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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  Good car unimpressive reliability - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Zwiss - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Cars a pleasure to drive, overall performs well. Ugly recent experience with ignition system malfunction that killed all power to van at random. Local Brandon, FL dealer was clueless on condition for 3 months of painful operation. Lindell Honda in Tampa rescued us from suffering by diagnosing problem in 30 seconds--bad ignition system! Experienced some other small problems-- but getting tired with the frequent trips to the dealer.

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  To keep Or Not To Keep Is The Question. - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Kuma - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely great. I have had no problems ever! My mom bought the car in 96 and I took it over in 98. It is so reliable. Gas mileage is great. I dont take care of the car to the best of my ability but Ive never totally neglected it. If you want an affordable dependable mode of transportation Civic is the one.

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  better vehicle for your money! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By sreehari - August 1 - 12:18 am

  only the rear of the crv is little bit off

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  Outstanding Value & Fun! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Gary Y. - July 31 - 4:56 pm

  Ive had the car for 4 months, and traded in an Audi Q7- the best move ever! I love the drive, the power and the looks it gets everywhere I go. For me the Q7 was too big, the CT is perfect- quiet ride, efficient, more room than a sedan for storage and fun to drive. I wanted value, space to haul stuff and better ride, and better gas mileage than the Audi- got it in spades! The use of Regular Gas is a plus as well.

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Matthew - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I brought my lude not too long ago and its great, i put some performance parts on it and it does haul. I agree that there should not even be a backseat, my 5 year old brother cant even fit back there. Everything is great on this car and is built to last. Only thing bad is the dashboard design but u get use to it.

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By matthew - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I brought my lude not too long ago and its great, i put some performance parts on it and it does haul. I agree that there should not even be a backseat, my 5 year old brother cant even fit back there. Everything is great on this car and is built to last. Only thing bad is the dashboard design but u get use to it.

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  Honda Passport - 1994 Honda Passport
  By ktt - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Ran good up to about 100k, then stuff started to go wrong. Water pump, cv boot(VERY EXPENSIVE), and lots of small things. Dont think it was make to solid, because it makes lots of small sounds and squeaks. The engine now may have a knocking rocker that may be expensive. Not a very ruged off road vehicle. It does have lots of room in it. I have a friend that has a 4 runner, and in the back of a 4 runner there is no leg room, but in the passport their is lots of room. It was a good car in the earlier milesf

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  Last Forever - 1993 Honda Civic
  By AandFchica410 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for almost two years now and it is a 1993 Honda Civic LX. I love the car, it runs great and gets great gas mileage. I would be careful with the a/c system because mine blew out around 100,000 miles.

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  your Civic responsibility - 2008 Honda Civic
  By BLCarper - July 31 - 12:50 am

  I have been a sports car guy - until $4.00 gas. I traded my 04 Accord V6 M6 on a new Hybrid. You have to learn a new driving skill - slow and steady vs. pushing apex turns. Have been rewarded with combined mileage 43.8 and Highway is 55.6. There is a lot of no a/c use to get this. Wind drag at speed over 50 mph kills mileage. Im staying at 58 mph on I-95 (dangerous but economical). You need to squeeze the pedal gently and learn to coast a lot. I have enjoyed the smooth driving style that results in top mpg. No rushing, no frantic lane changing - slow and steady wins the race. In this era of energy crisis I felt led to do something to do my part - Civic Hybrid is my statement.

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  Pilot on top!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Rob Mart - July 30 - 5:04 pm

  We are currently leasing a Pilot. This SUV is a great vehicle. The interior space is so big and the ride is so comfortable. Great for family trips as this seats 8 comfortably. A little pricey but worth every single cent. Really glad we went with Honda as our make.