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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  Whats with the tire noise? AVOID HONDA Sport SE - 2017 Honda Accord
  By PRCOTTAGEFORSALE - October 21 - 9:19 am

  The tires are designed to rub against a brake pad protector of some sort, which produces a loud noise that is very annoying. Honda now says it was designed into the car, after I brought the car in for repair 5 times. I think Honda is full of it and not standing behind its cars. Who designs a car to have $1,000 tires rub? How do you say that with a straight face? STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR AND SO FAR HONDA is LEAVING MYSELF AND DEALERSHIP OUT TO DRY. I am not only appalled at the way Honda is handling this but insulted by the fact that we are suppose to read fine print in the specs now to avoid this from happening to you! THE TIRES ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS CAR, THEY ARE SIMPLY TOO BIG FOR THE FRONT END. ADMOIT IT HONDA, YOU PIT 19 INCH TIRES ON A FRINT END THAT CAN ONLY HANDLE 17 INCH WHEELS.

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  06 Civic LX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Hud - October 21 - 6:10 am

  Im 61" and heavy. I find the only complaint I have about comfort is the e-brake handle is exactly where my knee rests. It really bothers me, but shorter people will be fine. The interior layout is great, speedometer is easy to read and great location. The car could use an optional more powerful engine, instead of having to jump up to the SI. Great car.

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  Lude is good! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Steva - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun car, great handeling, good torque, solid built. I have the 4WS and it makes tight turns much easier, but its just another thing that can go wrong. I have had the car for 11K miles and the besides the regular maintainence I have had some electrical things go out and it cost $150 to fix, not bad. Sometimes when I turn the car off for a few minutes and turn it on again the 4WS light stays on ( which means that there is a prolem with the 4WS) so I turn the car on and off a few times untill it goes away. The rest of the car is realiable and should last a while.

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  The little Honda that could... - 1991 Honda Civic
  By jvillegurl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda used from a private owner back in 98 for $3,500. This car, (LUCY BLUE)will not die. She just keeps going and going. She now has 260,000 miles on her and I bet she will last another 50,000 easily. I have not had to do anything really major to her, other than replacing CV joints twice, Clutch twice,and a radiator.(By the way, the radiator was my fault- I guess she was not meant to jump sand hills at the beach:) I will definately buy another Honda, matter of fact, thats all Im buying!

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  Caveat Emptor, Nice People - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Foster - October 21 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the 1996 Accord could have been worse. It is quite well- made the seats are comfortable and the controls are well-placed. Rear visibility is fairly bad, however, and exhaust system problems have plagued the car since my purchase. Acceleration with the base SOHC engine is acceptable for normal driving, but highway merges on short onramps are unpleasant. Again, though, the car could be much worse.

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  My Pearl Blue Honda CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LaFlaca - October 20 - 11:53 pm

  Its so smooth to drive, so comfortable. I can get the kids in and out of the car easily. I can fit so much in the car. I dont spend alot on gas and I have alot of room up front for all my belongings.

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  Civic Great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Garman - October 20 - 11:16 am

  Not one problem during first 5000 miles. Mileage 38 per gal. Good pickup and handling

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  dashboard problem - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Patrick Le Beau - October 20 - 2:00 am

  With less than 1000 miles on my new 2017 truck I get a message on my dashboard between the speedometer and the tach that there is a problem with just about all the systems on the truck. There are no problems , but the computer says there are. Something is wrong with the wireing system . A new wireing harness must be ordered. I will update this to see if this cures the problem.

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  T-Bones Car - 1990 Honda Accord
  By T-Bone75 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  My mom passed away a few years ago. We have had our 90 Accord LX Coupe since it was new. It was our famiys car, since then I have turned 16, and now it is mine. The car is in incredible condition. The paint still shines, although it has gotten a few scratches, from yearly wear. The interior looks like it just came from the factory. When you take care of, and garage a car you can keep them very nice.

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  Just sweet - 2002 Honda S2000
  By TurboTrix - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car, its nothing short of fun