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:

• 

  If you can find one - buy it - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Monty - March 3 - 12:05 am

  I spent two years test driving vehicle, and kept coming back to the Prelude. Celica, Integra, CL, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, TT, etc .. Best all around value in a sports car, and has even gotten better since the RSX replaced it. (Gee, same cost as a new Prelude - and does not match up.)

• 

  Its the best 1992 civic si - 1992 Honda Civic
  By tylernaval - March 2 - 9:45 pm

  This vehicle has been driven from here to anywhere. you name it. its the best car on the road, and one of the fastest.

• 

  Quality SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By J5F - March 2 - 9:20 pm

  Purchased an 06 with leather and Nav late October. So far very pleased with the purchase. It is quiet, responsive, looks good, and gets good mileage considering its an SUV. Decided to go with the 06 instead of an 05 leftover due to added safety features, appearance, and better gas mileage with the 2 WD. Nav system is cool and works well. Can talk to it but it sometimes does not always understand correctly. Got a good price. Could not see buying a Ford and see it devalue like a rock and eat gas like a hog. Has many of the same components as the Acura MDX.

• 

  Honda has done it again - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rubired - March 2 - 7:06 pm

  We have owned this car for almost a year now and I will not say that there isnt room for improvements (very minor room), but if you are looking for a family car that is very high quality, solid, roomy, very fun to drive, great handling and problem free there is no reason to look any further. I have owned them all Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Ford and Hyundai and I can tell you that when new little difference exist between the brands that make a buyer go in a certain direction, but after 3 and 4 years after purchase is where the Honda shines above the rest. Ive owned a 2000 civic before this and also a 2009 civic now and I can say with confidence that time make Hondas the cars other try and live up to.

• 

  nice minivan - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By BMH - March 2 - 2:00 pm

  Solid and fun to drive. Highest safety rateing. Great resale value, more horsepower than any in class.best of all Honda engineering.

• 

  I love my car. - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Steven Chang - March 2 - 6:05 am

  This car is just awesome! :-)

• 

  1996 Honda Prelude Si - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By BamaMBA - March 1 - 5:00 pm

  This car has lived up to Hondas reputation for reliability. Besides a few creaks in the interior and the open sunroof, the build quality is impressive. Like most Honda automatics, the transmission is very sporty but it can get lost looking for a gear when you step on the gas. The 4-speed automatic saps a bit of the engines power, especially on the top end. The quality of the transmission is solid and feels extremely dependable.

• 

  VTEC Power - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Bullchan - March 1 - 11:43 am

  Awesome handling

• 

  2005 Accord EX - The Perfect Sedan- - 2005 Honda Accord
  By treihing - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  There is so much to say about my 2k5 Accord EX-L. The features I love are as follows: XM Satellite Radio, Dual Climate Control, 6-Disc In-Dash CD, Heated Seats, Great Quality Leather and Huge Trunk Space. Gas Milage is damn good at 24mph in the City - This is the mileage stated on the stick and the mileage I have seen. The overall drive and performance is incredible. The drive is as smooth as any luxury car if not better. Overall, this car is a steal at $22,100.00 - Stick is $25,015.00. There is room to negotiate so hit the dealer hard for a good price.

• 

  Have had ours for two years now.... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SpartanMan2 - February 27 - 8:33 pm

  My wife purchased her 99 Silver EX 2 years ago, with only 5000 miles on the odometer (20,000 now). We added a luggage rack and after market tinted glass. The vehicle is used primarily to work and back, groceries on the weekend, but when we need it for hauling our 2 young boys and 3 mountain bikes, it works just fine. We use a Thule roof box and a spare tire bike carrier to create extra space and can haul enough luggage with room to spare for a weeklong trip.