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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  Phast-S - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Phast - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive Had a Mustang GT and a Corvette and there is absolutely no comparison. The S is faster than the GT and almost as fast as the Vette. The handling is in a completely different class than both of these cars!!!!

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  An excellent automobile, but not perfect - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Joseph Kotran - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Honda Civics are often well reviewed by the automotive media and consumers. I think that the praise is deserved, but somewhat exaggerated. I have owned my 97 Civic LX for five years now. I am happy with it, I have had no mechanical problems, and I still like the way it looks. However, I think that the Civic is very much lacking in comfort. My chief complaint regards excessive cabin noise. The engine and road noise are far too loud for long distance trips. Even a short commute to work can frustrate as I often have to play radio at a loud volume to drown out the noise.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Cflajohn - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I own Honda Accords until I run them up to 150k miles then trade.( 3 ) The EX v-6 is the best...no maintainance problems, great ride, quick, I can fold down the back seat and stick a 10 surfboard inside the car!! I am 63" 220# and I have plenty of room with the auto adjust drivers seat

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By OSUBAM - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the 2003 EX model. The power doors are so nice with having two kids. And the powerful motor is great. Everybody saying something about the gas mileage most not understand this thing kicks out 240hp. Guess they could buy a Chevy Venture w/ 185hp with 1 mile to the gallon higher and pay the same price.?. I love all the features it has. Hidy went below MSRP and tossed in a trailer hitch and mud flaps for free. They are a great dealership in Ohio.

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  honda gone wrong... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Keener - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This 2001 Civic Si (Canada) was built on a Friday of a long weekend! I have owned 3 other Hondas/Acuras and they have all been great and reliable cars. It makes a different noise every day. The worst is a popping, crackling noise when you turn right, the interior fan changes speed at its own will, the wind noise from the doors is brutal. It blows around on the highway, and does not drive straight. It has been in 7x in 3 months for warranty work, and 2 dealers (the first couldnt figure it out). Im going to sell it, I found a solid 98 5spd EX Accord that drives a lot better. I think this car was built on Friday of a long weekend!

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  No Regrets - Wonderful Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By wokrad - January 21 - 7:56 pm

  We orignally were purchasing an 05 Civic, but went shopping in September and they ran out. When looking at the 06, there were so many more safety features standard. Safety and Mileage were our main considerations when deciding to purchase. During the test drive, we fell in love. The drive is smooth and responsive. You want to rev up the engine and GO! The new body and interior design just made it that much easier to say YES to the car. Our best mileage so far is around 35 MPG on the highway, but the car is only a month old. City driving seems to run only 25 MPG. No regrets. We will buy another Civic if this trend keeps up.

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  Great, but could be better... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JakeND - January 21 - 12:16 pm

  Fun to drive manual - after break-in of touchy clutch. Cool looking, and very spacious interior. Very well-designed seats. Just took multi-state trip & can say this is the most comfortable seat Ive sat in for a bad back... very firm and well-bolstered. Attractive interior. Stereo initially sounded horrible, but got better after a few hours break-in... still nothing to write home about. A let-down in gas mileage, esp if you take it over 65 or so - but my last car was a VW TDI, so Im spoiled. (I average low 30s in mixed, very conservative driving).

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  "The Best Bang for You Buck" - 2016 Honda Accord
  By BillJack - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many many cars over my last 50 years & the 2016 Honda Accord Sport Sedan has to be right up there with the Higher Priced Vehicles on the Market today. It just is the Best Bang for Your Dollar....... A True 5 Star Automobile......

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  Silver Streak - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By ISTJ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 1992 Prelude SI since 1993 @ approx 12k miles. I am now at 95.5k miles and only had the ac replace (2000), it finally gave in (I live in FL) and the timing belt (2001)- scheduled maintenance. Other than that, no problems, my wife drives it now and wont sell it. I even bought a 2001 Honda accord (V6)-new, and she rather have the Prelude. I tried

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  1992 honda prelude - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By aeropostel - January 21 - 2:00 am

  the 1992 honda prelude is a terrific car. it is very fun to drive. it has excellent pick up, and reliability. i havenot had one major problem with it and it has over 100,000 miles. i bought it with 92,000 and i do not think it was a mistake buying it with high mileage. i the only thing i want now is a manual one. i like the bucket seats it came with, but the interior is not as good as the newer preludes.