet, but . . . . - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pretty happy camper - March 18 - 5:33 am

  Mechanically sophisticated and refined. Reasonable compromise of utility and sporty drive feel. Yet to see advertised gas mileage (~5K miles). Overall, am very happy with the vehicle, especially the fact that it accomodates my 68" frame but isnt too tall for my 52" wife. While obviously taller than its Civic sibling, bears no resemblence to my 98 Trooper which expired when it left me inverted after a modest evasive manuever. Spent many hours researching replacement vehicle and after deciding to sell my sailboat (~3K lb. w/ trailer), realized I didnt need the extra 1000 lb., lower gas mileage, top-heavy truck-like handling and general eco-unfriendliness for a mostly daily driver.

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  Owned mine for 8 years now!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Matt H. - March 18 - 2:00 am

  This 1990 Accord will probably be the most trouble free car I will ever own. I dont know how any car could get much better. Ive got 249,000 miles on it, and have had no major problems to speak of. The most major problems have been a water pump, and a radiator. Of course Ive gone through my share of regular maintenance things like cv joints, but thats it.