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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  Headlight performance - 2008 Honda Accord
  By st1300 - July 10 - 12:10 am

  Bought this car when they first came out. After a couple of months noticed the headlights flickering. Honda WILL NOT fix this car so it is now going to arbritration. This car is a disaster... road noise is horrible, stereo sucks, terrible gas mileage etc. Do not buy this car.

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  Well Balanced - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Well Balance car - July 9 - 6:20 am

  I brought it use with only 5000 miles on it. I was just looking for a 2nd car for work only because I drive about 100 miles a day. But I found more than that in the civic. Im getting average around 36 mpg. This car is fun for daily driving. I drive through downtown and interstate. the feel is great, steering is very responsive. The road noise is a little more than I like, but with the Navi with the 350 watts stereo. What road noise. I love the forward look and size of the windshield, but it does pick up everything including rock form cars ahead. Had to replace the windshield once already. This is a great car and with the price tag, that just make it a greater car. Love it

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  great car too bad it isnt made anymore - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By 14sierra - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my prelude. It has distinctive styling, good fuel mileage, and great handling. Also preludes are relatively rare (compared to civics, accords, and integras). The only critisism I can give is it needs about 30-40 more hp. I would buy another prelude but unfortunately honda has moved on to the s2000.

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  Very, very good - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By loon - July 8 - 8:43 pm

  Have had no trouble except for engine light coming on. This is after the Check Gas Cap warning scrolls across for two start-ups, then the third is the engine light. It is now in the shop to hopefully fix it.

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Kaci - July 8 - 2:53 pm

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mark - July 8 - 8:03 am

  My first Honda. This is a high quality car all around. Smooth, quiet, comfortable and roomy. The front seats are very comfortable. I actually like the CVT transmission. Sure, low end torque is not great, but it is adequate. I never find myself uncomfortable, wishing for more power. At higher RPMs the little engine really pulls hard. Its impressive. There are quieter cars, but it is reasonably quiet. The gas mileage is insane! Rated at 27/37, I actually get better than 27 in pure city driving. I get close to 30mpg in the city. The new styling of the 2016 model is very attractive. Steering wheel controls work well for all of the infotainment system. I rarely use the actual touch screen. Honda Sensing is a nice technology. Its a very good deal for the price. Lane keeping assist actually allows you to relax a little bit more while driving because it makes all the minor adjustments for you. Collision mitigation can be fooled in certain situations, but not a problem, it can be overridden by the driver applying gas and/or steering. BTW - there is a trunk access button on the rear of the car. It is located slightly offset to the right side under the lip of the trunk. Another reviewer said the only way in was using the FOB, which is incorrect. Oh, and I love the push button start and the keyless entry. This is my first experience with it and it is great. I just walk up to the car with the key fob in my pocket and touch the handle, and the car unlocks. The key never leaves my pocket. When I leave and want to lock the car, I just press the button on the outside door handle.

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  Too many problems - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By GunnerV - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I am the only owner of this car and Ive had nothing but problems. Ignitors, air conditioning, brake cylinder, transmission (x2), paint fade, leaks. It had regular maintenance at the dealership. I have finally had it! Its on the used car lot. I bought a Nissan.

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  Best used car I have ever owned. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By schooner - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many used cars in the past, and this one puts to rest the feeling that I will need to buy another anytime soon. I got a whole lot more than I paid for. At 115,000 miles, I cannot believe the smoothness of the ride and how immacualet the interior is. I think I will be able to get another EASY 100,000 miles out of it. Great car.

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  Very nice car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Sub - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car a short time, but its fun to drive, quiet, clean, and runs great!

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  Honda EX wagon - 1994 Honda Accord
  By smo615 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Accord Wagon used in 1997 with 35,000 miles. I now have 133,700 miles on this trouble free car. The only weak part of Hondas are the brakes. It rides well, has a peppy engine, and looks great. I love the interior. I buy another one tomorrow if Honda would only import a wagon again. (They sell one in Japan and Europe.)