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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  PERFECT - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By preludedriver - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Im pretty young, so when I was looking for a car to get, the prelude was perfect. Its built rock solid, 100% reliable, has the looks, and plenty of power under the hood. Its not a full blown sports car, and it was never designed to be one. The ride is the best Ive felt in a car in this price range.

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  oh yeah! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By zorg - July 6 - 2:00 am

  most fun you can have. bets looking car out there. most annoying to people in higher priced cars that cant keep up.

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  03 HONDA PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By STEVE E - July 6 - 2:00 am

  DOESNT LOOK THAT BIG FROM OUTSIDE BUT TAKE A LOOK INSIDE ALL THE ROOM OF A TAHOE OR EXPEDITION JUST MINUS THE TEN INCHES IN THE CARGO ROOM WITH THE THIRD ROW UP ,TIGHT RIDE , VERY QUITE AND WITH ALL THE OPTIONS EVEN IF YOU PAY FULL STICKER IT IS STILL 6000 LESS THAN TAHOE 5OOO LESS THAN EXPEDITION STICKER PRICES AFTER NEGOTIATING ON BOTH THEY WERE AROUND 2700 MORE WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES

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  03 Honda Civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By brohieem - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Its exactly what we needed. We live in L.A., and the 5- speed makes the load of driving we do here fun and effortless. Great gas mileage, and lots of fun all around. Great stereo system. Could use a little thicker gauge steel for the body, but the safety ratings make us feel secure. My wife puts 50 miles a day on it back and forth to work, and its just smooth as velvet. Thanks, Honda and thanks, Norm Reeves Honda of Hundington Beach for the great deal. Get the mud guards, the keyless entry/alarm, and an extended warranty, and youre good to go for several years.

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  troubles - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jweer - July 6 - 2:00 am

  bought new in 2002, some major problems...paint, vibration that were not addressed by dealership. Comsumer Reports must be on the take from Honda, Toyota etc. Would much rather have a Ford focus, at least its fun to drive and Ford acknowlodges mfg. defects. Honda is just in denial

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  Very Happy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pareena - July 5 - 10:13 pm

  We enjoy our car so far. The navigation system is very nice. The DVD system is 9 inches which is also nice. I like the fact that Rear Entertainment system allows me to hear something different from my kids. Performance of the car is great and I like the idea that the engine can shut down 3 cylinder to save gas. 8 seater is nice. You cant use the lazy susan if you store the eight seat.

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  Luxurious Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CarpieDave - July 5 - 8:33 pm

  I have owned this car for 7 weeks now, and I couldnt be happier with it! Averaging a legitimate 47.55 mpg through 7 fill-ups. I commute 90 miles rnd trip every weekday, and I have yet to regret anything about this car. We have driven it on 2 weekend trips, and the only complaint my wife has raised is that its "smaller than" her Altima. I agree with that statement, but have to say the HCH is much better looking and more comfortable, too. The style of the HCH is head-and-shoulders above the Prius, IMHO. It is a fun, fuel- efficient car. It is NOT a sports car.

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  I Love Mine! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jeff St. - July 5 - 3:23 pm

  Just after buying our 2004 Element we took off on a long trip from Virginia to Florida. At 64" and 200 lbs., I have found the element to be a very comfortable car to drive. It performed flawlessly on the trip. I like it because of its small size outside, yet its huge on the inside. Im very happy with mine, and would buy another.

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  Oldie but a Goodie - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By Fetus - July 5 - 2:00 am

  Just bought by 1990 Prelude wiht 119K miles. The engine is tight, responsive, and still runs strong. Handles great and is a blast to drive. I would be apprehensive about purchasing a 13 year old vehicle but I know several Honda owners with models older than 1990. They always talk about the reliability. Im sold.

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  Glad to have it! - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By zebra - July 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought this Odyssey in 2002. It was our first minivan and I love it. I can not think of a reason why Id wish for something different. Very easy to put our two girls into their carseats and haul a lot of "stuff" in the back. Even when we add a few friends in the flip up seat we still have room for a stroller and bags.