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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  civic dx 5sp. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By scott cosentino - December 21 - 10:00 am

  great car need to figure out how to clean bottom of back window. The drivers little junk compartment on the left side of the steering wheel needs to be moved up.The brakes wore out initially pretty quick also. the car is extremely nimble and fun to drive. gas mileage was less than i expected and i drive highway predominantly.

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  Great Price for a Really Good Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dtzl - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Test drove just about everything out there, foreign and domestic. When it came time to figure it all out, the Accord EX V-6 was the clear winner for me. This car is $10,000 less than the BMW 3 series and Benz C Class. Accord does not handle or ride as well as these (its close though), but quality and reliability are just as good if not better. Accord back seats are more comfortable than both of the German cars...I dont know why anybody would buy an Acura TSX over an Accord V-6. The Toyota Camry is a different story, its a nice car too, I just liked the look of the Accord better.

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  Never again - 2003 Honda Element
  By andy - December 20 - 7:20 pm

  At first my wife and I loved this vehicle, then the problems started, tires are worn out and theres barely 12k on the car. It is very difficult to get the rear seats out without scratching your tailgate. The vehicle shifts very clumsily and the power is less than adequate. One the plus side the gas mileage is very good and the visibility excellent once you get used to the A-pillar in the front. All in all though we are considering getting rid of the car because of the issues that have arisen in one year.

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  2008 Civic EX-L Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Cloud - December 19 - 4:56 pm

  There are a few things I would like to see better on this car, One is the noise level of the road is load, Also the Sound System is one of the worst I have ever heard, Also No Bluetooth, What is with that? I will be changing Speakers ASAP, and put Dyno matt down under the Carpet! This will help a lot! Overall I like the car.

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  Alright Car But Not My Preference - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Zach - December 19 - 6:46 am

  This Accord is ok but I would much rather prefer a different car. The acceleration is somewhat on the exhilarating side but is way too loud at least for my taste.Have ridden in cars with more power and they were not nearly as noisy. The ride is good but could be better. The new body style is somewhat sporty but a downgrade from the 2007. The front seats are hard to the max. I like the options that are standard with the EX but still not a big fan of this car. The stereo is also very nice in this car.

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  Its getting better - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Caligrl369 - December 18 - 11:26 am

  Performance is great for a 4 banger, it seems I cant get the "just right" setting for the driver seat, has no in between. Gas mileage is pretty good if you dont use the gas hard all the time. It is a BLAST to drive the cornering and handling is soooo comfortable, what a rush. Interior design takes time to get use to. Exterior looks great the back seems really high for the front. Now reliablilty, let me say Im disappointed, had heater core, radiator, thermostat, and several hoses blow in 3 back to back days, check engine light stays on no matter what. electrical issue galore. Just she has a mind of her own, that is for sure.

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  Handsome Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By senior thomas - December 15 - 10:00 am

  My pilot came with a bubbled windshield with a ton of bubbles in the sunscreen part of the windshield. Aside from that (and it was repaired under warranty) it has been a great rig. I tow a 2400 pound hardside tent trailer with it and it acts like it barely knows the trailer is there. The brakes are really strong 4 wheel disks. Corners really well. My back hurt all the time in my old car and now, I can drive for hours with no problem. Great car on the freeway with all wheel drive for in the snow.

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  - 2004 Honda Civic
  By You Already Know - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Got it as a high school graduating gift. First car Ive owned. I usually get an average of 33 mpg. I think that is bad knowing I should get more.

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  Love the Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By EDSCISSORS - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2005 exl accord, I love the car. The interior is the best, I love it and it is comparable to the more expensive luxury cars like BMW and AUDI. Ride is quite and smooth, the only thing I would change in the next model is give it some more power on the accelaration. It lacks the initial strength for takeoff, and it is understood because I have the inline.

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  Farewell to an old friend - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Bob - December 14 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my 2001 Prelude to replace the 1985 Prelude Id owned for 14 years. Obviously Im a big fan of Preludes and was disappointed that they have now been discontinued. This version of the Prelude is a bit larger and has much more power. Other than that, it is surprisingly similar to the old one. But after all, why mess with success. Its an incredibly fun car to drive and handles extremely well. I never had any mechanical problems with my first Prelude, and after 3 1/2 years have had none with this one either. About the only downsides to the 2001 Prelude are in the area of fuel economy both the fact that it runs on premium gas, and that mileage per gallon was only average.