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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  After 10 yrs I STILL love this car. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Carie - June 5 - 2:00 am

  It just passed 150K miles & has required minimal maintenance & few things have worn out! I testdrove a new Prelude last year & it felt almost EXACTLY like my 10 yr old one. Ive usually replaced a car every 2 yrs until I bought this one. I bought a new truck last year, but kept my Prelude as I couldnt give it up. I expect to see it hitting 250K at some point.

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  performance, style, reliabliltiy,etc. - 2000 Honda S2000
  By jason - June 5 - 2:00 am

  this little car is amazing. although priced at least 10 grand less then its competiton (audi tt, bmw z3, mercedes slk, porsche boxster) it performs as well if not better. no it does not have the "prestige" but who cares? the only complaints i have is the weak stereo, made worse by the fact my left thigh blocks the door speaker and i would like a little more shoulder support in the otherwise awesome seats.

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  Lemon is too good of a word - 1999 Honda Passport
  By karen - June 5 - 2:00 am

  For the 1st 2 years i had this truck i mostly drove loaner cars. From the check engine light coming on every 2 weeks & taking 1 week to fix, to the computer being replaced & that took just under a month to fix to the gas gauge breaking & to fix that it confused all the service people. The service people for Honda have NO clue how to service this truck. This truck is just JUNK dont purchase it.

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  1999 Honda Odyssey EX - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Rockey - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great van, handles well, very comfortable, looks good. Lots of power, but suspension is not made to pull or carry heavy loads. About 20-21 mpg, consistantly. I like the comfort and reliability - it is built using unibody construction, in comparison to a truck chassis. Easily fits 6 people with lots of room, 7 if necessary.

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  According to Garp - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe - June 4 - 3:53 pm

  Bought the 2008 Accord in July. Good running car. Good style and quality. Just did a round trip to Fla from MA. Comfortable ride no thanks to the comfort of the drivers seat!! Had to purchase an orthopedic back support for the driver side. It was worth the $100 bucks. Without it I was in pain! I suggest others complaining of same to purchase an orthopedic car back support to correct the problem.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Joseph - June 4 - 7:53 am

  After Driving an SUV for the past 10 years I decided to go back to a sedan. My wife drives the Odyssey, and she fell in love with Honda, so did I. I looked at the BMW 328xi and thought I would purchase it after the test drive until I drove the Accord. The Accord was 13 thousand dollars less and that was for the top of the line EX-L with navigation. It look fantastic Im very happy to have two Hondas in the Driveway, especially with 3 kids safety and reliability made the Honda a no brainer.

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  Incredible Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Hookedup Honda - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a custom heaven for me. All I have done is change the front bumper and put on some 17inch aluminum wheels and I get more people asking me what kind of car it is than I did when I had a Camry with $2,000 worth of body work. The layout of the car is basic, so all of my stereo modifications have been simple to install and design

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  HONDA OR ISUZU - 1997 Honda Passport
  By CATHERINE - June 4 - 2:00 am

  EVEN THOUGH THIS SUV GOT ME OUT OF A HUGE WRECK, I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK. I DONT KNOW IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDNT TAKE CARE OF THE TRUCK OR I AM JUST HAVING BAD LUCK. I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE PERFORMANCE. EVERY MONTH IT IS SOMETHING DIFFEENT AND THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM IS NO HELP EITHER. I THINK THAT IF HONDA MADE THERE OWN SUV, IT WOULD BE A LOT MORE RELIABLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CAR MADE FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER THAT HAS SOLD THE RIGHTS TO ANOTHER DEALER. MY TRUCK SAYS HONDA BUT ALL THE PARTS ARE ISUZU. THAT SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME SOMETHING RIGHT AWAY.

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  Odyssey Land - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By JD/Doherty - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Thus far I am very disappointed with my Honda Odyssey. I was expecting much better from Honda. Problems surfaced within 8 months of purchase. First problem was related to the inigition system and stopped (shut down) 2 cyclders on the 3.5 V6 engine. Since then Ive had a blow out on the front tire (at 10,000)since the tire had excessive wear on the inside of both. The tires were replaced and the wheel alignment was off dramatically (toe was off .16 degrees on both sides front). Most recently, 42,000 miles dealer determined to be a defective power steering pump unit making loud noise. The dealer is in the process of replacing.

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  My Honda CRV Experience - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Dawgfan1 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good car for camping and skiing trips. I have had no problems with it. The only draw back would be, as with all SUVs, the gas mileage which averages about 21mpg.