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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  Prelude Love - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Brandy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  The Prelude is a practical sports car - classy and reliable. It is such a fun car to drive!

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  $28,000 DOWN THE TUBE! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Amy+3boys - October 16 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a money pit! I bought it with 5,000 miles on it and paid over $25,000! It has been junk. The back window has always squeaked. The remote key entrys both broke within a few months. THE whole ABS brake system had to be replaced. The ENGINE had major repair damage this summer costing over $5,000 AND my gas gage stays on empty ALL THE TIME...ANOTHER REPAIR! oh YEAH! I have had another thing repaired that cost over $350 but I cant even remember what is was...NOTHING has been under warranty because the miles. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY IT HAS BEEN!

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  Quality lacking - 2008 Honda Accord
  By pauhum - October 15 - 3:46 pm

  too complicated to figure out all features; a/c fan control inconvenient for driver; road noise; paint on bumpers dont match color of paint on body--evidence of poor quality control!

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  LOADS OF FUN - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By HONDA BOY - October 15 - 2:00 am

  NEVER ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL, ALWAYS RUNS, FUN TO DRIVE AND AUTOCROSS. CAR IS AWESOME

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  Insightful - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Mithril - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for just over a year and am mostly happy with it though it doesnt make for a good winter car as it is too light. Road noise is a bit harsh also.

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  sporty, fun to drive, but annoying controls - 2017 Honda Civic
  By David - October 15 - 1:37 am

  Fun car to drive. We have gotten many compliments on its looks. Stock tires suck in the snow. I dont like the center console and I wish there was a light in the glove box. The touch screen interface is horrendous. The nav system socks. It often looses location. I still use it, but also have use my phone because I dont trust the nav. And there are other annoying things about the touch screen that make me realize Honda knows nothing about usability.

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  Good family car to own - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Jeremy - October 14 - 1:13 pm

  All I can say is that I am very pleased with my Honda experience. Back in 2001, I traded in my 1990 Honda Accord EX for their latest model Accord EX-V6. I had some problems with my 1990, but mainly because I was taking my car to poor garages. Anyway, Ive had nothing but success with my 2001. I purchased the extended 100,000 mile warranty, but so far, no problems. Replaced the tires at about 46,000 miles with new Bridgestone Turanzas; they swapped out the 6-CD changer because the laser started skipping, but no mechanical problems so far. I have to replace the rotors soon because I like to slam on the brakes in traffic a lot. I guess Im somewhat of an aggressive driver. Great ride!

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  Noisy Rear Suspension - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Thaddeus - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nice, with the exception of a noisy rear suspension. I love the exterior styling and motor is very strong for a 2.2L. However, whenever I hit bumps, or leave a driveway, or do anything to move the rear suspension much, it squeaks and grinds. This has been fixed twice by the dealer, only to return. I am ready to take it in for a third time, before my warranty ends. I may end up trading the vehicle in since it seems to be a design flaw, rather than a repairable issue. This isnt what I expected from Honda.

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  A Pleasure To Own - 1993 Honda Accord
  By rinkwide - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Im not looking forward to selling this car. I have so many great memories in it and its been so reliable that to me its priceless.

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  2018 Accord EX-L and Touring 1.5 CVT - Test Drive. - 2018 Honda Accord
  By JimmyL - October 14 - 12:16 am

  I was a little disappointed in the 2018 Accords. . I own a 2015 Accord EX-L and anticipated on upgrading to a 2018 upper trim model. I test drove both the Touring and EX-L. In short I found the EX-L to handle better and less noisier. I am a light footed driver and turbo lag was felt in both trims: And, a little less in the EX-L. Yes the new Accords are quicker but the turbo lag was a no no for me. Also, the initial takeoff sound of the turbo engine/ CVT was louder than I expected. Other observations. . In ECO mode the A/C did not work in either trim. In normal mode the A/C was not as cold as my 2015 model. Also, not including the Heads Up Display in a EX-L Navi is a big mistake especially charging $1000 extra for navigation. Sorry to say the 10th Gen Accord did not win me over. I am a Honda fan and I will keep my 2015 until something better comes along. . .