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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  Farewell to an old friend - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Bob - December 14 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my 2001 Prelude to replace the 1985 Prelude Id owned for 14 years. Obviously Im a big fan of Preludes and was disappointed that they have now been discontinued. This version of the Prelude is a bit larger and has much more power. Other than that, it is surprisingly similar to the old one. But after all, why mess with success. Its an incredibly fun car to drive and handles extremely well. I never had any mechanical problems with my first Prelude, and after 3 1/2 years have had none with this one either. About the only downsides to the 2001 Prelude are in the area of fuel economy both the fact that it runs on premium gas, and that mileage per gallon was only average.

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  Bad MPG - 2008 Honda Civic
  By natherr - December 14 - 11:26 am

  We bought 2 2008 Civic Hybrids being told that we would get 40/45 mpg and I have 4000 on one of the and 700 on the other. We get 28/30 mpg at the best and they tell us that nothing is wrong with them. Anyone else have this problem? Service even told us that they get a lot of complaints about this and that most people dont buy them for the mileage. I find this hard to believe. I could have saved $$$ buying a regular civic and got the same mileage.

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  Reliable Honda - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Andreana - December 13 - 5:42 pm

  When we first looked into the CRV, I did not like it because of the "boxy" appearance. However, it is a wonderful vehicle. I am glad with how it drives, seating is comfortable. The height of the vehicle is appropriate because youre not too high or too low. It drives like a car & not like a SUV. The cupholders are okay, but once in awhile, a cup will start to tip or lean a certain way when turning the steering wheel. I like that cargo room which I use when buying large items. There is folding table in the back which is great to know, but I rarely use it. Overall, I am very happy with the vehicle in all aspects. No problems at all. We keep it well-going with routine maintenance.

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  The Best - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bailla - December 13 - 4:23 pm

  I enjoy the room that the pilot offers and it can seat 8 easily. I wish the towing capacity were a little better but the 2005 model has come along way. There is more horespower as well as a sunroof. I would recomend this vehicle to everyone.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Honda Accord
  By PETE - December 13 - 11:30 am

  I have had this car for about 4 months now and i must say that overall its one of the best cars I have owned. At first the gas mileage was a disappointment, but as the car is now breaking in (3800 miles) its getting better. As of this morning when i filled the tank i got 28.7 MPG and that was a mixture of highway and city driving. As far as style is concerned, its a real attention getter and i get many compliments on it. My only complaint is that it seems a bit sluggish. I figured 190 HP would have had more punch to it, but maybe this will get better as it breaks in more.

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  I loved it - 1993 Honda Civic
  By VMMSON - December 13 - 3:43 am

  We had a beautiful little red Civic EX Coupe. Added a Honda spoiler & alloy wheels but other than that it was all stock. Great car for 11-1/2 years for my wife and a year or two for my long commute/ high gas prices. Only needed to replace oil and fill with gas. The services were minimal cost. The first $$$ fix was about three years ago when one CV boot went. This past summer the ignitor went out in the distributor and she got the 100,000 mi timing belt and pump. My son loved it. It was running great until he dodged a deer running out in front of him at 9pm this past fall. Hit a ditch & rolled 2-1/2 times. He turned off the engine opened the door & got out. She protected him well!

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  HONDA RELIABILITY? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By koobii - December 12 - 10:21 pm

  I bought this Odyssey because it is slightly bigger than the Sienna. BIG MISTAKE! Vibrate at around 40-60mph. Not tires. Balance new tires 3X. ALL dash lights come on intermittenly. Trac and engine lite stayed on. Cost $168 to replace an evap. After checking google, found out this van has 3 recalls, one has to do with 2nd gear. Honda advisor said, that should fix tranny problem. Had the Odyssey for 2 months, I dont trust this van on a long trip. Will get rid of it before I have to put lots of money into it since Honda will not warranty the tranny as they do on the 99-01 Odyssey (100K). Own Honda/Acura cars before, never any problems. Will buy another Toyota. Never had problems.

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  Technology and Fun In One Great Package - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Lawson Huntley - December 12 - 7:10 pm

  This has been a fun car to drive, and full of nice surprises. To begin with, I purchased the Insight because of its advanced hybrid technology. I knew it achieved great fuel milage, but I didnt know it was such a great handling auto, and so much fun to drive. Ive been on a few long trips and the car is very comfortable all day long. Lots of people ask about the auto whenever I fuel up (which isnt very often).

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ZKeith - December 12 - 3:20 pm

  Ive had the car now for 2 months and have been very happy with it. Its a great value for the money and looks more like it should have an Acura badge than a Honda. Ive been in an Acura CL Coupe and this car is very similar - maybe even nicer inside.

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  Great little SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Diana - December 12 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this car after almost six years of driving a CRZ. What a difference! A lot more comfortable seat, also easier getting in and out. Great visibility. Watch lane and rear view camera are extremely helpful. Im not sorry I chose this car. UPDATE: still very glad with the purchase of this H-RV! Its end of November. We live on a hill in MA. Snow and bad weather are coming but Im unafraid! And its very reasonable on gas. No problems at all. It has over 4000 miles now, I think. Mzy 23, 2017 After 9000 miles now and driving through ice and snow, I still think this is the best car.