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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  Awesome Car - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Mee - August 20 - 2:00 am

  What can I say this car kicks ass!

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  Great little car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By zelifcam - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine from a private seller in April 2000 with 95,000 miles on it for $6,800. Ive been very pleased with it. Clutch went out at 115,000 miles after dropping it at high revs a few hundered times racing on it.. Today it has 138,000 miles on it and its starting to burn some oil, probably worn valve guides. Ive upgraded the ignition, intake, exhaust and camshaft. Very zippy little 1.6L engine, even stock. I love VTEC. The car has never been garage-kept in its life and the paint is still very vivid bright red. Car has lived in the rains of Miami and the salt of winters in Chicago and New Jersey and dosent have a speck of rust on her.

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  Highly recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By native21 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I leased mine, intending to give it up next week, but I have not found anything better for the value on the market, so Im buying it! New CRV is so ugly I cant stand it, but I love my 99. Have never had a problem, and only do regular oil changes. Easy to maneuver, impressive amount of interior room--even more than bigger SUVs. I dont do serious off-roading, but Ive taken it places I wouldnt want to drive a car with zero issues. Excellent for camping, and the picnic table...cmon! What could be cooler?

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  New Honda - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Peekie - August 19 - 12:20 pm

  Just bought the car a few weeks ago & love it. Test drove others but found the Fit the best. Both myself (63" tall) & my husband (75") can drive it comfortably. This is the only car where he has inches of head rooms. The seat fold-down ability give it the best trunk space I have ever seen for a small car. Also like the ability to fold down the front seat level with the rear passenger & completely stretch out on long trips. Dont know yet about the mileage & reliability but Honda sells an extended warrenty that seems worth it. It is hard to find one of these as they mostly go to Europe & Japan.

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  Good car, but... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By DILLIGAF - August 19 - 5:50 am

  Overall this car has been solid and reliable for the most part. My biggest complaint is the drivers seat. I did not notice this until I took the car on 1+ hour trips, the headrest design causes the headrest always to be in contact with your head, adjusting the height and seatback does not seem to help. Also, the seat does feel very hard on my back. I notice that I have been making more trips to the chiropractor than before. I had high hopes for this car, but based on how I feel from longer drives and how it is affecting my overall health, I honestly cannot wait to get rid of it. Honda customer care said the seat is designed according to safety regulations and they will not help.

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  My Honda Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rob - August 19 - 3:33 am

  I would definitely recommend this car. Its sporty, got some pep, looks nice because of the standard body kit, and the MPG is awesome. Plus its got the Honda rep behind it. Honda is already affordable overall, but this is the value vehicle for Honda at this time. I am 48 years old and love it. But I would definitely recommend it for a kid going to college and going the normal runarounds.

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  Staying Young at 61 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Hal M. - August 19 - 3:16 am

  Ive had several Accords, so I know how reliable Hondas are. I have had my Si for a year now, and its the S2000 I didnt buy for reasons of practicality. I was 60 when I bought this sports car with a trunk and a (roomy) back seat. I love the styling, the performance, and most of all... the seats! These are the best seats I have ever had in any car; great back support, and with the red stitching and Si logo, they look way cool. I average about 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving (best was 28), not bad considering its hard to resist putting your foot down to experience the i-VTEC rush that kicks in at 6k rpm. I wish it was quieter, though. Engine noise is cool, but lots of road noise, too.

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  Fun to Drive for short time - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Club VTEC - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I personally love Prelude 92-96 Model. It is really fun to drive but not for long drive. The seat is not comfortable. This is a great car to have. Dont miss it

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  Fun, reliable, and fast - 1992 Honda Civic
  By tgbastau - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car with almost 140,000 miles and was thusly planning some sort of engine swap. However, the little SOHC VTEC powerplant still pulls strongly to the redline without any complaints. Transmission shifts smoothly with semi-short throws, the interior is very comfortable, and all the fun power features still work blissfully. I definitely suggest this car to anyone, high-mileage or not.

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  Wear & Tear = $$$$$$ - 1991 Honda Accord
  By aka The Maestro - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was purchased more than two years ago. I bought it with only 76000 miles. When I had it for the first year, nothing was wrong with the car. Then as months passed by I realized that I had to changed the radiator, wheel axle and finally the worst of all the window motor broke. They all add up , a lot of money. That sucked so much.