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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  Loving my Pilot! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By MDudas - July 30 - 5:04 pm

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  Strangely Underrated - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Crawdaddy79 - July 30 - 2:00 am

  Strangers continually compliment me on my Civic or Accord, and I tell them its a Prelude, and they get surprised. This car is 8 years old (its a 95)this model has been around since 92, which makes it 10+ years of chance that youve had to know what it was. They are surprised to find out that it is faster than a formidably upgraded Civic (!) (even stock/non-VTEC Preludes). Preludes are not in production any longer because people have some sort of fascination with Civics that sound like weedwhackers. Mine has 120,000+ miles on it.. No mechanical problems as of yet, and no signs of future ones.

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  Best All Around Bang for Your Buck - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Redline - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for over 2 years now, and added almost 35k miles. This car has to be the best used vehicle I have ever owned. I have not had one problem with this car even way after hitting 100k miles. The base performance on this car is awesome for being a 4cylinder. Ive had a few passengers ask me if it was a 6cylinder! Styling is fun, young, and sleek. Interior is absolutely amazing and none that ive ever seen. The quality of build is definitely there. Sure, its not a lexus, but for the money I paid for it, it feels like it. Handling is top-notch. I have no doubt that it will easily reach 200k. This is the best all around bang for your buck.

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  Great - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Kerim - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car with a great fuel efficiency and inner space. I have never seen such a specious car among other brands. I certainly suggest Honda Civic LX to anybody who wants to feel the comfort and luxuary.

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  Honda Passport - 1999 Honda Passport
  By CRW - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle developed problem with multiple systems - engine, brakes, emissions, and electric. Very unreliable for a new vehicle. Poor quality.

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  Best Mini SUV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Marcy - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. Honda has really done it. Since 1997 I have had not one single problem with this vehicle. The engine is fun and peppy though a few extra horses would certaintly help, though I believe the 1999 model has 147-hp as opposed to the 126-hp engine. There are only two gripes about this vehicle how ever. There is no arm rest on the passenger seat, which I believe the arm rest should be since the driver should have both hands on the wheel. The other minor gripe I have is that the window controls are to the left of the steering wheel. These are little things I can live with and have for the past 5 years.

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  S2000 The Good, The Bad, and The Pretty - 2002 Honda S2000
  By stanhan - July 30 - 2:00 am

  This is one fun car to drive. If you want to rev, shift and run through the twisties this car is for you. It made me forget about my long lost motorcycle and even the C-5 I sold a couple years ago. In stock form I think it offers just about every feature you could ask for. With its reliability, power convertible top, and performance, there simply isnt anything close for the money (why do you think dealers can mark them up and wont EVER sell them under sticker???). Dont expect the raw power of a V-8. The rear-end was defective ($7,000!). Honda stepped up and repaired it under the factory warranty.

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  Concerned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By David Rodgers - July 30 - 12:06 am

  Overall, I love the accord, it drives and handles very well, I love the interior as well as the exterior look. However, I am concerned about the brake issue because there seems to be no recall related to this. It would be a shame for an issue like this to destroy the reputation of such a wonderful company known for reliability, dependability, and low cost of ownership. Obviously having to replace your brake pads so frequently can become very expensive very soon. How unfortunate.

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  After one year, this car is fine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Doug - July 29 - 9:50 pm

  There are many things I love about this car, its engine, 6 speed, wheels and handling. It is also comfortable and quiet on trips. It is very reliable, with no problems over the past year. In fact, it feels like a mini-Acura TL-S Type. My one complaint is the gas mileage. I can only get about 32 at highway speeds and thats if I keep it at 70 and below. Not an easy thing to do in this car because speed comes on quickly and keeps climbing. its easy to do 90 MPH. Love the interior but hate that you can only get black interior. It is very hot in a car with so much glass. It also shows lint like crazy. Radio is good too.

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  One of my favorites - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By SnoopDoug - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from old muscle cars, to new Vettes and even a 96 Viper GTS. I must say that I love this car, overall, more than those. At least for the money. I get 31MPG with the A/C on!! How can you beat that? I have always loved how the car looks too. Its just got an "evil" look when viewed from the front.