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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  1999 Honda Prelude SH - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Billaze - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is an amazing machine. It handles like no other car I have ever driven. Its performance is comporable to luxury sport coupes that are much more expensive. I used to own a 93 Prelude VTEC and have recently purchased the 99 Type SH. I am very happy with the Honda Prelude.

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  I is a college Grad - 2002 Honda S2000
  By owUdoin - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Happy B-day to me!And I graduated!I need a head turning,heart pumping,juices flowing,girl just smiled at me!,neighbors are coveting,wanna a ride girls?,high fiving,G- forcing,ragtop!I found it! Heres a toast to all S200 owners! P.S.....After you park it,how many times do you look back to admire?

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  Love my CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Deann - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car this is my second Honda My first is an 91 Accord EX I brought it new swore I would never drive anything els it has 130,000 miles still going I look forward to many years in my CRV even used

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Oliver - September 26 - 2:53 pm

  This vehicle is awesome. The design and engineering is leading edge. It wont be long before all pick-up trucks come with trunks. I traded in a Dodge Dakota for the Ridgeline and there is simply no comparison. The Navigation system, moonroof and plush back seat make the Dakota a dinosaur whos time has passed.

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  Quality control - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By david asher - September 26 - 7:24 am

  I have no power to the trailing wire harness. I cannot believe that a quality control issue has come up straight from the factory. This truck should never been sold without a thorough check of all the systems. The dealer is ordering a wiring harness but this issue should never had been allowed to leave the dealership or the factory for that matter. Not very happy and will consider another brand in the future

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  Top suv under 40K - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Brandon - September 26 - 4:39 am

  Pilot ex-l is a fantastic vehicle. You will not find a comparable suv in this price range (under 40k). The highlander is close but the features of the pilot ex-l are much greater than the comparable trimmed highlander.

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  A Champ Car for the Street - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Spider - September 26 - 2:00 am

  9000 Rpm usable redline is a beautiful thing. The sound is sports car music. The seats make me feel like Mike Andretti or Montoya in that carbon- fiber tub. The power rush through the Rpm band feels like an F16 Fighter Jet! The handling is superb thanks to those sticky Bridgestone S-02s and tight suspension. The shifter feels like a trigger to unleash more power! Honda please, please, please dont stop making this machine!

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  Dont know where Id be without it. - 2005 Honda Element
  By The Lazer Viking - September 26 - 12:13 am

  I bought this car because I am in a band, and I needed a strong and rugged car to haul all of my equipment in. At first sight I thought it was the ugliest thing in the world, but as time went on I became much more attached. I love the seats; not only are they comfortable, but they are waterproof and stain resistant. The audio system is amazing and the fact that the rear seats fold up easily makes it very easy to transport my stuff. What really surprised me, and something that I havent seen mentioned, is the incredible handling and sharp turning capability of this car compared to others in the same price range. I would highly recommend the Element, even if you think it looks funny.

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  Steel Gray - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Schumacher - September 25 - 2:05 pm

  Top of the line but it doesnt have back up obstacle warning buzers

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  A/C didnt work from the start - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Chris - September 25 - 10:04 am

  yes thats right first week i went to use the a/c and nothing but warm air came out, wish I tested it at the dealer. Was very unhappy to have not even a week old car in the shop needing a repair. Two years with it and its starting to show some wear. The paint isnt durable theres a couple rock chips on the hood. Things I dont like: everything about the CVT especially the loud whine noise. dont recommend for highway driving., excessive road noise, no volume knob, numb steering and driver side window shifts the interior door in the direction of the window going up and down.