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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  2005 Honda Civic EX is a tin can - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Quality isnt there - August 2 - 12:14 am

  2005 Honda Civic ex special edition has ridiculously thin metal and a lot of plastic. So thin that you can easily put your foot through the car. The car only has two front air bags, so this definitely isnt a safe car. This car gets bad mileage and suffers from a number of engineering problems. The automatic choke comes on every time you start the car -- even if you dont need it and you cant shut it off until the car moves. In addition, the choke is too strong and just sucks fuel. Also 5th speed doesnt drop rpm sufficiently and you end up getting poor mileage at the higher speed. You are lucky to get 34 highway, while the 2001 Civic ex automatic got 36. This car should get 38.

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  2001 Prelude Type SH - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By OEMwheels - August 1 - 9:33 pm

  I remember first seeing this car indoors at a Honda dealer when it first came out in 1997 and my goal was to one day own one(I was around 12 years old). I was in love with it. Prior to that, I really liked the 94-95 Honda Accord 2 door. I owned the accord for around 5 years. I have had the prelude since October 2008. I love the car. Its a bit slow for 200 hp and 22 mpg, but its fair enough. If I were to buy one again, Id go with the base over SH. Base is lighter. This is a unique, classy car not like most of the other cars out there. The main concern Id have with buying one is how well it was taken care of. A lot of these owners have driven em hard. Car maintenance is everything.

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  It just wont quit! - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Satnel - August 1 - 8:14 pm

  I bought my Prelude new off the lot with 59 miles on the odo at $18K. 16 years later its still going! Only Honda dealers performed maintenance on the car for the first 10 years or so, and I used premium fuel at least once a month. Im a stickler for getting the oil and air filters changed around 5000 miles, but usually sooner since I reached 300,000 miles late last year. :-) The car is still a dream to drive after only one timing belt change and 3 clutches. Its nice to be able breeze down the highway at 80+ MPH and she feels like she did back in 95. Only downside is the rust above my rear wheels. :-) Other than, Ive certainly received my moneys worth 3 times over.

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  Objective review - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - August 1 - 3:15 pm

  Not as peppy as I expected Fuel economy 22 city. Fell short of my expectation for a Honda Great leather interior, good build quality by far compared to peers. Good cargo space. Suspension bumpy at times

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  Bad Seats - 2010 Honda Accord
  By harv - August 1 - 3:02 pm

  Good car, its a Honda, but the drivers seat is killing my back! Had it about 6 months and looking to trade, i cant take the back pain any longer. 4cyl. is under power when taking off and passing, but good at hwy speed.

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  Best car ever made? - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Mike Nelson - August 1 - 1:43 pm

  If a better all around vehicle has ever been made that is accessible to the average person, tell me about it, ok? I cant remember what the mileage was when purchased, but it was over 200,000 and I wasnt the least bit concerned about it. We had just had some typical Iowa winter weather when I road tested its 4x4 capabilities and bought it then and there. I eventually put in a new radiator, went through the clutch system entirely and had the suspension system bushings replaced. I have put well over the used purchase price into this vehicle without a single regret. With 240,000 miles and nearly 20 years old, it is a trusted daily driver.

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  Great value - 2007 Honda Civic
  By albatem - August 1 - 11:54 am

  Overall a very good car. Roomy inside and dash is cool. Trunk is also very large. Can carry 5 adults, but a bit cramped in back on long trips. Although it is only rated around 140 hp it is peppy and had no problems merging onto the interstate. Consistently gets 33-40 mpg on the highway. Had a couple issues, rear tie bar and front suspension parts went out, but it is a certified car so still under warranty. Only issue I have is placement of hand brake annoys my right knee on long drives.

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  Useful SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By albatem - August 1 - 11:30 am

  Although this car is sluggish and not at all sporty it is a very useful vehicle. When the rear seats are folded flat there is a great deal of space for cargo hauling. The rear mounted spare tire works well with my spare mounted bike rack. Have not been able to get this things stuck yet, even from a dead stop in 3 snow drifts. Not the best mileage for a 4cyl usually 18 in the city and low- mid 20s on the hwy, very comfortable leather seating for long trips and lots of storage and cup holders. Overall good vehicle for my current needs.

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  This car is awesome! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By herb - July 31 - 7:11 pm

  This car is absolutely awesome! I love both the interior and exterior looks. It is wonderful to drive and quick. The build quality is evident as has been the case for Honda for many years. I traded in a terribly unreliable Cadillac cts for this auto, and do not miss the Cadillac at all! Also, the seats and climate control system are excellent. Beautiful car! I look forward to driving it every time!

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  Excellent so far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By RHB in PA - July 31 - 12:18 pm

  2008 EX-L. Very good long-distance hauler, love the comfort of the Honda seating. Tiny turning radius for such a big vehicle. Handling, acceleration, ride are very good. Only complaint is the lousy original tires, Michelins that were replacing next weekend after only 25,000 miles.