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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  Honda did it right with this one!! - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By KITTEKATR1979 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 3rd Prelude and I would recommend this car to anyone. Last year an old man T boned my 91 SI and I was heart broken. I replaced it with a Del Sol but it just wasnt the same. So I came across a 1990 Si ALB with 75000 miles in immaculate condition and just fell in love all over again. This car has style, pep and its a Honda. GREAT CAR!!!!!

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  reliable - 1990 Honda Accord
  By HSwihart4 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years. I love it very dependable & reliable. It doesnt even look or perform like its almost 15 years old. I will definetely be buying another Honda in the near future!

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  1997 Honda Accord 4dr LX - 1997 Honda Accord
  By A. Albonetti - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile, reliable, very little maintenance required other than oil changes. My next car will be a Honda!!

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  What can you complain about? - 1999 Honda Accord
  By accord lover - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is a well-built Honda. This car is fun to drive. The only problem is the gas mileage. The car is reliable and fun to drive. It has a good engine. 200 hp is not weak. The car is light and quick. It is a smooth and comfortable ride.

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  One recommendation not mentioned... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Joe - May 8 - 4:06 pm

  The car is pretty everything everyone says it is. It is my 5th Civic and so far, the best of them all. One thing I can attest to is the ride quality if your lower the air pressure by two pounds. It calls for 32psi, but at that level the ride is rather stiff. If you lower the air pressure down to 30psi, you will find the ride quality greatly improved without a loss in fuel economy. Since these tires do not last for much more than 30K, you will not lose any wear in dropping the pressure by 2 pounds. It will make a huge difference in the ride quality. Try it and you will see for yourself.

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  06 Civics are the BEST!!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ashley! - May 8 - 10:43 am

  I got my civic LX on St. Pattys day and I love it, even though it doesnt have as many features as the EX or SI its still a GREAT car, if you dont have that extra 3-5K to spend on the SI or EX then the LX is just fine, The civic is great on gas, I drive like 50 miles a day and dont have to fill up for like almost two weeks, its a great car.

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  Electrical Problems - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pariz - May 8 - 4:06 am

  It is just one week and 93 miles, before the hand brake / ABS indicator start turn on. And then on the way to service station, 5 minutes later, the transmission indicator start blinking. I never found such any problems on all my previous car, especially it is just 93 miles.

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  Fun to drive-but watch out for repairs - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kar - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I really love my CRV. The dealer I bought it from was the best! I only wish I lived near them now. I just got ,y 2 1/2 year olad CRV out of the shop. The airconditioning went out. It cost me to the tune of $1800.00. I was very upset that a car this new would have such problems. I was thinking of buying a Pilot, but now thinking of different line of car. I have always been told Hondas were good for well over 200,000 miles and for such a repair.

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  nice except the whistle - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dloweatl - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Best van i have driven. Good power, good room, able to seat 7. However, there is some aerodynamic problem that has yet to be fixed. when driving around 60 mph, and with a strong cross wind, the car whistles (like a soda bottle) constantly. I believe it is coming from the trim around the driver side of the windshield. Annoying isnt the word for it.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jawhawk - May 7 - 11:23 pm

  Just bought our red Accord this week. Beautiful car; got a lot of compliments on how sporty it looks. Drives like a dream and the manual transmission shifts wonderfully. Bought it to replace a 99 Saab with a blown transmission. Thought about a new car, but figured we could get a better car used than new in our price range. We think we made a good choice.