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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  GREAT for the money - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HondaGirl - July 29 - 9:33 am

  Wow, This car is amazing! The interior feels so luxury, it is fun to drive, the hp is perfect, the buttons on the steering wheel are a welcomed addition. The coupe has a roomy back seats and they fold down and the trunk is quite large. There are so many storage compartments. The digital speedometer helps keep on the speed limit too. I dont like XM radio, I am going to see if I can still get SIRIUS instead.

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  Blessing to the Truck Industry - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By gary - July 29 - 5:36 am

  This truck is the greatest truck I have ever owned. I have owned just about every brand of domestic truck out there and though this is not as heavy duty as some of the domestics, it definitely holds its own.

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  nice - 2003 Honda Insight
  By huh? - July 29 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ive ever owned

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  4 Years is enough - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By dg280zx - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My 01 model runs like the day I got it after 52,000 miles. The only quality issue has been the drivers side window which makes a thud when going up. No squeaks or rattles though. It cruises along fine at 80 but can be a bit noisy since its a 4 cylinder. It is not a drag racer but it accelerates very quickly once you get the revs up. Requires premium fuel every fill up. You also have to drive the Prelude 100% of the time because of its tight steering and you will feel every road flaw because of its tight suspension. Its been a fun few years but I will probably trade it in a year or so for a six cylinder that can carry four adults and has modern amenities.

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  Great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Stromson - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car last summer and its been sweet. Fuel economy is pretty good and its rather zippy for such an old car with low horsepower and torque. Ive had no problems except with a broken door-handle but that was there when we bought it. Im planning to upgrade the exaust and intake very shortly to give it a little more boost. Planning on having this car for a long time. (It only has 74000 miles on it).

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  Poor Quality - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By ctk - July 29 - 2:00 am

  My first time to own Honda vehicle and frustrated me with the poor quality\ in suspension shocks(squeaks), sliding doors hard to be opened if not used for a few days.(Note: doors are lubricated.)--handles broke twice at both doors, transmission noisy when change gear from "Park" to "Drive" in a gentle slope , climate control knobs cracked...Whole bunch problems occurred around 30K miles. Fixed them at the dealers and problems come back again at 60k miles. People buy this minivan SHOULD purchase extended warranty.

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  Excellent Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By ProudHondaOwner - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Proud owner of an excellent running Honda!!

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  205K and still running strong! - 1997 Honda Civic
  By autox17 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  There isnt much that I havent done to my civic...Ive driven cross country, drag raced, auto-xd, used and abused it and it still gets me back and forth to work with ease. I replace the motor at 175,000 miles b/c I found a great deal on a low mileage used one, but it surely could have made it another 50K miles with no problems. Only issues I have had with it are the window motors and a cracked exhaust manifold. No biggies though. If you can find one of these used with relatively low miles, get it!

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  Best Auto Choice! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By David - July 28 - 7:53 pm

  I just purchased my Honda CR-V yesterday April fools day after deciding to get rid of my 2002 Saturn Vue, and I love it already! The ride and audio is great along with the look and feel in it. I know that with owning a Honda I will be much happier and feel safer as well as spend less in repairs. While owning the Saturn Vue, repairs seemed like they were happening constantly with me spending lots of money to fix up. I know that with Hondas great service and reliability, there wont be a problem like that. This is why I went with a Honda CR-V.

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  Luvin my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By MARCRAW - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  I dont know if I could ever own another type of vehicle. I love my Element. The vinyl floors are a lifesaver. i never worry about spills, smells or allergens. Performance is fun! i was in an accident. A car pulled out in front of me. i was impressed with how my Element protected me.