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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  Could be a lot better considering price - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By backpain - January 2 - 1:03 pm

  I have put approximately 10,000 miles on the van since I purchased it. It has a smooth ride and more than adequate power. The DVD and nav systems have been great. I have noticed that gas mileage is not as advertised (3-5 mpg less than on sticker). Also as time goes by, the drivers seat has become a problem. As I come to a stop (slow or fast) the seat slightly shifts forward with an audible click. As I hit the gas (slow or fast) it shifts slightly back and clicks again. Dealership serviceperson states that he felt the shift and click but tested another van in the lot and it did the same thing so it must be normal. (What???).

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  Prelude Type SH with ATTS is amazing! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By tilenius - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Prelude Type SH for almost 6 years now and LOVE it! Its been a joy to drive every day! Hondas Active Torque Transfer System is truly amazing! This comes only on the Type SH model. This feature basically makes the OUTSIDE wheels on a turn go FASTER than the inside wheels, and can transfer up to 80% of the torque to those wheels. The result is almost NO understeer and amazing road-hugging ability. This has to be one of the best-handling cars on the market. Its been 100% reliable, no problems, except a slight rattle around the moonroof. Honda is so incredibly reliable!

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  Love My Lude! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By ShortyONE30 - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Lude for x-mas and i was so excited to have it sittin in my drive way! Its the greatest car in the world and i love everything about it! I have tons of plans for it too! This is a great sporty car and sooo much fun to drive! Just gotta watch out for the Po Pos!

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  Dont waste your money !!! - 2000 Honda Passport
  By sbattle - January 2 - 2:00 am

  For the last 11 months my vehicle rattles and then dies when you accelerate at red lights and stop signs. I have taken it in to a honda dealership but they cant find the problem. They thought it could be the fuel filter and pump and I had that changed and it didnt help.

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  More Fun Than Your First Bike - 2001 Honda S2000
  By chittydog - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Its like driving a mini rocket. This car is sleek, fast, fun and handles like its on rails. I average about 25 miles/gallon so its also much more environmentally friendly than the V8 gas-guzzlers that used to provide the only thrill out there. The price tag is a little high for the stripped-down basic interior, but its still worth every dime. My only complaint is that the doors and dash are starting to rattle.

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

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  New Owner Loves Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By letty - January 1 - 7:30 pm

  I test-drove many cars, several of which were great (Prius, 2010 Ford Fusion, Camry) but as a confirmed Honda driver, I came back to the 2009 Accord. Love everything, but I have to agree with several other reviewers that the drivers seat is often downright uncomfortable -- Im a 56" female and the seat back hits me in the wrong place, throwing me into a very unnatural position. Putting on the lumbar makes matters worse. Im hoping the seat softens up and takes on the arm-chair cushiness of my 2006 Accord. Cup holders are still in bad position and dangerous because you have to look down at them to remove a beverage cup. But its a beauty, decent mileage, drives well, plush, very roomy, mine!

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  Slipping perfection - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gearup75 - January 1 - 5:23 pm

  Great car except for rough downshifts when coming to a stop (SE auto) to the point where it feels like the car "jumps" a little. Took it to the dealer twice and they reassured me that it runs fine. And the brakes are pretty weak/soft.