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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  April Accord Aggrevation - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Donald Little - July 15 - 4:03 am

  Its a great car, and the dealers know it, so you have to haggle a lot ti get a decent price. I had to walk from the same dealer three times and refused to return until they eould deal.

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  Incredible (for a 13 year old car) - 1991 Honda Accord
  By moitz - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Pros: Roomy, comfortable, RELIABLE, still looks nice after 13 years. Interior still perfect. Handles like a dream. Quiet ride on Yokohama Avid H4. Good low and high end power. Cons: Rust. Automatic transmission tends to gear hunt a bit. Expensive routine maintenance (Honda plugs, Honda fluids, Honda filters, Honda pads, Honda rotors). Rust Timing belt every 60-90,000 miles. Rust. Windows tend to rattle and the track bolts need to be thread-locked into place. And did I mention rust? Verdict: SPECTACULAR budget commuter car.

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  Great get around car ! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Chris Kent1 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car ! Very reliable. Just make sure timing belt is good and the car will last forever!

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Stephs mom - July 14 - 10:10 pm

  My college student daughter was looking for a replacement to her old first car and looked at many different makes of car.She kept coming back to this new civic.We considered a 2005 but once we test drove the 2006, it sold itself.The added side curtain airbags sealed the deal. Very happy.

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  Beware of the xm ready feature - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By gadams4999 - July 14 - 10:03 pm

  One of the best autos Ive purchased, with one exception. Honda really scams you on the xm ready radio feature. Myself already a consumer of xm radio I thought all I had to do was get my subscription transferred. Wrong! The xm ready feature means for approx. $600.00 us dollars you have to pay for the hardware you then will be xm ready. Contacted Honda and they really didnt care what I thought. Because I had already purchased my pilot.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Stacie Fussell - July 14 - 5:20 pm

  Good car for the money. You get a great name for less bucks! Great gas mileage in the age of HIGH gas prices.

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  Having fun in a lude - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By FLBoi - July 14 - 2:00 am

  With all my friends into sports-compact cars and the illusive street racing scene I wanted something original and able to be built apon. My anwser was the Honda Prelude. Fun and reliable and many options on the street scene. Quick and exciting.

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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Honda S2000
  By mddavis - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my S2000 for 2 years. I enjoy driving it today as much as I did when I first got it. What a driving machine! Cornering, acceleration, stabilty (even at HIGH speeds), great six speed and all at a great price. There are only a couple of negatives - not much luggage room or interior storage, not much torgue. However, overall, a great car!

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  Da Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By trancedjgabriel - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just recently had my 2003 Orange Element stolen! But rest assured, I wont be shopping around for a replacement. Ill be heading back to the same dealership to buy a new one once my insurance company settles my claim (or they find my vehicle!). This truck is a blast to drive and has easily been the best auto I’ve ever owned. The only problems I experienced in the first 5000 miles (just had my first oil change when the crooks took it!) were some deep scratches caused by loading some heavy equipment in the back. I also hung an air freshener from the gear shifter that “rubbed” off some of the cool gray finish.

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  Good car but not a good start...... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By B.K. - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Pilot EX-L last Saturday. I like everything about this car and I drove off the lot with my family on Saturday night. While we are driving back home, I noticed that I could not roll down the front and back passenger side windows from the driver side control buttons. In addiion, door lock and unlock buttom from driver side would not work. And last but the least, interior lights would not go off. It has been only two days and I am taking my new Pilot back to the dealer for some minor repair. Its a good car but I would recommend you to check little things like buttons windows and door locks, etc.