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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  S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By atul - May 17 - 2:00 am

  i test drove a boxter and it couldnt hold a candle to the S2000

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  Great Car... But Room For Improvements - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Dave - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall satisfaction is great, just a bit upset about the MPG, getting an average of 26 mpg with normal driving. Car handles very well and the steering is tight and responsive. Engine could use just a bit more power, but still not bad. Cold morning start is a bit rough. Road noise is present, but not too bad. Very reliable car, wish it had a better warranty just for the piece of mind, needs to be 5year/60k bumper to bumper especially for the price.

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  Just what I expected! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bluefit - May 17 - 1:56 am

  I waited 3 months for a vivid blue 5 speed, and Im glad I did. I love the color and I cant stop looking at it. Ive driven almost 1000 mile in the first 2 weeks and I love the handling and great gas mileage (36 MPG on 2nd tank with mix of hwy and city). The only way to go in this vehicle is a manual transmission and it is so much fun to drive. I had a 96 Honda Civic Hatchback before this and the fit is much more quiet on the highway. For such a small car there is so much space for everybody to "fit" comfortably in the back seat. I look forward to having this vehicle for a long time.

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  My "E" - best value for my money - 2005 Honda Element
  By Marina - May 16 - 9:23 pm

  I drove my "E" out of the Hudson Honda parking lot on June 23, 2005. I love this BIG Car in a little body! Even my 64" - 18 year old son loves my "E". It is sooooo roomy inside. Who wouldve known. It is so economical on Gas! Big plus with gas prices as high as they are. I absolutely appreciate all of the storage places found inside at hands reach from the driver! The exterior design is just absolutely awesome...I feel like Im going away to my own little safari every morning when I drive my "E" to work. I feel very safe inside my "E". With Hondas reputation for quality and reliability, purchasing my "E" was a win-win option for me.

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  A car for peace of mind - 2005 Honda Civic
  By JC - May 15 - 9:13 am

  First Im cost concience and I dont like supplying the middle east oil with my hard earned money. I appreciate my 2005 Honda Civic hybrid for room, comfort, handling, a good safety rating,and especially excellent fuel economy. I bought this vehicle, not only for the above reasons but also to help out our environment being a clean car. I wish everyone was concerned as much as I am on this matter. The price of this vehicle is a little more than I really wanted to pay for a vehicle but if you want something that really contains all the reasons for buying then Its worth it.

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  Honda Accord reliable and fun to drive - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Joe C. - May 15 - 4:27 am

  No major problems over the last 13 years. The only downside is that you do tend to feel the bumps in the road a little more than other cars I have driven in. Other problems are more due to aging of the car: radio display dimmed to practically non-existent in the 11th year (too expensive to replace) and the driver side window occasionally gets stuck in the up position (even after the repair, but not as often), usually works after 5 to 30 seconds (started in about year 10). But it still drives like new.

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  Gorgeous and classy ! - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Denise Hart - May 15 - 3:37 am

  This is a Honda, great quality, tremendous engine, low maintenance, beautiful sleek lines, durable, top notch electronics, sturdy, comfy, gas saving, and lots of air bags. Safety features are amazing, like brakes, airbags, stabilizing features for bad weather, too. Heated seats, dual controls for air/heat. Huge trunk. Roomy inside, and a smooth suspension system. We love the deep "steel" gray color, leather seats, sunroof, etc. Very happy repeat Honda customers.

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  What a ride! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By house_muzak - May 15 - 2:00 am

  The fourth generation Prelude V-tec is a beautiful and unique car inside and out. Its styling is timeless and seductive. The interior is like no other car on the road and is really very refreshing. The V-tec engine is ultra-reliable and a blast to drive. It handles superbly for a front wheel drive car and has great brakes, too. Buy this car, if you can actually find one!

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  Car From Hell - 1999 Honda Passport
  By LJC - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I was a Honda Accord owner before I decided to get the Passport. Huge mistake. It is definately NOT a Honda. It was in the shop at least every 3 months. I was on the phone constantly with the the corporate office. Since I was in a lease they claimed they could not do anything. In the end my warranty was extendended from 36,000 to 60,000, which was the only postive thing. If I had not gotten the extention, I would have been thousands of dollars in the hole.

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  This is a great every-day car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Angela Marchetti - May 14 - 5:59 pm

  everything I wanted - a coupe that rides like a sedan, trunk big enough for 3 golf bags, rear seat folds down to transport longer items, sun roof, seat warmers - love most everything except the paint is BAD - flakes off and chips easily, even in weird places (like around the rear window, inside the jams, etc.) If it werent for the paint just breaking my heart every time I look at it, I would love this car. the factory rep from honda was super nasty to me, and didnt even consider my claim. Not a good experience for my first brand-new car. I wont do it again.