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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  1 month anniversary - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Rayh - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Its everything I ever wanted in a car and just a little bit more. I truly do look for a longer way home. This car is so powerful and fun to drive. The day after I picked it up I drove across country with the top down, racked up almost 3,000 miles. It was great, but if you dont want to draw attention to yorself stay out of one of these. Most people did not even know what kind of car this was and it seem to draw a crowd where ever I parked it. I drive it as an every day driver and I love it.

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  Terrible Vibration! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By idcrv - June 13 - 12:49 am

  Buyer beware. There is a major flaw with the transmission on the new CRV. The dealer and Honda have said that they know it is there, but they have no idea how to fix it. At a stop with foot on brake the car vibrates terribly. It feels as if it will die on the spot. And it is bad enough to rattle your bones. Google Vibration in 2015 CRV to see how bad this is across the country! It does not instill confidence in the rest of the car. Although Honda and the dealer sympathize, they are offering no help in getting it fixed. When you buy a new car you expect it to be flawless. Im a long time Honda owner and am Super disappointed.

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  Great Value / Solid Buy - 2005 Honda Civic
  By David Cole - June 12 - 4:56 pm

  This is not the first Honda we have owned. With Acuras and Hondas in the past this model lives up to the best our Hondas reputation. While slightly underpowered, a fair amount of road noise and seats that could go abit further back as the negatives still the positives overwhelm. Price, features, MPG, realibility cannot be beat.

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  Great car for a great price - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Mike L. - June 12 - 12:13 pm

  Drives like a car and thats a very good thing. I test drove a 4 runner V8 limited before buying the Pilot and I must say the V8 4runner was a big disappointment to me. The V8 didnt feel very powerful in the 4runner and the truck noise and ride wasnt acceptable to me. The Pilot is simply much more refined and its so roomy.

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  My Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Candi Nordhage - June 12 - 9:40 am

  This vehicle has power when needed. I hit a deer on the highway and the car took the brunt of the impact; I hardly felt it. It didnt look very good until it was fixed but drove great.

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  Keeps getting better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By honda lover - June 12 - 8:50 am

  I have had my Accord for about a month now and I keep falling in love with it more and more. It has been a great car, and you cant beat it for the price. The nav system is amazing, bluetooth is very handy, and the styling is just perfect. However, the road noise is apparent, which i didnt really notice when we first got the car, but everything else makes up for it. This car is Front wheel drive, but you would never be able to tell by the steering. It is very smooth. If you are considering BMW and Mercedes, check this one out.

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  prelude review - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By ron page - June 12 - 2:00 am

  we love the prelude, fun to drive. sporty, and also has very good performance....

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  Best car I have owned. - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Alexander Martis - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I found this one in excellent conditions. It has been very reliable. I have had three cars, a Ford, a Nissan and this one. The Nissan Sentra was brand new and it was a nightmare almost from the moment I bought it !!! Once I test drove the Prelude, I knew from that moment that it is real car !!! With proper maintenance it will run practically forever.

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  Great Car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By ransome22 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  In 1996 I could not get this car to start after having owned it for 2 years. Turned out to be carbon build up, to which I thought the car might be over-sensitive. Other than that, its great. -- My car has been on a ferry in the Gulf of Mexico, crossed the West Texas desert, taken me to Washington, DC, braved Manhattans rush hour, ventured to northern Quebec in March, plowed through a snowstorm in Maine, visited the Branch Davidian compound, and provided a makeshift camper for road trips. A very solid car with few worries. However, I highly recommend some high RPM freeway driving to occasionally burn out the carbon buildup.

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  Buy One! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Ruby - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Will buy another soon!