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 Value - 2007 Honda Civic
  By J.D. - November 6 - 5:43 pm

  Great car for the money. Four doors, an auto, and over 30 mpg with Honda reliability. This car is everything a family needs -- up to three children. Also, the total ownership cost is minimal.

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  LX Coupe Special Edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jimmy M - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  Bought last week and absolutely love it. I drive 70 miles a day and this car will probably save me $100 a month in gas. Fun to drive and the Special Edition package is a tremendous value for a extra few hundred dollars. Its nice looking and fun to drive.

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  Love my AWD Pilot in the snow! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Cathryn Couzens - November 6 - 3:49 pm

  I really like the design of the 2017 Honda pilot. Its attractive on the outside, comfortable on the inside. A few concerns though. The rear seats could be a little more comfortable but at least they are not used every day. It also seems like the heat takes a while to really kick in which was not what I was expecting for a brand-new vehicle but perhaps because its a large space it takes a while. Also the Bluetooth has not consistently worked. Overall a five star car though, great in snow and ice and very good gas mileage for this type of vehicle.

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  Reliable transportation - 2009 Honda Civic
  By dee A - November 6 - 12:58 pm

  Great car to purchase

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  Smooth and Powerful Ride - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Brandon C. - November 6 - 5:13 am

  After shopping around for months, looking at many makes and models, the Honda Accord EX V-6 ended up being the winner. It replaced my old 1987 4-cyl Toyota Camry. And did I make the right choice. The ride is both smooth and powerful. The 8-way power drivers seat control is great for my big frame. It has a very spacious interior (for a big guy like me) and I like that the rear bench collapses to expand trunk space when I need it. Even though the Accord doesnt get the same great fuel economy as a hybrid would, Im satisfied with the way it performs. Its a keeper.

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  The Honda Prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By MichaelWee - November 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is a fine sporty car, and is inexpensive. They have great handling and are built well with good safety standards. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  93 lude Si - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Chad F - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Great reliablity, fun as hell to drive, with enough kick to spank most cars out there. Extreamily versitile, I used mine during the winter in the northwest with out any problems, even up on the ski hill. Seats are quality for factory, and the lumber support is nice. So far the car has gone 100 thousand miles with out any big problems at all. Also, living in an area with snow 5 months out of the year, i have not had ANY problems with rust.

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  Great Car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By mackjohn - November 6 - 2:00 am

  212000 Miles and counting. No Mojor problems. Still in great condition.

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  Better than my 2000 Corvette - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Eric Armstrong - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I had an 87 prelude and it was the best overall car I ever owned. It wasnt the fastest or best looking but it had quality, reliablity, was sporty. the only thing to make this car better would be to have more power, no pop-up headlights and ABS. I sold my POS 2000 Corvette because of all the problems I had with it,the dealers and Chevrolet. I will never ever buy another US made car. As soon as I took my 2001 Prelude out for a test drive I loved it. I love that feeling and have more confidence in a car like that. The fit and finish of Honda makes American cars look like a couple pieces of sheet metal bolted together.

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  Excellent - 1996 Honda Civic
  By chuns_chan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  U cant beat the price and quality