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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  First time buyer... - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Meklet - March 4 - 11:08 pm

  Just purchased 1990 accord exr with power roof, power locks/windows, etc. A/C no longer works. Otherwise in excellent condition. Some surface rust needs to be sanded painted and rust protected. 2.2L 4 cyl. Excellent handling and acceleration. Definitely fun to drive. Smooth at high speeds. Would definitely purchase another Accord old or new. Seems to be reliable. Everybody says Ill put 250,000 miles or more on it!

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  Best car that I have ever owned - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Civicdxman - March 4 - 9:53 pm

  This car is the best car that I have ever purchased. The dealer was great. After the break in period the car ran better then ever.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris G - March 4 - 7:00 pm

  It was between this car or a 4dr GTI. The ride is amazing. The handling is perfect and responsive. I was in an Altima SER, so going from 261 to 197hp Im going to have to say it is slow. It has good pick up and its hard to red-line :). The nav is worth it. Im a pilot so I have a good sense of direction... thought Id never use it. Once I played around with it for a while and studied up on it I really learned to enjoy it. The tires could be a little stickier. I do a lot of city driving and Im getting about 24mpg average and I am shifting around 4500 to 5000 rpm on average. I use the car.

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  Great car - 2001 Honda S2000
  By elanderholm - March 4 - 4:07 pm

  I love my S2000. It is one of the most fun to drive cars made....at any price. I would recommend it highly. The long term reliability worries me a little. Not the engine, but other parts like the clutch, diff, and cv joints. While, I have not had any problems yet, my car only has 14.6k miles on it. It is my daily driver, rain or shine. The car is rattle free, looks great, with the hardtop is a decent daily driver, and has good performance.

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  Style & Reliability - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Larry L - March 4 - 3:35 pm

  At 175,000 miles, Ive had no problems -only very minor items. It is the nearly perfect car.

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  Excellent Value, great reliability! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Phil - March 4 - 2:03 pm

  We purchase this car after owning a Ford for two years. This is an outstanding car. Reliability is excellent - we already have 54K miles with NO repairs required. Regular maintenance visits are enjoyable - things are explained well and techinicians are courteus. The ergonomics of the interior are absolutely perfect. The quality of the design and build is apparent, and fuel economy is great for a car of its size. The 4-cylinder engine feels more like a 6-cylinder with more than ample power for passing and expressway merging. So far I have convinced my sister, my parents, and my Grandmother to purchase an Accord based on our experience. We just cant say enough about how pleased we are

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  Get all details from Dealership before paperwork - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Svaidya Ji - March 4 - 12:28 pm

  Honda warranty is only for 36K miles or 3 years whichever comes first. Verify the dealership has all the accessories (e.g. 2 sets of keys and proper spare tire in the trunk). Also ensure that no scratches are hiding behind the dirt on the car body.

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  I love it - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By huy - March 4 - 2:09 am

  This is one of those things that you could really say is more than the sum of its parts. I dont know for what other car in its price list that can merge on to a highway around those curves at 80. I feared for my life, but she stuck it, so much g-force that my spleen hurt. Why go to Busch Gardens anymore? I just look at the car and think, wow thats such a good design. There are none others like it, in todays world, that is really an accomplishment.

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  Great for city driving - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AZ Twins fan - March 3 - 11:43 pm

  I previously owned a V6 Accord but with fuel prices so high and my fuel economy so low it was time for a change. The switch to the (ULEV)Civic was the best move I could have made. It has all the features I expect along with great fuel economy (Sorry large truck and SUV folks 12 hwy/8 city is NOT good gas mileage) and is very quiet to drive both in town and on the highway. Im saving about $15-20 per week on gas vs. the Accord so far and have never looked back. So if you need a great small sedan to zip around town or for those weekend getaways I would highly recommend this car.

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  Off to a very good start - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Joshl - March 3 - 8:16 am

  After one week its a very good car. Economy is good as SUVs go, but too bad its not even better. The cylinder shutdown feature works as advertised, and doesnt really interfere with driving. Ergonomics in the driving position are excellent. The electronics are really good, and the sensors help with maneuvering at low speeds. Room is very good in back (why we bought it in the first place).