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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  Best Sports Coupe...Ever! - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By h0rde - March 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Prelude from my boss when he decided to buy a BMW M Roadster...I knew that I had to have it as soon as I found out that it was for sale. Its a blast to drive and I really like the styling, inside and out. There isnt a day that goes by in which I dont smile because I own one of these.

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  No Worry, Great Economy Sedan - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Alex L. - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought it at 134k and now at 163k, and for a car with alot of miles, it has No Rust, and great perfformance. Handles awesome and comfortable for an economy sized car. I can parallel into any parking space in the city and yet fit 4 people in comfortably (5 snug). Best mpg of any car !

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  Civic just keeps on chugging! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By DallasKen - March 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a vehicle I never thought Id enjoy driving. I gave up my commuter car a year ago, bought my wife a new car, and inherited her Civic grudgingly. However, it grew on me... its spartanly comfortable, gets great gas mileage, drives and handles well. Although not powerful, the light weight of the car and spritely engine give it acceptable punch at expressway speeds. I compare the driving of a 1993 Civic to that of an imagined (although soon to be a reality) 1-series BMW!

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  Go Green - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By James Wiser - March 20 - 8:07 pm

  I love the environmental benefits and cost savings of a hybrid.

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  Great car to drive with powerful pickup. - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Sue Moricle - March 20 - 11:28 am

  We leased this car and liked it so much that we bought it! It has been excellent to drive and has never given us any problems! It has been kept in a garage and is clean and smoke-free. Roomy in the front, great air conditioner, moon roof, fully adjustable heated front seats with lumbar support for the driver,

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  PRELUDES RULE - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Rick Bailey - March 20 - 2:00 am

  My first car and im gona keep it till it dies

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  2000 Honda Prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By lighthouse - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Numerous squeaks and rattles. Annoying wind noise around drivers door that dealership could not detect. Extremely noisy at highway speeds.

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  Your Car Uses 100 Year-Old Technology - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Tim Drager - March 20 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Insight over 22,000 miles, I feel that Honda is the best car company on the planet. They are about the only car company to put their money where their mouth is. Theyve "walked their talk", in that theyve created a major evolution in the automotive industry, taking 100 year-old combustion technology and brought it into the 21st century. That 3 cylinder engine sounds like a V12 purring under the hood. Ill be darned if I can figure out how Honda did it. Only the best engineering can make a 3 cylinder engine purr like that. I tell you that the Insight IS fun to drive, with its strong torque at the low end and electric steering. Hope you decide to walk your talk.

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  Chrysler T & C Limited reigns supreme - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By I Miss my T & C - March 20 - 12:03 am

  I shouldve bought another T & C Limited. It would have been 3K less and would have include DVD and NAV. The Touring has a lot of nice features, but they missed important things when you buy this level of vehicle (i.e. Memory seats SHOULD include radio settings and mirrors that change with the driver!) T&C LTD does. Our van has been in the shop for a total of 2 weeks with 2 different problems. The brakes were replaced at 5k miles and they still sound awful. It has a noise when I accelerate that the dealer cant find. The stereo was not well thought out...the seek is a stretch for the driver, not on the steering wheel. People who LOVE this van never owned a T&C LTD! Still needs work!

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  2nd Prelude Ive owned! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Jessie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 96 Si Prelude I have owned. I loved my first one so much, that when circumstances changed that I couldnt have it, I went in search of the exact same car. I work at a car dealership and have driven just about every type of car out there. I can only say the S2000 has gotten the same rush out of me as the lude. I still get stopped at red lights and asked what kind of car it is. I love that you dont see a whole lot of them on the road and the exclusivity that goes with it.