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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  Accord is still a very noisy car, even w noise can - 2016 Honda Accord
  By TLC - March 29 - 11:35 am

  Because of the high road and wind noise, it does not feel like a luxury car.

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  97 prelude - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By thatkid - March 29 - 2:00 am

  In the big picture of fast cars I peronally dont beleive that my 97 prelude is fast but, as for as stock 4 banger automatic goes it is very fast. The car is very fun and comfortable, also extemely reliable. I live in Butte montana it can get to be -25 degees below vero during the winter and the car has started every time!!!

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  2001 Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By TomW - March 29 - 2:00 am

  An excellent buy for the money. Strong performance, points very well and handles predictably. I really like the car--its stacks up well against other sports cars I owned such as, Datsun 280Z, Sunbeam Tiger, a couple of C3 Vettes and a Jag. Have noticed that the 5th Gen Prelude tends to use oil. Mine uses a quart every 2,500 miles, which the dealer indicates is typical and not a problem.

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  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

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  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

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  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.

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  Honda GREAT - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Shahab - March 28 - 8:03 pm

  Great interior design with LOTS and LOTS of storage, great handling, beautiful front, awesome trunk space, looks very sharp and again a lot of storage GREAT FAMILY CAR WITH A SPORTY FEEL

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  PERFECT Van for family of 4 - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry H - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Typical HONDA reliablity. Only one UN-scheduled problem - replaced brake master cylinder. Ive owned two other minivans (Dodge and Mazda) and this has been the best all around. For my family of four, it is a perfect size with the middle captains chairs. We then have the flip up back seat for extra seating when we need it, otherwise it is a huge trunk. If you like the Accord but need just a little more room or occasionally carry 6-7 people, look no further.

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  Civics Great ! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By alvermette - March 28 - 2:00 am

  9 years of dependable, economic, maintenance & worry-free fun driving.

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  DRIVE ME HARD - 1996 Honda Civic
  By roadwarrior - March 28 - 2:00 am

  1st owner. 80K mi. I push the car to the red line nearly every shift to get the power that I like, and the car seems to like the abuse. Oil changes and one a/c fix have been the extent of the repairs. Avg mpg=36. Predictable and fun to drive when the snow flies, as long as you put better tires on it. Stable and purring at 100mph, but engine unlikely to go over 105. Be ready to rev on uphill climbs.